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The Keeper #2
The Black Forest
They thought the battle was won, but they were wrong…
The Gods have spoken, and old traditions will rise up as darkness spans across their world once more and a human is taken from across the veil.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
While taking a gap year, Hazen Solvaya, visits her grandparents in Germany.
What feels like a seemingly normal vacation soon takes a turn for the worst as Hazen is thrust into a new world where magic, Gods, and mayhem are its focus.
Troll attacks, psychopathic mermaids, and a crazed Fae who wants her dead are the least of Hazen’s concerns when she finds herself forced to rethink her hold on what is truly reality and what is not...
Fighting to live or be killed in a world she has only ever read about in books is just the beginning.
The Gods have spoken, and old traditions will rise up as darkness spans across their world once more and a human is taken from across the veil.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
While taking a gap year, Hazen Solvaya, visits her grandparents in Germany.
What feels like a seemingly normal vacation soon takes a turn for the worst as Hazen is thrust into a new world where magic, Gods, and mayhem are its focus.
Troll attacks, psychopathic mermaids, and a crazed Fae who wants her dead are the least of Hazen’s concerns when she finds herself forced to rethink her hold on what is truly reality and what is not...
Fighting to live or be killed in a world she has only ever read about in books is just the beginning.
450 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2024
1 person is currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
P.S. Whytock
4 books65 followersPhoenix is a newly thirty, flirty, and semi-thriving adult just figuring out life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 24, 2024
This was the perfect follow up book to The Keeper. We learned so much more about the world, and a lot of new characters are introduced. I was pleasantly surprised to start reading and find out this takes places hundreds of years after The Keeper.
I really loved the dialogue in this book. There were instances where I found it incredibly realistic.
I’m so excited to read book 3 and find out more about Hazen’s role in this world!
✨Magic
✨Elves
✨Psycho mermaids
✨Evil creatures
✨Gods
✨21st century girl
I really loved the dialogue in this book. There were instances where I found it incredibly realistic.
I’m so excited to read book 3 and find out more about Hazen’s role in this world!
✨Magic
✨Elves
✨Psycho mermaids
✨Evil creatures
✨Gods
✨21st century girl
August 27, 2024
I received this as an ARC and LOVED IT!
I read the first book in this series (The Keeper) so I could read this ARC. While I liked the first one, this one was so much better, blew it out of the water.
I don't know what happened but I feel like the writing in The Black Forest was extremely better. Not that it was bad in The Keeper, but it was just phenomenal in this story.
The world building expanded on what was put forth in the first book, and while there are some of the same locations and characters here, you're also introduced to new locations and characters. The descriptions are great - I felt like I could really visualize what and who was on the pages.
The plot of this story continues that of the first book, but 234 years later. There are several plot twists that throw the MC into new situations with new characters - but it doesn't feel forced or unbelievable, it feels natural to the story.
The world and character building, the magic, literally everything about this book was amazing.
This book brings all the emotions, so be prepared! I can't wait to read the next one!
I read the first book in this series (The Keeper) so I could read this ARC. While I liked the first one, this one was so much better, blew it out of the water.
I don't know what happened but I feel like the writing in The Black Forest was extremely better. Not that it was bad in The Keeper, but it was just phenomenal in this story.
The world building expanded on what was put forth in the first book, and while there are some of the same locations and characters here, you're also introduced to new locations and characters. The descriptions are great - I felt like I could really visualize what and who was on the pages.
The plot of this story continues that of the first book, but 234 years later. There are several plot twists that throw the MC into new situations with new characters - but it doesn't feel forced or unbelievable, it feels natural to the story.
The world and character building, the magic, literally everything about this book was amazing.
This book brings all the emotions, so be prepared! I can't wait to read the next one!
September 12, 2024
I received an ARC for this book and it was so good! I read the first one and immediately needed to know more about the next Keeper. Hazen is a likable and honorable character. This book takes place over 200 years later, so we are now in a modern day and age. I love that we got to see how the characters from the previous book developed in the midst of the new darkness that has taken over during Ezra’s reign.
I appreciated the descriptive visuals and explanations about the old magic and how the world came to be. I also liked the explanation on how time works differently on each side of the veil. The timeline makes more sense now. I’m very interested in Hazen’s grandma’s backstory and hope we get more of a glimpse into her previous life in the next book.
I am sad we didn’t get more Annabelle in this book, because I loved her in the first one, but I understand why.
Overall this was a great sequel and I can wait for the next book to be released!
I appreciated the descriptive visuals and explanations about the old magic and how the world came to be. I also liked the explanation on how time works differently on each side of the veil. The timeline makes more sense now. I’m very interested in Hazen’s grandma’s backstory and hope we get more of a glimpse into her previous life in the next book.
I am sad we didn’t get more Annabelle in this book, because I loved her in the first one, but I understand why.
Overall this was a great sequel and I can wait for the next book to be released!
August 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5 (rounded up to 5 for GR)
“What happened to the boy?
He lost himself.”
My oh my, where do I start? The Black Forest was an incredible sequel to The Keeper. This story takes place over 300 years after the events of the Keeper. We meet our new FMC, Hazen, who is your modern day young (human) woman visiting her grandparents in Germany. She “accidentally” stumbles through the veil into a world filled with magic, but that lives in fear and darkness. Hazen runs into a few of our favorite sassy fae males and begins her journey to safety and understanding her destiny.
This is epic fantasy at its finest. Along your journey you meet dwarfs, trolls, mermaids, fae, faeries, goblins, and more. This story is heavily influenced by Norse mythology, something that I absolutely appreciate. Reading a high fantasy and mythology crossover truly had me nerding out.
I read this book in LESS THAN 2 DAYS. I mean, I completely devoured it. It was such an action-packed, beautiful journey that I enjoyed every second of. Phoenix is an incredibly detailed writer. She knows exactly how to take me from words on a page to living an imaginary life full of color, a motion picture in my brain if you will.
✨ I would absolutely 1000% recommend this book to all of my fantasy lovers. ✨
“What happened to the boy?
He lost himself.”
My oh my, where do I start? The Black Forest was an incredible sequel to The Keeper. This story takes place over 300 years after the events of the Keeper. We meet our new FMC, Hazen, who is your modern day young (human) woman visiting her grandparents in Germany. She “accidentally” stumbles through the veil into a world filled with magic, but that lives in fear and darkness. Hazen runs into a few of our favorite sassy fae males and begins her journey to safety and understanding her destiny.
This is epic fantasy at its finest. Along your journey you meet dwarfs, trolls, mermaids, fae, faeries, goblins, and more. This story is heavily influenced by Norse mythology, something that I absolutely appreciate. Reading a high fantasy and mythology crossover truly had me nerding out.
I read this book in LESS THAN 2 DAYS. I mean, I completely devoured it. It was such an action-packed, beautiful journey that I enjoyed every second of. Phoenix is an incredibly detailed writer. She knows exactly how to take me from words on a page to living an imaginary life full of color, a motion picture in my brain if you will.
✨ I would absolutely 1000% recommend this book to all of my fantasy lovers. ✨
August 30, 2024
Wow wow wow that cliffhanger
The world still confuses me a little bit. There were situations where I felt like we got SOME information but not quite enough for all the pieces to come together. Now I assume these will be answered int he next book, but did make for a few "wait what?" Situations
Old friends showed up again and we met new ones. I like our new leading lady, Hazen. She IS determined to do right by the forest and I look forward to watching her do it.
I'm intrigued by the "dragon" men that were mentioned. 🤞🏻 For a dragon love interest 😍
Excellent continuation of The Keeper and I can't wait for The Veil to hit my inbox ❤️
*I received an eARC*
The world still confuses me a little bit. There were situations where I felt like we got SOME information but not quite enough for all the pieces to come together. Now I assume these will be answered int he next book, but did make for a few "wait what?" Situations
Old friends showed up again and we met new ones. I like our new leading lady, Hazen. She IS determined to do right by the forest and I look forward to watching her do it.
I'm intrigued by the "dragon" men that were mentioned. 🤞🏻 For a dragon love interest 😍
Excellent continuation of The Keeper and I can't wait for The Veil to hit my inbox ❤️
*I received an eARC*
October 27, 2024
This is not a happy story. 🫣😢
We start in our prologue 200+ years after the events of The Keeper. We have a new big baddie in Ezra, who sadly was one of our good guys in The Keeper! His army is invading the fae palace, killing Savven’s mother and allowing his father to escape. But things seem ominous for Saaven as he prepares to face this dark army alone in the palace. Another 50 years later, we see Anabelle being summoned to the Keeper of Dragons, who ask if she’s willing to do whatever it takes to take down Ezra. Unfortunately, she owes him a life debt so she states that she would not. Luckily, they take her answer in stride, asking if she would be willing to step down as the Keeper of the Forest so their chosen Keeper could do what is needed.
Next we move back into the human realm and meet Hazen, who is flying to Germany to visit her grandparents (who happen to live near the edge of the Black Forest!) She ends up crossing the veil during a storm and ends up in the magical realm for the remainder of our story. Sadly, things just go from bad to worse for Hazen at every turn. She is either captured at nearly every village, or someone takes her and her companion in. And after staying for a night, the village is razed by Ezra and his minions looking for her. Speaking of her companion, we can breathe a sigh of relief because it is Saaven! He was not killed in the prologue like I feared. But while he was out looking for Hazen to bring her to the fae kingdom and to protect and train her, he does lose track of her towards the end of our story.
So we learned that Ezra turns to the dark side after the events of The Keeper, and we follow along with Saaven and eventually Lithonion. We saw Anabelle early in our story, and then get worried when we see Néefar with Ezra. We also meet dwarves and psychopathic mermaids, along with shades working for Ezra. We learn of a subplot involving mostly Lithonion and Néefar to rescue Levina from Ezra, unknowing that she made a deal with him and cannot leave. While Hazen is able to escape her latest captors at the end, things are not looking good for her. And no one is safe.
Woah! This truly was a quest-filled story, but we’re still in the thick of it. We are trying to get Hazen to where she needs to be, but things always seem to go wrong. It was definitely a perk seeing some familiar faces from The Keeper in this story, now helping Hazen when they previously helped Anabelle. I did find Hazen to be annoying in the beginning on the story. I get that she’s supposed to be feisty and independent, but she displays these traits to her detriment when Savven is attempting to help her. I think as things continue to go wrong throughout the story, she learns more how to blend in and roll with the punches, and you truly see her growth. I hope things turn around in part 2 for our heroes! I have high hopes. 😊
I received an advanced review copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
We start in our prologue 200+ years after the events of The Keeper. We have a new big baddie in Ezra, who sadly was one of our good guys in The Keeper! His army is invading the fae palace, killing Savven’s mother and allowing his father to escape. But things seem ominous for Saaven as he prepares to face this dark army alone in the palace. Another 50 years later, we see Anabelle being summoned to the Keeper of Dragons, who ask if she’s willing to do whatever it takes to take down Ezra. Unfortunately, she owes him a life debt so she states that she would not. Luckily, they take her answer in stride, asking if she would be willing to step down as the Keeper of the Forest so their chosen Keeper could do what is needed.
Next we move back into the human realm and meet Hazen, who is flying to Germany to visit her grandparents (who happen to live near the edge of the Black Forest!) She ends up crossing the veil during a storm and ends up in the magical realm for the remainder of our story. Sadly, things just go from bad to worse for Hazen at every turn. She is either captured at nearly every village, or someone takes her and her companion in. And after staying for a night, the village is razed by Ezra and his minions looking for her. Speaking of her companion, we can breathe a sigh of relief because it is Saaven! He was not killed in the prologue like I feared. But while he was out looking for Hazen to bring her to the fae kingdom and to protect and train her, he does lose track of her towards the end of our story.
So we learned that Ezra turns to the dark side after the events of The Keeper, and we follow along with Saaven and eventually Lithonion. We saw Anabelle early in our story, and then get worried when we see Néefar with Ezra. We also meet dwarves and psychopathic mermaids, along with shades working for Ezra. We learn of a subplot involving mostly Lithonion and Néefar to rescue Levina from Ezra, unknowing that she made a deal with him and cannot leave. While Hazen is able to escape her latest captors at the end, things are not looking good for her. And no one is safe.
Woah! This truly was a quest-filled story, but we’re still in the thick of it. We are trying to get Hazen to where she needs to be, but things always seem to go wrong. It was definitely a perk seeing some familiar faces from The Keeper in this story, now helping Hazen when they previously helped Anabelle. I did find Hazen to be annoying in the beginning on the story. I get that she’s supposed to be feisty and independent, but she displays these traits to her detriment when Savven is attempting to help her. I think as things continue to go wrong throughout the story, she learns more how to blend in and roll with the punches, and you truly see her growth. I hope things turn around in part 2 for our heroes! I have high hopes. 😊
I received an advanced review copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2024
An excellent follow up to The Keeper which set a high bar to follow! The FMCs story unfolds slower than the first book but it’s anything but a slow read!! Lots of page turning chapters, hardship, strength, determination and answers that the first book didn’t quite answer. I really loved that the longevity of the main characters from The Keeper was retained and their immortality given the book is set a couple of centuries in the future. I adored the love story that continues from Book 1 (I really liked that shifter, please don’t kill him off!). The new characters are well developed and I liked the quirks of the resident witch - I feel like we could be buddies! The book ending was impactful (shall say no more for spoilers) and I truly cannot wait for Book 3! I also really enjoyed your acknowledgements, the gratitude to women helping women rise and succeed and the parting sentence of self love! Finally, I’m really happy this is going to be a 4 book series as opposed to 3. The writing is excellent and I love getting lost in the story and world building within your books!
November 17, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
I was lucky enough to read The Keeper (Book 1) by P.S. Whytok, and I have to say, The Black Forest (Book 2) is just as captivating—if not more! Set a few hundred years after the events of The Keeper, the story expands on the world’s rich history while introducing new characters and challenges. The gripping plot and dark atmosphere kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoyed the first book and a fantastic continuation of the series.
I was lucky enough to read The Keeper (Book 1) by P.S. Whytok, and I have to say, The Black Forest (Book 2) is just as captivating—if not more! Set a few hundred years after the events of The Keeper, the story expands on the world’s rich history while introducing new characters and challenges. The gripping plot and dark atmosphere kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoyed the first book and a fantastic continuation of the series.
September 4, 2024
First of all, thank you so much to the author for an ARC of this book.
Oftentimes, in a series, there is what's called sophomore book syndrome, when a second book isn't as good as the first.
That absolutely did not happen here.
The Black Forest absolutely blew me away. I wasn't expecting it after The Keeper.
In the second installment of what's now to be a four part series, there is a new owner of the dark. And I think he's kind of a bigger dick this time.
Hazen, our new FMC, is chosen to be brought over by the veil to be the new Keeper (dont worry, the gang is all still there somewhere), and all adventure ensues:
- deadly treks across forests
- choppy sailings across seas
- floaty (k?) prisons *under* the seas
- dwarves, Romani, and witches, oh my
The writing was just so much better. The world building was fantastic, even with the scenery changing *a lot*. The dialogue... I loved the banter between Savven and, well, everyone.
There is a ton of mystery written into this installment, which just kept me turning pages to see who is betraying who or are they *really* betraying them, or is this a triple cross? I can't trust anyone now. It was great.
I'm excited to continue this series and see where it goes. I'm excited to even continue now to read more about Annabelle (I feel differently about her now than in The Keeper).
This is a multi-POV, which is always my favorite.
I felt like I was reading just a good old-fashioned fantasy book pre-bookstagram, which is ironically where I found the book.
Oftentimes, in a series, there is what's called sophomore book syndrome, when a second book isn't as good as the first.
That absolutely did not happen here.
The Black Forest absolutely blew me away. I wasn't expecting it after The Keeper.
In the second installment of what's now to be a four part series, there is a new owner of the dark. And I think he's kind of a bigger dick this time.
Hazen, our new FMC, is chosen to be brought over by the veil to be the new Keeper (dont worry, the gang is all still there somewhere), and all adventure ensues:
- deadly treks across forests
- choppy sailings across seas
- floaty (k?) prisons *under* the seas
- dwarves, Romani, and witches, oh my
The writing was just so much better. The world building was fantastic, even with the scenery changing *a lot*. The dialogue... I loved the banter between Savven and, well, everyone.
There is a ton of mystery written into this installment, which just kept me turning pages to see who is betraying who or are they *really* betraying them, or is this a triple cross? I can't trust anyone now. It was great.
I'm excited to continue this series and see where it goes. I'm excited to even continue now to read more about Annabelle (I feel differently about her now than in The Keeper).
This is a multi-POV, which is always my favorite.
I felt like I was reading just a good old-fashioned fantasy book pre-bookstagram, which is ironically where I found the book.
September 7, 2024
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:★★★★★
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫:P.S. Whytock
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 415
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: September 6, 2024
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
🖤𝙷𝚒𝚐𝚑 𝙵𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚢
🖤𝙲𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚢 𝙳𝚛𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚜
🖤𝚂𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚢 𝙵𝚊𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚕𝚎𝚜
🖤𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚗 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝙵𝙼𝙲
🖤𝚆𝚒𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚜, 𝙼𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚍𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚎𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜
🖤𝙻𝚒𝚐𝚑��� 𝚟𝚜 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔
🖤𝙰𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙰𝚍𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ, ɢᴏʀᴇ, ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ, ʙʀɪᴇꜰ ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴀꜱꜱᴀᴜʟᴛ.
𝐖𝐨𝐰! 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 this story was! I enjoyed every minute of it. This was a great sequel to book #1 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓚𝓮𝓮𝓹𝓮𝓻. I already knew I was going to love this book since I really enjoyed book 1 but, the author created this fast-paced, incredible magical adventure that pulls you in from the start and refuses to let go.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 Hazen Solvaya, who is on a gap year trip to visit her grandparents in Germany. What starts as your typical vacation quickly turns into something far more dangerous when she's pulled into a world where gods and magical creatures run rampant. (I loved the magic in this story so much)
Hazen's world is completely flipped upside down and danger is just around the corner.
𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐧'𝐬 journey and how unpredictable it was. I didn't know what was going to happen so the twists and turns caught me off guard and the ending????? I can't wait to see what happens in book #3! I need answers. I would definitely recommend this book if you love magical elements and tons of adventure (I mean don't we all)?
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭! 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟑 𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐩!
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫:P.S. Whytock
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 415
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: September 6, 2024
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
🖤𝙷𝚒𝚐𝚑 𝙵𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚢
🖤𝙲𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚢 𝙳𝚛𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚜
🖤𝚂𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚢 𝙵𝚊𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚕𝚎𝚜
🖤𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚗 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝙵𝙼𝙲
🖤𝚆𝚒𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚜, 𝙼𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚍𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚎𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜
🖤𝙻𝚒𝚐𝚑��� 𝚟𝚜 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔
🖤𝙰𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙰𝚍𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ, ɢᴏʀᴇ, ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ, ʙʀɪᴇꜰ ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴀꜱꜱᴀᴜʟᴛ.
𝐖𝐨𝐰! 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 this story was! I enjoyed every minute of it. This was a great sequel to book #1 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓚𝓮𝓮𝓹𝓮𝓻. I already knew I was going to love this book since I really enjoyed book 1 but, the author created this fast-paced, incredible magical adventure that pulls you in from the start and refuses to let go.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 Hazen Solvaya, who is on a gap year trip to visit her grandparents in Germany. What starts as your typical vacation quickly turns into something far more dangerous when she's pulled into a world where gods and magical creatures run rampant. (I loved the magic in this story so much)
Hazen's world is completely flipped upside down and danger is just around the corner.
𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐧'𝐬 journey and how unpredictable it was. I didn't know what was going to happen so the twists and turns caught me off guard and the ending????? I can't wait to see what happens in book #3! I need answers. I would definitely recommend this book if you love magical elements and tons of adventure (I mean don't we all)?
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭! 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟑 𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐩!
August 25, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing a free ARC!
Rated 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 for GR)
The Black Forest picks up hundreds of years after The Keeper and while many of our prior cast is sprinkled throughout the story, it also introduces Hazen. While visiting her grandparents, she finds herself in the woods and crossed through the Veil unknowingly. There she runs into our sassy Savven who must keep her alive and safe from Ezra and his Dark Ones. However, while keeping up with the elves, something still calls to her....can she answer the call?
Hazen is a fierce woman and her journey is just as wild as Annabelle's! P.S. Whytock's ability to build up a world is immaculate! While the ground was built in The Keeper, the foundation is settled in this next chapter. I was completely captivated with the story and will be anxiously awaiting the next installment!
If you love beautiful world-building (think Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time, and The Way of Kings) with a rich female-empowering lead (in tune with Hermione (Harry Potter), El (Scholomance Series), and Amina (Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi)) then you'll love this story!
Rated 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 for GR)
The Black Forest picks up hundreds of years after The Keeper and while many of our prior cast is sprinkled throughout the story, it also introduces Hazen. While visiting her grandparents, she finds herself in the woods and crossed through the Veil unknowingly. There she runs into our sassy Savven who must keep her alive and safe from Ezra and his Dark Ones. However, while keeping up with the elves, something still calls to her....can she answer the call?
Hazen is a fierce woman and her journey is just as wild as Annabelle's! P.S. Whytock's ability to build up a world is immaculate! While the ground was built in The Keeper, the foundation is settled in this next chapter. I was completely captivated with the story and will be anxiously awaiting the next installment!
If you love beautiful world-building (think Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time, and The Way of Kings) with a rich female-empowering lead (in tune with Hermione (Harry Potter), El (Scholomance Series), and Amina (Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi)) then you'll love this story!
September 2, 2024
✨️ Finished ✨️
📖 The Black Forest By P.S. Whytock @authorpswhytock 📖
📖 Pages ~ 450
📅 Published date ~ September 6th, 2024
📚 Read or listen ~ Read/listened on Play Books app
✨️ ARC ✨️
✨️ My thoughts ✨️
This is book 2 in The Keeper series, and like the first book, I ABSOLUTELY loved it! I was just enchanted by it and the magic. In this story, you will meet new characters, and some old characters will pop back in. Our new main character, Hazen, is a strong and determined young woman who gets thrust into this magical new world. In this world, you'll meet new mythical creatures, learn more about the world/history, and the issues/plot twists that come with it. I say this again, the creativity of this book, like book 1, is amazing!! I can't wait for book 3 as this one ended in a cliffhanger.
✨️ Favorite qoutes ✨️
▫️“Remaining mortal or becoming immortal. A keeper, a weapon, whoever you choose to be in this lifetime.. ..falls to whether you decide to live a life as a mortal and die like one or to live for eternity.”
▫️"The Gods are playing a game that I do not know of, and we are their pawns.”
✨️ Tropes ✨️
▫️Multiple POVs
▫️Chosen by Dragon
▫️21st century girl
▫️Epic storyline
📖 The Black Forest By P.S. Whytock @authorpswhytock 📖
📖 Pages ~ 450
📅 Published date ~ September 6th, 2024
📚 Read or listen ~ Read/listened on Play Books app
✨️ ARC ✨️
✨️ My thoughts ✨️
This is book 2 in The Keeper series, and like the first book, I ABSOLUTELY loved it! I was just enchanted by it and the magic. In this story, you will meet new characters, and some old characters will pop back in. Our new main character, Hazen, is a strong and determined young woman who gets thrust into this magical new world. In this world, you'll meet new mythical creatures, learn more about the world/history, and the issues/plot twists that come with it. I say this again, the creativity of this book, like book 1, is amazing!! I can't wait for book 3 as this one ended in a cliffhanger.
✨️ Favorite qoutes ✨️
▫️“Remaining mortal or becoming immortal. A keeper, a weapon, whoever you choose to be in this lifetime.. ..falls to whether you decide to live a life as a mortal and die like one or to live for eternity.”
▫️"The Gods are playing a game that I do not know of, and we are their pawns.”
✨️ Tropes ✨️
▫️Multiple POVs
▫️Chosen by Dragon
▫️21st century girl
▫️Epic storyline
September 7, 2024
I received this book as an advanced reader copy.
If I could give half stars I would rate this a 3.5. Not quite a four, but it was decent.
The world building is really vast. Almost like I get lost in it. Not in a good way, but not in a bad way either. It’s just a lot to take in. I’m the type of reader who builds worlds in their head as the author writes them and I got caught up in details instead of characters.
As for the characters, I love the FMC Hazen. Yes she is very much aware that she is a human in a human less world, but she doesn’t play the victim. She doesn’t make it her identity and I love her for it. Saaven, our MMC, I haven’t figured him out yet and I like that. Yes he’s broody and mean, but there’s a lot more to him and I can’t wait to find out what.
The plot for the story keeps changing it seems, with each new character thrown in and I don’t know what to make of it.
I’m looking forward to the next book, but only to see how our FMC’s character develops. All these side characters don’t seem engaging enough to me.
Again, the read is decent, this is just my opinion, but I would have you jump in and take a chance with it.
If I could give half stars I would rate this a 3.5. Not quite a four, but it was decent.
The world building is really vast. Almost like I get lost in it. Not in a good way, but not in a bad way either. It’s just a lot to take in. I’m the type of reader who builds worlds in their head as the author writes them and I got caught up in details instead of characters.
As for the characters, I love the FMC Hazen. Yes she is very much aware that she is a human in a human less world, but she doesn’t play the victim. She doesn’t make it her identity and I love her for it. Saaven, our MMC, I haven’t figured him out yet and I like that. Yes he’s broody and mean, but there’s a lot more to him and I can’t wait to find out what.
The plot for the story keeps changing it seems, with each new character thrown in and I don’t know what to make of it.
I’m looking forward to the next book, but only to see how our FMC’s character develops. All these side characters don’t seem engaging enough to me.
Again, the read is decent, this is just my opinion, but I would have you jump in and take a chance with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2024
Where does one start? This book was the perfect follow up to The Keeper!! The events of the Black Forest take place 300 years after The Keeper, but I love how our characters from book 1 still make an appearance. Even though there is a vast timeline jump, these characters haven’t changed one bit.
I love the concept of our main character Hazen just stumbling into this magical fantasy realm. Like hello!?? How can I make that happen for me? Here she gets thrust into an adventure filled with fae, elves, spirits, mermaids, dwarves, dragons, and even these crazy shadow people. It has all the necessary ingredients for a stellar high fantasy read. For one, it allows you to escape and feel so immersed. Every character genuinely felt so real to me. I was able to connect and really feel. I also love how unique and diverse each and every character was. It really brought the story to life. I sat here and finished this book in one sitting, it was that good. I swear if you pick this book up, you will not put it down. The author genuinely put so much heart into this story and it shows. I can’t wait to see everyone talking about this story soon because it is genuinely so special 🫶🏻✨
I love the concept of our main character Hazen just stumbling into this magical fantasy realm. Like hello!?? How can I make that happen for me? Here she gets thrust into an adventure filled with fae, elves, spirits, mermaids, dwarves, dragons, and even these crazy shadow people. It has all the necessary ingredients for a stellar high fantasy read. For one, it allows you to escape and feel so immersed. Every character genuinely felt so real to me. I was able to connect and really feel. I also love how unique and diverse each and every character was. It really brought the story to life. I sat here and finished this book in one sitting, it was that good. I swear if you pick this book up, you will not put it down. The author genuinely put so much heart into this story and it shows. I can’t wait to see everyone talking about this story soon because it is genuinely so special 🫶🏻✨
September 7, 2024
Tropes include:
- 21st century girl
- Fae Prince having to save said 21st century girl…a lot
- Psycho villains
- Nearly being eaten by a troll
- Trauma
- Meddling god of death who couldn’t care less
- Mermaids
- Dark magic
This is book 2 in The Keeper series and takes place over 200 years after The Keeper. We meet a new main character named Hazen when she goes to Germany with her parents to visit her grandparents. She ends up accidentally crossing the veil while trying to go after a stray dog. We follow her on her incredibly bumpy journey to self discovery. When I say bumpy, picture trolls, fae, psycho mermaids, dark magic, witches, shipwrecks, gore, goblins, dwarves and more! It’s a lot and at times felt a bit disjointed. You get a little bit of one characters story and then you’re thrust into a different character’s story. However, all the different storylines contributed to the book overall and kept me hooked. I really enjoyed this and need to know more about them all. I can’t wait for book 3, especially after that killer cliffhanger!
- 21st century girl
- Fae Prince having to save said 21st century girl…a lot
- Psycho villains
- Nearly being eaten by a troll
- Trauma
- Meddling god of death who couldn’t care less
- Mermaids
- Dark magic
This is book 2 in The Keeper series and takes place over 200 years after The Keeper. We meet a new main character named Hazen when she goes to Germany with her parents to visit her grandparents. She ends up accidentally crossing the veil while trying to go after a stray dog. We follow her on her incredibly bumpy journey to self discovery. When I say bumpy, picture trolls, fae, psycho mermaids, dark magic, witches, shipwrecks, gore, goblins, dwarves and more! It’s a lot and at times felt a bit disjointed. You get a little bit of one characters story and then you’re thrust into a different character’s story. However, all the different storylines contributed to the book overall and kept me hooked. I really enjoyed this and need to know more about them all. I can’t wait for book 3, especially after that killer cliffhanger!
November 5, 2024
This book sent me on such an emotional rollercoaster. This book takes place 284 years after the first. The first book saw us following Annabelle as she became the Keeper. In this book we follow Hazen who is pulled across the veil in order to be the next Keeper, but maybe the gods have other plans for her?
My favourite part was when Hazen spent some time with the Romani. I really connected with the Romani people. For those who dont know my heritage is Romanian Gypsys so I was fascinated with the way they were portrayed in this book and I was transported into the moment when they all celebrated and danced around the bonfire. So of course I had to draw it. But this time I did it as a fore edge painting. And honestly I'm pretty happy with how it came out!!
Also we may have not gotten alot of time with Lithônion but I loved him and I'm hurt and I did in fact cry like a baby. But in the end I suppose he was saved from a fate worse than death.
My favourite part was when Hazen spent some time with the Romani. I really connected with the Romani people. For those who dont know my heritage is Romanian Gypsys so I was fascinated with the way they were portrayed in this book and I was transported into the moment when they all celebrated and danced around the bonfire. So of course I had to draw it. But this time I did it as a fore edge painting. And honestly I'm pretty happy with how it came out!!
Also we may have not gotten alot of time with Lithônion but I loved him and I'm hurt and I did in fact cry like a baby. But in the end I suppose he was saved from a fate worse than death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2024
I received this book as an ARC read! *INCLUDES SPOILERS*
First and foremost, I am so happy to see Annabelle and Neefar did get married, I was rooting for them to be together in book one. I also love the character dynamics in this book. The constant bickering added a light-hearted aspect to the plot that's quite dark and heavy. Many plots are being formed for the next book, and I just have a feeling it will be super action-packed. I also love the chemistry that Savven and Hazen have and hope they end up together, they'd be so cute. Also, major spoiler, but WHY did you have to kill Lithonion off?! It hurt so much to read about his death in the LAST CHAPTER of the book. Also, if anything happens to Anabelle or Savven, I will sob. They have gone through too much and don't deserve to suffer. Other than that, I can't wait to read the next book. I am scared to see what's going to occur.
First and foremost, I am so happy to see Annabelle and Neefar did get married, I was rooting for them to be together in book one. I also love the character dynamics in this book. The constant bickering added a light-hearted aspect to the plot that's quite dark and heavy. Many plots are being formed for the next book, and I just have a feeling it will be super action-packed. I also love the chemistry that Savven and Hazen have and hope they end up together, they'd be so cute. Also, major spoiler, but WHY did you have to kill Lithonion off?! It hurt so much to read about his death in the LAST CHAPTER of the book. Also, if anything happens to Anabelle or Savven, I will sob. They have gone through too much and don't deserve to suffer. Other than that, I can't wait to read the next book. I am scared to see what's going to occur.
September 17, 2024
Hazen is restless as she nears the end of her gap year. While on a trip with her parents, visiting her grandparents, Hazen experiences some life altering events. Along the way to discovering who she is and what's in store for her she meets a lot of interesting characters along the way.
While Hazen is the FMC i really liked how all of the other characters throughout the book are all intertwined somehow. Each of their pasts have brought them to where they are now and most are willing to help Hazen along the way. I hope I get to read more about Savven and Breen in future books as well.
Even though the book leaves off on a Cliffhanger I loved the storytelling and as a reader getting a clear visual of the lands explored as I read the book.
While Hazen is the FMC i really liked how all of the other characters throughout the book are all intertwined somehow. Each of their pasts have brought them to where they are now and most are willing to help Hazen along the way. I hope I get to read more about Savven and Breen in future books as well.
Even though the book leaves off on a Cliffhanger I loved the storytelling and as a reader getting a clear visual of the lands explored as I read the book.
October 19, 2024
I was a little confused at the beginning of this second book in The Keeper series as I'd not read the first book. The prologue is quite long and contains a fair bit of info dumping, but also a lot of promise.
Playing catch up with the characters and how things work in the Old World was really interesting. There's a LOT going on, and I almost gave up several times. But I really like Hazen as a character, and once she met up with Savven, their banter-filled adventure really drew me in. I'll definitely be reading the first book and then re-reading this, as I have a feeling I'll enjoy it a whole lot more!
Playing catch up with the characters and how things work in the Old World was really interesting. There's a LOT going on, and I almost gave up several times. But I really like Hazen as a character, and once she met up with Savven, their banter-filled adventure really drew me in. I'll definitely be reading the first book and then re-reading this, as I have a feeling I'll enjoy it a whole lot more!
October 20, 2024
I received an ARC for my honest review, thank you to the author and the publisher <3
4.5 stars ✨ I loved the first instillment of this series and while I still really really enjoyed this one, it just didn’t hit quite the same. I think that’s because it was a whole different group of characters that at first I was a little bit confused.
I liked that we had more expansion on this unique world and I did enjoy the new characters that were added in. The author has a really great way with words which makes you submerge in to the story and able to follow the journey fully without any gaps or having to reread.
I’m excited to see where the rest of the series goes!
4.5 stars ✨ I loved the first instillment of this series and while I still really really enjoyed this one, it just didn’t hit quite the same. I think that’s because it was a whole different group of characters that at first I was a little bit confused.
I liked that we had more expansion on this unique world and I did enjoy the new characters that were added in. The author has a really great way with words which makes you submerge in to the story and able to follow the journey fully without any gaps or having to reread.
I’m excited to see where the rest of the series goes!
September 5, 2024
Very unique story and world! This book had my emotions all over the place. And the ending…..need book 3 now for sure!
The Black Forest is Book 2 in The Keeper Series and it takes place almost 300 years after Book 1. It is a very fast paced, full of action and adventure. Never a dull moment. We follow a few new faces on the adventure as well as a few of our old favourites from Book 1.
Hazen is thrust into a world of magic where there’s something that wants to kill her around every corner. Even with the help of Savven having to save her, she must learn to fight to survive this new world.
The Black Forest is Book 2 in The Keeper Series and it takes place almost 300 years after Book 1. It is a very fast paced, full of action and adventure. Never a dull moment. We follow a few new faces on the adventure as well as a few of our old favourites from Book 1.
Hazen is thrust into a world of magic where there’s something that wants to kill her around every corner. Even with the help of Savven having to save her, she must learn to fight to survive this new world.
September 8, 2024
This book really helped me understand the world a bit more from the first book, The Keeper! It was full of twists and turns. Hazen's story is an epic one full of hardship, and she goes through so much! My heart was beating out of my chest reading this, and in the last few chapters, things finally snapped into place a bit! I was a bit sad not to have seen more of Anabelle but this was Hazen's story so that is to be expected. This was a good read for me over all and I enjoyed it can't wait for the next!
October 8, 2024
I received an arc of this and it was great. This is exactly the type of fantasy I love. Hazen is great as a main character, shes strong and resilient, and sassy with all the magical men she meets. I found the world and different kinds of people slightly confusing sometimes but I think that’s due to me not realising it was the second in a series since it’s a separate story. If I had read the first I imagine I wouldn’t have had the problem. I’m definitely going to go back and read the first book and I can’t wait for the third one
October 27, 2024
Wow!!!! I’m in awe again of how richly descriptive and magically immersive her writing is! I highly recommend this fantasy trilogy !!!!! It’s so good!!! I love Hazen’s character so much! Thank you P.S. for such a great continuation of The Keeper!
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@authorpswhytock 🖤
Hazen goes to visit her grandparents in Germany. She unexpectedly gets pulled into a new world where magic, gods, and mayhem are its focus.
#read #reading #booklover #books #bookstagram #bookworm #fantasy #fivestarreads #tbr #bookaddict #booklove #theblackforest
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@authorpswhytock 🖤
Hazen goes to visit her grandparents in Germany. She unexpectedly gets pulled into a new world where magic, gods, and mayhem are its focus.
#read #reading #booklover #books #bookstagram #bookworm #fantasy #fivestarreads #tbr #bookaddict #booklove #theblackforest
September 5, 2024
This story definitely grabbed my attention from the first chapter! This is a true fantasy book, and one of my first true fantasy books I’ve read. I would recommend you read the keeper before reading the Black Forest because it will give you a bunch of background information that occurs in this one! It also does leave you on a cliff hanger and left me shook at what happens at the end of the story!! I honestly can’t wait to read the next book!!!
September 6, 2024
What a great follow up of The Keeper!!
The Black Forest takes place 300 years AFTER the keeper which means we meet a lot more new characters to this series.
What to expect when reading this amazing book?
Dragon warriors, Two villains, Fae/Mermaids, one heck of an Epic storyline and of course little bit of romance!!
Huge shout out to P.S for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing follow up story! I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3
The Black Forest takes place 300 years AFTER the keeper which means we meet a lot more new characters to this series.
What to expect when reading this amazing book?
Dragon warriors, Two villains, Fae/Mermaids, one heck of an Epic storyline and of course little bit of romance!!
Huge shout out to P.S for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing follow up story! I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3
September 29, 2024
PSA : It only took me 6 days to read this because I was BUSY**
TISSUES PLEASE?? I don’t even know how else to describe this book other than, be prepared to go through ALL the emotions! I was stressed reading this and when I got to the end? MY GOD! The cliffhanger is HANGING, but luckily, book #3, The Veil, will be out NEXT MONTH?! Please read this book, but as always, make sure you read book #1, The Keeper or else you’ll be so insanely lost.
TISSUES PLEASE?? I don’t even know how else to describe this book other than, be prepared to go through ALL the emotions! I was stressed reading this and when I got to the end? MY GOD! The cliffhanger is HANGING, but luckily, book #3, The Veil, will be out NEXT MONTH?! Please read this book, but as always, make sure you read book #1, The Keeper or else you’ll be so insanely lost.
September 5, 2024
Well, first of all, the author deserves jail because how dare she do what she did and then just end the book. That ending was really well done, and I’m also mad at her.
Second of all, I almost refuse to say anything else until she gives me book 3, but I’m better than that and need to write a full review, so I’ll come back here and do that when I’ve settled down and can speak professionally, lol.
Second of all, I almost refuse to say anything else until she gives me book 3, but I’m better than that and need to write a full review, so I’ll come back here and do that when I’ve settled down and can speak professionally, lol.
September 6, 2024
What a rideeeee! It’s been a while since I’ve wanted to explore a new fantasy world from one of my books. There’s a bit of everything: gods, sirens/mermaids, centaurs, shapeshifters, fae, humans, dragons, minotaurs, and so much more. The strong female leads stole my heart, they are resilient. And the ending shattered me, so I need book 3 immediately!
September 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book.
I loved the storyline with multiple points of views. And I’m really interested to see where the story goes.
Admittedly I forgot that this was book two in the series but didn’t feel like I was confused about what is happening. I have added the first book to my tbr to make sure I read it before book 3 comes out.
I loved the storyline with multiple points of views. And I’m really interested to see where the story goes.
Admittedly I forgot that this was book two in the series but didn’t feel like I was confused about what is happening. I have added the first book to my tbr to make sure I read it before book 3 comes out.
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