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Keeper of Death
So, it started with me waking up in a hostel with a severed dick on the pillow.
It ended with masked men bursting in shooting me with something, and me waking up in another country. England to be precise. I'd been traveling while I waited for the IRS to sort my mega church pastor father illegally claiming me on his taxes so I couldn't get financial aid to go to college. College was always the plan. Except I've just been brought to one where I can go for free, but there's a twist.
I'm the reincarnation of...someone important. Everyone here is. And get this. We've got magic. They won't tell us who we were in a previous life. They will unlock a tiny bit of our magic and then put us through some pretty gnarly trials. If we survive, we'll get the rest of our magic unlocked, but basically, we've got to figure out who we used to be ourselves. They've divided us up into teams and I'm pretty sure it means something.
I saw him around the hostel before I was taken. I'm highly suspicious the severed dick was him. He also appears to be growing horns
looks and acts like some kind of Egyptian god. Based one what I know now, might actually be one
a brat fourth son of some minor European royalty. He ate all our rations the first day because he's starving for something and can't figure out what. Pretty sure that's a hint, but we can't eat those.
All I know about the trials is that they are pass or die and I have to rely on these three strangers to get through them
It ended with masked men bursting in shooting me with something, and me waking up in another country. England to be precise. I'd been traveling while I waited for the IRS to sort my mega church pastor father illegally claiming me on his taxes so I couldn't get financial aid to go to college. College was always the plan. Except I've just been brought to one where I can go for free, but there's a twist.
I'm the reincarnation of...someone important. Everyone here is. And get this. We've got magic. They won't tell us who we were in a previous life. They will unlock a tiny bit of our magic and then put us through some pretty gnarly trials. If we survive, we'll get the rest of our magic unlocked, but basically, we've got to figure out who we used to be ourselves. They've divided us up into teams and I'm pretty sure it means something.
I saw him around the hostel before I was taken. I'm highly suspicious the severed dick was him. He also appears to be growing horns
looks and acts like some kind of Egyptian god. Based one what I know now, might actually be one
a brat fourth son of some minor European royalty. He ate all our rations the first day because he's starving for something and can't figure out what. Pretty sure that's a hint, but we can't eat those.
All I know about the trials is that they are pass or die and I have to rely on these three strangers to get through them
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
313 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Trepagnier
122 books814 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author JB Trepagnier is secretly 30 feral cats in a trench coat and combat boots writing romance with a shared feral cat hive mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 9, 2025
What a phenomenal read! This group is the very definition of a mixed harem. They come from different countries, religious backgrounds, financial situations, and so on. Sage, the MFC, was pretty cool. She has a backstory that could have been its own book; it was very entertaining, and her opinions on the matter were pure gold. Liam was my favorite out of the three guys. He also had a fascinating backstory, with his family being part of the Irish Mafia. Liam has his issues, but he's funny, surprising, and slightly unhinged. I just love the crazy ones. This was beyond a slow burn. The romance was at a snail's pace. There hasn't even been a kiss yet, but things are heading in that direction if Sage's and Liam's reactions are anything to go by.
Keeper of Death was an ode to mythology, and I was so there for it. I've always enjoyed different types of mythology, and JB has included loads of them in one glorious story. I'm talking Egyptian, Norse, Irish, Greek, Hindu, and many more. The magic was great. JB is always a go-big-or-go-home regarding magic systems. As for the story, it was amazing. I enjoyed the reincarnation twist, and the mystery aspects kept me hooked. I was just waiting for a shoe to drop. But that's not all; these characters have some complicated histories, and they have to face trials in a forest just to get into the academy. There's also an unknown big bad creeping about, and the mystery that is Sage is killing me. I have my guesses, and I'm dying to know if I'm right.
Wow, I can't believe that ending. Things took an unexpected turn, and I can't wait to see what the rest of Ouroboros Academy has in store.
Keeper of Death was an ode to mythology, and I was so there for it. I've always enjoyed different types of mythology, and JB has included loads of them in one glorious story. I'm talking Egyptian, Norse, Irish, Greek, Hindu, and many more. The magic was great. JB is always a go-big-or-go-home regarding magic systems. As for the story, it was amazing. I enjoyed the reincarnation twist, and the mystery aspects kept me hooked. I was just waiting for a shoe to drop. But that's not all; these characters have some complicated histories, and they have to face trials in a forest just to get into the academy. There's also an unknown big bad creeping about, and the mystery that is Sage is killing me. I have my guesses, and I'm dying to know if I'm right.
Wow, I can't believe that ending. Things took an unexpected turn, and I can't wait to see what the rest of Ouroboros Academy has in store.
May 17, 2025
Definitely a Y/A
This book is very repetitive. Yes Sage has daddy issues but must we hear about them over and over to the very end?
I did like the characters but somewhere along the line Khalid sort of disappeared. I couldn't say I got to know Sage, she was a sidekick in her own story. The hiccup in introducing all the characters at once I suppose.
Don't know how long this series is going for but we've barely moved 15% plot wise.
I am interested to know how this goes but it definitely needs an editor.
My burning question is, why are the reincarnated god's supposedly evil?? If all the pantheons have been chucked in there, evil by whose measure then????? I'm also pretty sure the fae must have had their own gods. Point is there are a lost of myths rubbing shoulders.
Bottom line is, it was an entertaining enough afternoon read.
This book is very repetitive. Yes Sage has daddy issues but must we hear about them over and over to the very end?
I did like the characters but somewhere along the line Khalid sort of disappeared. I couldn't say I got to know Sage, she was a sidekick in her own story. The hiccup in introducing all the characters at once I suppose.
Don't know how long this series is going for but we've barely moved 15% plot wise.
I am interested to know how this goes but it definitely needs an editor.
My burning question is, why are the reincarnated god's supposedly evil?? If all the pantheons have been chucked in there, evil by whose measure then????? I'm also pretty sure the fae must have had their own gods. Point is there are a lost of myths rubbing shoulders.
Bottom line is, it was an entertaining enough afternoon read.
December 10, 2025
Lot of humour. I’ll give it stars for that.
They’re all just thrown together.
No intrigue, drama or angst, both for the plot and character relationships. So therefore cared for none of it.
World and plot information is just thrown at you, made for a very boring read.
Humour was the only thing keeping me reading.
They’re all just thrown together.
No intrigue, drama or angst, both for the plot and character relationships. So therefore cared for none of it.
World and plot information is just thrown at you, made for a very boring read.
Humour was the only thing keeping me reading.
November 7, 2025
Great story.
The authors character development and world building were beautifully done. Sasha and her group are different but meshed well and I want to read more
The authors character development and world building were beautifully done. Sasha and her group are different but meshed well and I want to read more
May 22, 2025
This book.
A friend read the first line to me and I immediately RAN to request it.
I was hooked from LINE ONE...
"So it started with me waking up in a hostel with a severed dick on the pillow" 😂😂
I have really enjoyed meeting Sage, Liam, Khalid and Lucian and cannot wait to see what else they get up to together.
The sprinkling of pop culture references, and a good amount of sassfrom our characters had me giggling many times while reading this.
It's definitely a slow burn, which I love, but don't go in expecting smut from page 1.
The mixture of supernatural beings, gods, shifters, and vampires is going to make for a super interesting series and I cannot WAIT to see where it goes!
I was not expecting the cliffhanger and seeing the Afterword on the next page was kick a kick to the kidneys from Liam.
I am very excited to continue this and have already been recommending it to my friends!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A friend read the first line to me and I immediately RAN to request it.
I was hooked from LINE ONE...
"So it started with me waking up in a hostel with a severed dick on the pillow" 😂😂
I have really enjoyed meeting Sage, Liam, Khalid and Lucian and cannot wait to see what else they get up to together.
The sprinkling of pop culture references, and a good amount of sassfrom our characters had me giggling many times while reading this.
It's definitely a slow burn, which I love, but don't go in expecting smut from page 1.
The mixture of supernatural beings, gods, shifters, and vampires is going to make for a super interesting series and I cannot WAIT to see where it goes!
I was not expecting the cliffhanger and seeing the Afterword on the next page was kick a kick to the kidneys from Liam.
I am very excited to continue this and have already been recommending it to my friends!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2025
So this book wasn't bad. There was a decent plot, interesting enough characters and fairly good world building. However, there was a lot of repetition. This isn't something that usually bothers me, but this time it was hard to forget about.
There also want much in the way of relatability. I felt little interest in the characters. They all felt like side characters with the way they were written.
So, not a bad book, but I have no interest in the series.
There also want much in the way of relatability. I felt little interest in the characters. They all felt like side characters with the way they were written.
So, not a bad book, but I have no interest in the series.
June 14, 2025
Sage grew up in a very religious family, where women were supposed to do everything for their men and her father was a high-powered pastor, who made millions and treated her like dirt. She finally left when she turned eighteen and refused to marry the man her father wanted her to. She had started to figure out there was more to life than one like her mother and other women in their community and she wanted to experience it. She moved around a lot to make up for lost experiences and ended up in a hostel in Amsterdam, working in a café, whilst she waited for the IRS to cut her father off from claiming her as his dependant for his taxes, so she could get the financial aid she needed to go to college. When she wakes up to find a neatly ribboned gift of a man’s member on her pillow, she doesn’t have any time to reflect on how it got there, before a group of masked men suddenly appear in her room, drugging her and dragging her away. When she awakens, she is in a large hall of what seems like a castle, with three other men who have clearly been drugged like her and an older woman who is clearly in charge, as well as many more. Liam escaped from his Irish mafia family who were grooming him to take over, but instead he took some of the family money and left, Khalid looks like an Egyptian god and had been working his way to get into Oxford, Lucian is the fourth son of a small European royal family and seems to get kidnapped quite a lot and hates to be touched by anyone, even family. The woman is Headmaster Mykene and they are all at Ouroboros Academy in Ravenhelm, England, which is part of a small supernatural community. It is a haven for people like them, as they are about to discover they are all reincarnations of gods or originals of a supernatural race, and they have been brought there to learn how to use their magic, as something big is about to happen and they will all be needed. They will get sent through a portal to undergo a series of trials, after first having a small part of their magic unlocked, to help them try to figure out who exactly they are supposed to be!
They each get a vision of clues to their true identity, before going through to the trial destination, where they will have to find a crystal in each of four quadrants in a limited amount of time. They are given supplies for the week and Sage’s team is made up of the three men named above, who all had a need to have her on their team for some unknown reason. Sage was a bit too occupied making sure she spoke to the headmaster and ensured her insulin dependant diabetes wouldn’t put her in danger, whilst they completed the trials. If they fail to complete it, they won’t find out who they are supposed to be and won’t get to attend the academy at all! Older students will be trying to hamper them, with shifters, witches, vampires and others, all being graded on their own part in the trials, and their job is to make it more difficult for each team to recover their crystals and complete the tasks, whilst also surviving in the unknown wilderness. Even though they are all reincarnations of their original lives, they don’t have to necessarily take on the same behaviours of that person. If the person was a villain in the original life, doesn’t mean they have to be and vice versa. They may feel a bond towards another, but that doesn’t mean they have to go through with it. They are told to trust their instincts, as those will keep them alive! A few of them figure out who they are meant to be fairly easily, but others not brought up with any knowledge of other religions or the supernatural, will find it much harder. Liam is a bit of a goof and a trickster, but he would also protect Sage with his life and if anyone hurt her or even looked at her the wrong way, he was quite willing to kill them! Khalid is interested in history and wants to also know so much more about all the supernatural creatures and beings he is about to encounter. Lucian finds that his frequent kidnappings may well have been because of the mark on his neck, showing he is a reincarnation of someone, than just because he is a royal! He isn’t the best at following instructions or easily believing anything the headmaster tries to tell him about the supernatural.
Some of their magic will unlock as they work their way through the quadrants, but nothing is ever easy when a quest is embarked upon. For some reason, Lucian ends up eating all of their supplies on the first night, without even realising he had done it, after complaining he didn’t know what he wanted to eat that evening, as everything smelled odd to him and he didn’t want any. None of the others are happy with him when they wake up, especially Liam. Only Khalid and Liam have any experience camping and their quest has just been made that more difficult with no food. Khalid has figured out who he should be because of an animal in his vision and knowing his people’s history. Liam sensed he was running through the woods and could sense all the animals, and is also growing what looks like horns from his head, whilst Lucian seems to have seen something he is visibly shaken by and was clearly of a bad person from the past. Sage saw three of herself and has no clue. When she grabbed Lucian’s hand, he had no reaction and even finds himself curled up beside her sleeping bag each night without knowing it. He has made it an important role of his, to keep an eye on her glucose monitor and to keep her healthy! All three men seem to be gaining new abilities and skills, but Sage is not feeling any different at all. They run into other supernaturals and a couple of other teams, who seem not to like a particular member of Sage’s team at all and most seem really scared of him! But that is not the biggest issue in the trials, as it seems Sage can sense a very bad or evil something and people are going missing, and another woman they find badly beaten and somehow someone is not telling the truth. They will gain allies in some interactions, but in others the level of trust of all of their team, balances on a knife’s edge. The trials aren’t just about getting the four crystals they were sent to obtain, but also now a game of survival, using all the help they can get and everyone teaming up together to keep safe. None of the animals can talk about whoever it is that’s after them all, but they are back and also a reincarnation and seem to have joined up with another of a similar mindset. Someone is playing a sick game and they are all its pawns!
So much more to come as more powers come out and more hints about who they all are, with the headmaster explaining exactly who Liam is, as his is a complicated case. They have made it back to the academy, but not everyone did from other teams and seniors. Bonds are forming and they will now have to figure out who is the evil figure that is back and who no one or anything will name, as well as an ally on the same evil path. Each of them will need to adapt to their new circumstances and get ready to learn how to control their magic in preparation for whatever huge event or danger is coming. There have been far more reincarnations in the last two classes than normal and it could mean a war is coming or even worse, if that is possible. I look forward to seeing the quartet bond some more and find out more about just who they are supposed to be and what magical abilities they each will have. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
They each get a vision of clues to their true identity, before going through to the trial destination, where they will have to find a crystal in each of four quadrants in a limited amount of time. They are given supplies for the week and Sage’s team is made up of the three men named above, who all had a need to have her on their team for some unknown reason. Sage was a bit too occupied making sure she spoke to the headmaster and ensured her insulin dependant diabetes wouldn’t put her in danger, whilst they completed the trials. If they fail to complete it, they won’t find out who they are supposed to be and won’t get to attend the academy at all! Older students will be trying to hamper them, with shifters, witches, vampires and others, all being graded on their own part in the trials, and their job is to make it more difficult for each team to recover their crystals and complete the tasks, whilst also surviving in the unknown wilderness. Even though they are all reincarnations of their original lives, they don’t have to necessarily take on the same behaviours of that person. If the person was a villain in the original life, doesn’t mean they have to be and vice versa. They may feel a bond towards another, but that doesn’t mean they have to go through with it. They are told to trust their instincts, as those will keep them alive! A few of them figure out who they are meant to be fairly easily, but others not brought up with any knowledge of other religions or the supernatural, will find it much harder. Liam is a bit of a goof and a trickster, but he would also protect Sage with his life and if anyone hurt her or even looked at her the wrong way, he was quite willing to kill them! Khalid is interested in history and wants to also know so much more about all the supernatural creatures and beings he is about to encounter. Lucian finds that his frequent kidnappings may well have been because of the mark on his neck, showing he is a reincarnation of someone, than just because he is a royal! He isn’t the best at following instructions or easily believing anything the headmaster tries to tell him about the supernatural.
Some of their magic will unlock as they work their way through the quadrants, but nothing is ever easy when a quest is embarked upon. For some reason, Lucian ends up eating all of their supplies on the first night, without even realising he had done it, after complaining he didn’t know what he wanted to eat that evening, as everything smelled odd to him and he didn’t want any. None of the others are happy with him when they wake up, especially Liam. Only Khalid and Liam have any experience camping and their quest has just been made that more difficult with no food. Khalid has figured out who he should be because of an animal in his vision and knowing his people’s history. Liam sensed he was running through the woods and could sense all the animals, and is also growing what looks like horns from his head, whilst Lucian seems to have seen something he is visibly shaken by and was clearly of a bad person from the past. Sage saw three of herself and has no clue. When she grabbed Lucian’s hand, he had no reaction and even finds himself curled up beside her sleeping bag each night without knowing it. He has made it an important role of his, to keep an eye on her glucose monitor and to keep her healthy! All three men seem to be gaining new abilities and skills, but Sage is not feeling any different at all. They run into other supernaturals and a couple of other teams, who seem not to like a particular member of Sage’s team at all and most seem really scared of him! But that is not the biggest issue in the trials, as it seems Sage can sense a very bad or evil something and people are going missing, and another woman they find badly beaten and somehow someone is not telling the truth. They will gain allies in some interactions, but in others the level of trust of all of their team, balances on a knife’s edge. The trials aren’t just about getting the four crystals they were sent to obtain, but also now a game of survival, using all the help they can get and everyone teaming up together to keep safe. None of the animals can talk about whoever it is that’s after them all, but they are back and also a reincarnation and seem to have joined up with another of a similar mindset. Someone is playing a sick game and they are all its pawns!
So much more to come as more powers come out and more hints about who they all are, with the headmaster explaining exactly who Liam is, as his is a complicated case. They have made it back to the academy, but not everyone did from other teams and seniors. Bonds are forming and they will now have to figure out who is the evil figure that is back and who no one or anything will name, as well as an ally on the same evil path. Each of them will need to adapt to their new circumstances and get ready to learn how to control their magic in preparation for whatever huge event or danger is coming. There have been far more reincarnations in the last two classes than normal and it could mean a war is coming or even worse, if that is possible. I look forward to seeing the quartet bond some more and find out more about just who they are supposed to be and what magical abilities they each will have. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
December 16, 2025
good
A 4.5 star rating, mostly because Liam is hilarious.
WARNING! This ends on a hook, rather than a cliffhanger as such. This part of the story is over, but there is definitely something going on. It’s a mild 3/5 on my trauma scale, especially since the next book is already out.
Kidnapped and brought to a castle in England: Sage, Liam, Lucian, and Khalid are all reincarnations of gods or original beings. Choosing to work together, they have to navigate their way through trials in order to learn more about who they are, and what they can do at Ouroboros Academy- but not everyone they meet is good, and generally speaking, when a lot of beings are reincarnated together, it spells something big is coming.
I have to admit, Liam was 100% the reason I started to read this book - because his antics in the sample I read literally had me laughing out loud. That being said, I did enjoy Sage, Lucian, and Khalid - they’re interesting characters, and I’m looking forward to seeing a little more about them in the rest of the series.
I'm fairly certain I know who Sage is, and I had Liam pegged early on too, but I don’t want to say anything in case it’s spoilers!
If you love RH and academy fantasy, then this is an inventive and fun take on the mythology and folklore of many different cultures.
A 4.5 star rating, mostly because Liam is hilarious.
WARNING! This ends on a hook, rather than a cliffhanger as such. This part of the story is over, but there is definitely something going on. It’s a mild 3/5 on my trauma scale, especially since the next book is already out.
Kidnapped and brought to a castle in England: Sage, Liam, Lucian, and Khalid are all reincarnations of gods or original beings. Choosing to work together, they have to navigate their way through trials in order to learn more about who they are, and what they can do at Ouroboros Academy- but not everyone they meet is good, and generally speaking, when a lot of beings are reincarnated together, it spells something big is coming.
I have to admit, Liam was 100% the reason I started to read this book - because his antics in the sample I read literally had me laughing out loud. That being said, I did enjoy Sage, Lucian, and Khalid - they’re interesting characters, and I’m looking forward to seeing a little more about them in the rest of the series.
I'm fairly certain I know who Sage is, and I had Liam pegged early on too, but I don’t want to say anything in case it’s spoilers!
If you love RH and academy fantasy, then this is an inventive and fun take on the mythology and folklore of many different cultures.
October 2, 2025
the author needs to write more !!!
I laughed so hard at this book that my cat got up and went into another room because I was bothering him I know the nerve of me !!
I really was shocked at how good this book is and it was a great read the mmc are funny and fmc is okay but the mmc are well put together thank you for the laughs
I laughed so hard at this book that my cat got up and went into another room because I was bothering him I know the nerve of me !!
I really was shocked at how good this book is and it was a great read the mmc are funny and fmc is okay but the mmc are well put together thank you for the laughs
October 17, 2025
Awesome
I waffled a little bit when I picked this one to read. Wasn't sure about. But man it so good. I didn't take my eyes of the pages during the whole thing. I was entranced. I really hope the 2nd book is already released because I am not ready to give up this vibe just yet.
I waffled a little bit when I picked this one to read. Wasn't sure about. But man it so good. I didn't take my eyes of the pages during the whole thing. I was entranced. I really hope the 2nd book is already released because I am not ready to give up this vibe just yet.
December 12, 2025
Very funny in places and the characters are cool. But, not a lot happens and there are quite a few errors in the book. And it's very repetitive. Interesting ending, maybe something will actually happen in book 2?
October 10, 2025
Intriguing mythical read
I very much enjoyed this read it was fun and interesting. Loved Liam and can't wait to read the next instalment.
I very much enjoyed this read it was fun and interesting. Loved Liam and can't wait to read the next instalment.
October 22, 2025
Reading time: 3 hours and 42 minutes
It felt a bit simple? Like the plot line is interesting but not much really happened
It felt a bit simple? Like the plot line is interesting but not much really happened
November 5, 2025
I’d recommend
The writing definitely needs work but I’m very interested in the story and hoping it will get better in the books to come!
The writing definitely needs work but I’m very interested in the story and hoping it will get better in the books to come!
December 20, 2025
Great read
Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books.
Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books.
January 10, 2026
Definitely a YR bit a very interesting g storyline and unique characters
January 16, 2026
3.5 - the first half had me intrigued then i kind of lost interest the last half & found it very repetitive
August 14, 2025
i got hooked by the mythology SHOCK i know…but to see so many different pantheons come together was just a really fun time 🙂↕️
August 11, 2025
😈💜💚💛💙😈
OMG what an amazing start to a series!! Loved Sage, Liam, Khalid, and Lucian. That ending was for sure a reveal lol. I need and want to know what happens next.
OMG what an amazing start to a series!! Loved Sage, Liam, Khalid, and Lucian. That ending was for sure a reveal lol. I need and want to know what happens next.
May 20, 2025
I'm a little late to my review, and only because my last week was spent prepping for and then in the booboo house, surgery and whatnot. I will say, I have had an absolute time of enjoyment reading this book. I have a digital copy, as most do. With the beautiful artwork for the cover, I would LOVE to have this book on my shelf. Heck, I would love to be on JB's PR list, I love book art. Anyway, let's actually get into it.
Keeper of Death is my introduction to JB Trepagnier, and I went in expecting quite a bit because of the sheer work put into the artwork for the cover. For me, choosing a book has a lot to do with the description you read and how the cover speaks to you. And, yes, I am a sucker for pretty covers. Keeper of Death is supposed to be a paranormal, reverse harem, slow-burn romance. I admit that I have only recently acquired more reverse harem books, but I have grown to love the category as a whole--especially when written correctly. By that, I do mean written with detail, depth, and more than just frilly words. This is your best go, I'll say. You have reincarnation, a hidden reincarnation at that--Sage's past life kept secret by the Academy. You have adventure, dangerous trials, magic--which Sage finds out she possesses. Of course, that leads to her piecing together the truth of who she is, or, who she once was.
Here comes Liam, someone I'd say right out the gate was a shady character. It's hard to guess what his intentions are or what he might be, especially when he starts sprouting horns. Could he be as dangerous as he seems? Next, Khalid. God, literally. Well, I'm going to speculate based on how the protagonist comes to learn about him. What else could be more, hm, intriguing? At the very least, it's always better to have a God on your good side. Finally, Lucian. He's royalty, well, kindly. He's the fourth son of a minor royal bloodline. However, the kicker, he's a glutton.
The book itself explores the depths of reincarnation and identity, the troubles that can come when realizing you are you, but not, and the brutal challenges that the characters face as they uncover secrets. The Academy isn't a playground by any means, all the characters have is survival and trust in each other--which can come at a price. Not to mention that JB adds in a touch of humor that really tickles me, I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Keeper of Death is my introduction to JB Trepagnier, and I went in expecting quite a bit because of the sheer work put into the artwork for the cover. For me, choosing a book has a lot to do with the description you read and how the cover speaks to you. And, yes, I am a sucker for pretty covers. Keeper of Death is supposed to be a paranormal, reverse harem, slow-burn romance. I admit that I have only recently acquired more reverse harem books, but I have grown to love the category as a whole--especially when written correctly. By that, I do mean written with detail, depth, and more than just frilly words. This is your best go, I'll say. You have reincarnation, a hidden reincarnation at that--Sage's past life kept secret by the Academy. You have adventure, dangerous trials, magic--which Sage finds out she possesses. Of course, that leads to her piecing together the truth of who she is, or, who she once was.
Here comes Liam, someone I'd say right out the gate was a shady character. It's hard to guess what his intentions are or what he might be, especially when he starts sprouting horns. Could he be as dangerous as he seems? Next, Khalid. God, literally. Well, I'm going to speculate based on how the protagonist comes to learn about him. What else could be more, hm, intriguing? At the very least, it's always better to have a God on your good side. Finally, Lucian. He's royalty, well, kindly. He's the fourth son of a minor royal bloodline. However, the kicker, he's a glutton.
The book itself explores the depths of reincarnation and identity, the troubles that can come when realizing you are you, but not, and the brutal challenges that the characters face as they uncover secrets. The Academy isn't a playground by any means, all the characters have is survival and trust in each other--which can come at a price. Not to mention that JB adds in a touch of humor that really tickles me, I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2025
This wasn't bad, but it did feel quite repetitive, especially with Sage constantly recounting her past to everyone she meets.
The romance, unfortunately, was barely developed, to the point where I felt no real chemistry between her and any of the three male leads.
It didn’t help that every other character seemed determined to seduce them, which became irritating.
That said, the final scene gave me a strong hint about which goddess she might be, and I’m intrigued enough to give the second book a try, hopefully it builds on the potential this one only hinted at.
The romance, unfortunately, was barely developed, to the point where I felt no real chemistry between her and any of the three male leads.
It didn’t help that every other character seemed determined to seduce them, which became irritating.
That said, the final scene gave me a strong hint about which goddess she might be, and I’m intrigued enough to give the second book a try, hopefully it builds on the potential this one only hinted at.
May 11, 2025
Keeper of Death by JB Trepagnier is a dark, fast-paced paranormal reverse harem slow-burn romance set in the enigmatic Ouroboros Academy. Sage wakes up in England under bizarre circumstances, only to discover she is the reincarnation of someone significant—though the academy refuses to reveal who. Instead, she must navigate dangerous trials, unlock her magic, and piece together her past life while forming uneasy alliances with her equally mysterious teammates.
Liam, a suspicious figure who was seen around the hostel before the protagonist was taken. He appears to be growing horns, adding to the mystery of his identity.
Khalid, he looks and acts like an Egyptian god, and based on what the protagonist learns, he might actually be one.
Lucian, a bratty fourth son of minor European royalty, whose insatiable hunger leads him to devour all their rations on the first day, hinting at something deeper within him.
The novel explores themes of reincarnation and identity, as the characters struggle to uncover their past lives while surviving the brutal challenges thrown their way. Magic and power play a crucial role, with the academy unlocking only a fraction of each student's abilities, forcing them to prove their worth through deadly trials. Survival and trust become central as the protagonist and her team must rely on one another to endure life-threatening obstacles. The secrecy surrounding their past lives and the academy’s true purpose adds layers of mystery and discovery, keeping readers engaged.
Trepagnier crafts an engaging blend of humour, tension, and supernatural elements, making Keeper of Death a thrilling read for fans of academy-based fantasy and reverse harem romance. If you enjoy stories with reincarnation, magic, and a touch of chaos, this book delivers an unpredictable and exhilarating ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liam, a suspicious figure who was seen around the hostel before the protagonist was taken. He appears to be growing horns, adding to the mystery of his identity.
Khalid, he looks and acts like an Egyptian god, and based on what the protagonist learns, he might actually be one.
Lucian, a bratty fourth son of minor European royalty, whose insatiable hunger leads him to devour all their rations on the first day, hinting at something deeper within him.
The novel explores themes of reincarnation and identity, as the characters struggle to uncover their past lives while surviving the brutal challenges thrown their way. Magic and power play a crucial role, with the academy unlocking only a fraction of each student's abilities, forcing them to prove their worth through deadly trials. Survival and trust become central as the protagonist and her team must rely on one another to endure life-threatening obstacles. The secrecy surrounding their past lives and the academy’s true purpose adds layers of mystery and discovery, keeping readers engaged.
Trepagnier crafts an engaging blend of humour, tension, and supernatural elements, making Keeper of Death a thrilling read for fans of academy-based fantasy and reverse harem romance. If you enjoy stories with reincarnation, magic, and a touch of chaos, this book delivers an unpredictable and exhilarating ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2025
DNF - chapters were like 3 pages and kept changing point of views. Very boring for all the 4 and 5 star reviews sorry.
May 6, 2025
This book has me intrigued for the next book in the series already! I loved the reincarnations of the originals/gods idea and how the ritual gave the basic hint of a vision. Plus the opening situation that the fmc, Sage, found herself in had me mentally giggling! I found the world building of Ouroboros academy interesting, the pacing of the story was good and loved the development of the characters so far. This series is definitely a slow burn so far which is refreshing from the medium burns I've been reading lately.
Sage's personality and background is an interesting one since she had a religious cult leader Father and brainwashed mother upbringing before she escaped at 18. The love interests for Sage are Liam, the chaotic, stabby Irishman whose got a love for baking edibles; Khalid whose love of history and Egyptian heritage has made him invaluable so far and he has kept a level head throughout and lastly Lucian whose a prince, believes most people including family are idiots, hates being touched by people and has a playful love/hate relationship with Liam. Just loved the dynamics already developing between the four of our characters and enjoying their personalities already. Can't wait for the next book to watch it develop further.
Can definitely recommend this book as a refreshing start to an intriguing series!
Sage's personality and background is an interesting one since she had a religious cult leader Father and brainwashed mother upbringing before she escaped at 18. The love interests for Sage are Liam, the chaotic, stabby Irishman whose got a love for baking edibles; Khalid whose love of history and Egyptian heritage has made him invaluable so far and he has kept a level head throughout and lastly Lucian whose a prince, believes most people including family are idiots, hates being touched by people and has a playful love/hate relationship with Liam. Just loved the dynamics already developing between the four of our characters and enjoying their personalities already. Can't wait for the next book to watch it develop further.
Can definitely recommend this book as a refreshing start to an intriguing series!
May 18, 2025
great plot but rushed writing
This author has great premise, I usually always snatch up her books in a heart beat. But this one felt a little rushed. Like 8 topics were discussed in rapid fire, paragraph long, single dialogue. It was hard to follow. Someone would say “he did it!” And then someone else would think “no, they couldn’t have but maybe, I’m not sure though, can’t trust my mind”, then say “he couldn’t because this. But maybe he did because that. And anyway I get how you feel. I know why you would think that. I would think that too usually. But also here’s a random sentence about a lime. Also I hate him so believe me”. And the first person would be like “fair”. But still not believe them? I think this all boiled down to too much back and forth in long format information dump organization. I couldn’t tell you what was truth, myth, gossip, or unreliable narrator. It felt like if the author could have slowed down and opened topics, and then closed topics a little better, I would know what was happening. I feel a little dazed. Really liked the idea for this book, but hard to actually read.
This author has great premise, I usually always snatch up her books in a heart beat. But this one felt a little rushed. Like 8 topics were discussed in rapid fire, paragraph long, single dialogue. It was hard to follow. Someone would say “he did it!” And then someone else would think “no, they couldn’t have but maybe, I’m not sure though, can’t trust my mind”, then say “he couldn’t because this. But maybe he did because that. And anyway I get how you feel. I know why you would think that. I would think that too usually. But also here’s a random sentence about a lime. Also I hate him so believe me”. And the first person would be like “fair”. But still not believe them? I think this all boiled down to too much back and forth in long format information dump organization. I couldn’t tell you what was truth, myth, gossip, or unreliable narrator. It felt like if the author could have slowed down and opened topics, and then closed topics a little better, I would know what was happening. I feel a little dazed. Really liked the idea for this book, but hard to actually read.
May 16, 2025
This has very short snappy chapters and I genuinely laughed out loud at the first few! The vespa line from Liam just cracked me up. He is such a great character and I love just how many different types of shiv he can make. Lucien is my favourite though; I love that secret spooner and his bromance with Liam is incoming! This is slow burn on the romance front but the tension is definitely there.
I really enjoyed the guessing games as to all the reincarnations. Not all has been revealed and I can't wait to learn more of the mysteries in book two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
I really enjoyed the guessing games as to all the reincarnations. Not all has been revealed and I can't wait to learn more of the mysteries in book two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
May 16, 2025
An extremely compelling suspenseful supernatural story. We have a group of college age people kidnapped and told they are reincarnation of gods and goddesses. The kidnappers prove they are not joking.
The kidnapped people are sent into the wild to prove they are worthy to go to the Ouroboros Academy. They have to figure who they are. The guys were easy to figure out. But Sage. The clue at the end shows what she is but not which God or Goddess.
They come across werewolves, fey, vampires and witches.
There are people there who changed to very violent people, which is not suppose to happen.
Will anyone survive to finish the trial?
I really like Sage with Liam, Lucian and Khalid. Lucian can be pompous but I am sure Sage will get that out of him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The kidnapped people are sent into the wild to prove they are worthy to go to the Ouroboros Academy. They have to figure who they are. The guys were easy to figure out. But Sage. The clue at the end shows what she is but not which God or Goddess.
They come across werewolves, fey, vampires and witches.
There are people there who changed to very violent people, which is not suppose to happen.
Will anyone survive to finish the trial?
I really like Sage with Liam, Lucian and Khalid. Lucian can be pompous but I am sure Sage will get that out of him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Great world building and wonderful characters. I was never too interested in the academy romance genre in general, but I loved this story so much. I mean, with an opening like that? It was hilarious (well, maybe not for the guy missing his peen) and Sage's personality and reactions made it more so. The story was mysterious and fast-paced. I also loved Liam, Lucian, and Khalid- and liked that we also get their side of things as they happened. This story was a fun adventure with twists and turns and a slow burn reverse harem romance. I absolutely love JP Trepagnier's writing- interesting, endearing, and quickly gets you hooked. A great start to a new series! 5 stars.
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