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The Debilis Rising
Keepers of the The Debilis Rising
Book One of the Keepers of the Rock Series by E.K. Wise
When you know the Earth is dying, what will you do to save it?
Tessa Horton always suspected there was more to life than what meets the eye—her unique ability is proof. Tú Chen carries the weight of his secret power, hiding it from his family to protect them. Their lives change forever when they are accepted into the College of Geological Evolution, an exclusive international school with a hidden purpose.
Run by the ancient secret society known as the Keepers of the Rock, the college trains those with supernatural connections to the Earth. These gifted students have one protect the planet and its creatures from the shadowy forces driving humanity toward destruction. But the Keepers face a terrible enemy—The Debilis. These monstrous beings manipulate mankind, seeking control over Earth’s resources and, ultimately, humanity itself.
As Tessa and Tú find camaraderie among their extraordinary classmates, they also discover the challenges of their calling. Forbidden from directly interfering with human affairs, the Keepers must guide humanity from the shadows, all while preparing for an impending battle with the resurging evil.
The fate of the Earth hangs in the balance. Can these young scholars rise to the challenge before it’s too late?
Immerse yourself in one of the most thrilling new young adult books--a fantasy full of secrets, crystals, history, and science. The Debilis Rising is the first book in E.K. Wise’s Keepers of the Rock series—a captivating adventure for fans of magical realism and earthbound fantasy.
🌍 The hand that cradles the rock rules the world.
Book One of the Keepers of the Rock Series by E.K. Wise
When you know the Earth is dying, what will you do to save it?
Tessa Horton always suspected there was more to life than what meets the eye—her unique ability is proof. Tú Chen carries the weight of his secret power, hiding it from his family to protect them. Their lives change forever when they are accepted into the College of Geological Evolution, an exclusive international school with a hidden purpose.
Run by the ancient secret society known as the Keepers of the Rock, the college trains those with supernatural connections to the Earth. These gifted students have one protect the planet and its creatures from the shadowy forces driving humanity toward destruction. But the Keepers face a terrible enemy—The Debilis. These monstrous beings manipulate mankind, seeking control over Earth’s resources and, ultimately, humanity itself.
As Tessa and Tú find camaraderie among their extraordinary classmates, they also discover the challenges of their calling. Forbidden from directly interfering with human affairs, the Keepers must guide humanity from the shadows, all while preparing for an impending battle with the resurging evil.
The fate of the Earth hangs in the balance. Can these young scholars rise to the challenge before it’s too late?
Immerse yourself in one of the most thrilling new young adult books--a fantasy full of secrets, crystals, history, and science. The Debilis Rising is the first book in E.K. Wise’s Keepers of the Rock series—a captivating adventure for fans of magical realism and earthbound fantasy.
🌍 The hand that cradles the rock rules the world.
588 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
12 people are currently reading
3209 people want to read
About the author
E.K. Wise
1 book16 followersE. K. Wise's endless curiosity about cultural history and geology developed in her youth after living abroad and traveling internationally. She is enticed by multicultural cuisine and will sample almost any food once. When not creating stories, she’s likely wrangling teenagers, sweating on her stationary bike, reading, or studying cool rocks and minerals. Wise passionately advocates for learning evaluation, as she and three of her four kiddos (and maybe the dog) have ADHD. She earned degrees in psychology and clinical social work and lives with her family in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 26, 2025
I’ve read A LOT of books in my life, before starting college, I read about a book a day across various genres. Fantasy, fiction, romance, non-fiction, and the many, many subgenres between. Now that I’m in school I have far less time to read so I take great care in choosing books which are actually worth my precious time. Keepers of the Rock is by far one of the best urban fantasy books I’ve read in a while.
It has that same adventure, creativity, and worldbuilding as Percy Jackson, Harry Potter and Keeper of the Lost Cities, but the eloquent writing style of some of the romantic period authors. Like the Bronte sisters, if they didn’t ramble so much. The exposition is the majority of the book, but it is far from boring unlike other works. The author creates an immersive experience and introduces characters so vividly and entertainingly that I was never bored for a second - never feeling the desire to skip ahead. It has been a long, long time since there was an original addition to the urban fantasy genre, and I fully believe Keepers of the Rock is that addition. It’s original, yet nostalgic and really does have something for everyone. There is mystery, a magical school, fantasy but also science (which is actually well researched and I am a Biochemistry major, so I can tell), and it balances humor with serious immersive storytelling really well. I’ve never read a book like this that provides so many resources to readers, while reading, that doesn’t break immersion - and this book balances that fine line so well.
I would give it 10 out of 5 stars if I could. Absolutely incredible. Can’t wait for the second. Please let there be a second.
It has that same adventure, creativity, and worldbuilding as Percy Jackson, Harry Potter and Keeper of the Lost Cities, but the eloquent writing style of some of the romantic period authors. Like the Bronte sisters, if they didn’t ramble so much. The exposition is the majority of the book, but it is far from boring unlike other works. The author creates an immersive experience and introduces characters so vividly and entertainingly that I was never bored for a second - never feeling the desire to skip ahead. It has been a long, long time since there was an original addition to the urban fantasy genre, and I fully believe Keepers of the Rock is that addition. It’s original, yet nostalgic and really does have something for everyone. There is mystery, a magical school, fantasy but also science (which is actually well researched and I am a Biochemistry major, so I can tell), and it balances humor with serious immersive storytelling really well. I’ve never read a book like this that provides so many resources to readers, while reading, that doesn’t break immersion - and this book balances that fine line so well.
I would give it 10 out of 5 stars if I could. Absolutely incredible. Can’t wait for the second. Please let there be a second.
June 14, 2025
This is a book to pick up when you truly want to be immersed in a different world. The novel takes place in a familiar yet also magical version of our world, one where the earth is imbued with powers that resonate with those lucky enough to become Keepers. The author does an amazing job of making this world come to life through extensive description, as well as footnotes that allow the reader to participate in the sounds and tastes and education of the characters. The reader also learns a lot of history and science alongside the characters as they attend school in an environment completely new to them.
The book has a bit of an uneven pace but I really enjoyed getting to explore the setting and characters. I am intrigued to find out where E.K. Wise will take the story with all of these puzzle pieces that we are left holding at the end of this first book!
The book has a bit of an uneven pace but I really enjoyed getting to explore the setting and characters. I am intrigued to find out where E.K. Wise will take the story with all of these puzzle pieces that we are left holding at the end of this first book!
April 11, 2025
A remarkable debut! E. K. Wise kept me reading her first book non-stop for a couple of days. Her imaginative world of Keepers of the Rock is both thought-provoking and entertaining, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre. The story’s hidden message is timely, and the unique concept sets it apart from anything I have read recently. Her characters are so multidimensional and compelling. Mrs. Wise writes with clarity and elegance of a great storyteller, guiding any level reader on a mysterious journey that blends the supernatural with the deeply human. The interactive footnotes add a clever, unexpected layer to the experience. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to seeing where the series goes next.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews