The Keep's Secret

by Cassandra Gillies

The realm of Krestoria was shattered; torn apart by a feared witch and a Fae king whose war left scars that never healed. From the war rose the Guardians’ Keep, a fortress built to protect children from magic’s destruction… or so the world was told.

Avery Ashgrove has spent her entire life behind the Keep’s stone walls and iron gates, taught to believe that magic is darkness—and those who once wielded it were monsters. But as her time in the Keep nears its end, a forbidden passage reveals itself, and whispers of long-buried secrets begin to rise.

Guided by cryptic warnings, suspicious victories, and the gaze of a silent observer, Avery begins to question her teachings, her memories, and the true reason she was taken from her family.

The Keep didn’t just protect her.

It imprisoned her.

And the thing it tried hardest to hide… is waking.

As her journey leads her into forgotten ruins, mystical mountains, and the ashes of a past she was never meant to uncover, Avery must face a legacy soaked in betrayal and power.

Some secrets are locked away for a reason.

And some are born to burn their way out.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2026

Reviews

[Ashleigh Rayment · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! The world building is incredible and so unique that you almost get sucked into the world while reading it. Avery is such a badass mc and with each of the different characters development through the book your thoughts on them when you first meet them to the end of the book will morph and change so many times. Katherine is by far my favorite character with how witty and badass she is. With all the twists and turns I never got bored reading it, it’s definitely a page turner and I wasn’t able to put it down. Such an enjoyable read. Can’t wait for the next one!!!!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Overall it was an interesting listen. The world building is good, I liked the elements that were brought into the story.

I will admit that as much as I liked the story and where it can take a reader, there were many conflicting emotions and thoughts thrown at us. The MFC goes through a lot of up and down emotions very quickly that I had a bit of whiplash.

I will be reading the physical book, perhaps what I was missing will be found in the pages.

[Heila Nagel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

Loved the fast moving, yet gripping storyline. I loved how the protagonist stays real and deeply dedicated to her cause. I can't wait to delve deeper into the story, not only to find out how it all ends but also how she finds herself and grows in confidence and love!

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery

The narrator did a great job. This is a new author to me. I enjoyed listening to Avery's story. Avery is on a mission to find her birth parents. I found this to be entertaining. Avery goes through a lot and discovers a bunch of secrets and betrayals. This does end in a cliffhanger. Look forward to the next book.

[Mandy Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. There’s a lot going on and a lot of different unique characters. You can see genius in the storyline already. A brilliant performance.
#pfp

[Tina Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book leaves you always trying to piece the clues together. You don’t see all the twists coming which keeps this book at a 4 for me. You do need to listen to the next book to continue the story.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,75

[Stephanie Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery goes through a lot in this book. There is so much world building. The beginning might take some longer to get into but I promise if you stick it out, you'll be rewarded!! There were so many mixed emotions while reading this.

Cannot wait for book 2.

[Kylie Gopal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Free Review (ARC received)

Honestly, this book was a thrilling experience. It has good world building and a gripping plot leaving you wanting more chapter after chapter.

With that being said, I do feel as if a little more editing could be done to refine the book. It’s minor things here and there that irked me but nothing I couldn’t look over and stay invested in the plot.

I look forward to reading future books in this series and watching how each character develops. I definitely recommend this book for readers who are getting into fantasy for the first time as it’s a quick and easy read to get through.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Keep’s Secret is a fantasy book with magical elements. The world build was action packed and the characters were interesting.

Meg Runyan did a really good job narrating this book. The portrayal was entertaining.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Cassandra and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Avery's characters and what an amazing journey this story took me on. #TheFlockonTour

[Cassy Gilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery’s journey from the Keep to the real world is emotional and personal to me.
I am hoping it gets received as an emotional journey on self discovery and adventure.
Found family and everything is not what it seems!