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Keeper
Greg and Samantha don't know each other, but when he morphs into her guardian, their fates become one.
Samantha thinks of herself as human, ordinary, and a little too full around the hips—a super cute look for a future chef, if you ask her. And she’s sort of right, except about being ordinary…oh…and human. She also won’t be full around the hips for very long, not with the inevitable metamorphosis coming her way.
In her oblivious existence, all she can think about is going to culinary school, away from her uncaring, bordering-on-hateful parents.
But all that is about to change when Greg—an otherworldly, amazing-looking guy—saves her from an unexpected magical attempt on her life and informs her that he is her Keeper, compelled to protect her even at the cost of his own life. Oh, and by the way, that she isn’t human, after all.
The attempts on her life become commonplace and secrets and threats from a dark, forgotten past reveal themselves and send her life into turmoil.
As Samantha tries to come to terms with this new reality, she must rediscover herself and face the possibility of being the key to the survival of a dying race.
Keeper is a young adult urban fantasy novel that will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fans of "The Mortal Instruments" series.
Samantha thinks of herself as human, ordinary, and a little too full around the hips—a super cute look for a future chef, if you ask her. And she’s sort of right, except about being ordinary…oh…and human. She also won’t be full around the hips for very long, not with the inevitable metamorphosis coming her way.
In her oblivious existence, all she can think about is going to culinary school, away from her uncaring, bordering-on-hateful parents.
But all that is about to change when Greg—an otherworldly, amazing-looking guy—saves her from an unexpected magical attempt on her life and informs her that he is her Keeper, compelled to protect her even at the cost of his own life. Oh, and by the way, that she isn’t human, after all.
The attempts on her life become commonplace and secrets and threats from a dark, forgotten past reveal themselves and send her life into turmoil.
As Samantha tries to come to terms with this new reality, she must rediscover herself and face the possibility of being the key to the survival of a dying race.
Keeper is a young adult urban fantasy novel that will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fans of "The Mortal Instruments" series.
About the author
Ingrid Seymour
110 books962 followersIngrid Seymour is a USA Today Bestselling Author. When she’s not writing books, she spends her time working as a software engineer, cooking exotic recipes, hanging out with her family and working out. She writes young adult and new adult fiction in a variety of genres, including Sci-Fi, urban fantasy, romance, paranormal and horror.
Her favorite outings involve a trip to the library or bookstore where she immediately gravitates toward the YA section. She’s an avid reader and fangirl of many amazing books. She is a dreamer and a fighter who believes perseverance and hard work can make dreams come true.
She lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband, two kids and a cat named Ossie.
Her favorite outings involve a trip to the library or bookstore where she immediately gravitates toward the YA section. She’s an avid reader and fangirl of many amazing books. She is a dreamer and a fighter who believes perseverance and hard work can make dreams come true.
She lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband, two kids and a cat named Ossie.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 115 reviews
March 3, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Ingrid Seymour.)
This was a YA fantasy story about a group of people called Morphids.
I felt quite sorry for Sam in this story as her mother was really quite awful to her, and she really didn’t have the support she needed at home. I was pleased that Greg wanted to be there for her, and that his parents were supportive of him, and that Sam might have someone in her life who really cared about her.
The storyline in this was about Sam going through her transition into a Morphid, even though she didn’t know that Morphids existed, and the changes that this caused for her, as well as Greg. We also had another Morphid involved, and a bit of a love triangle developing, although this triangle had a bit kick to it.
The ending to this was quite action-packed, but I would have liked a little more explanation of the different castes of Morphid.
6 out of 10
“Maybe if his Human side didn’t crave her just as much as his Keeper nature did, he could have resisted.”
This was a YA fantasy story about a group of people called Morphids.
I felt quite sorry for Sam in this story as her mother was really quite awful to her, and she really didn’t have the support she needed at home. I was pleased that Greg wanted to be there for her, and that his parents were supportive of him, and that Sam might have someone in her life who really cared about her.
The storyline in this was about Sam going through her transition into a Morphid, even though she didn’t know that Morphids existed, and the changes that this caused for her, as well as Greg. We also had another Morphid involved, and a bit of a love triangle developing, although this triangle had a bit kick to it.
The ending to this was quite action-packed, but I would have liked a little more explanation of the different castes of Morphid.
6 out of 10
December 23, 2016
Wow! Just wow! Loved it!
Keeper has everything I look for in a young-adult, fantasy novel: A creative and unusual premise; interesting and distinctive characters, who experience loads of character growth; fun and intelligent dialogue; some unexpected twists and turns; and some fast-paced actions sequences that culminate in a thrilling and exciting climax.
TJ's Time Travel Tips:
https://tjtimetraveltips.wordpress.co...
Not all my questions were answered, but the story came to an exciting and satisfying end. (It was not a cliff-hanger - Yay!).
The Characters
I really liked Sam's personality from the start. She’s got character.
She volunteers at the homeless shelter -- and she actually cares about the homeless people and goes beyond what is expected to help. She does incredibly well for someone who does not have loving, caring parents.
...and Sam's a Hoosier! That makes her even more likable!!!
Greg is endearing -- and I was rooting for him to get Sam long before I realized he had feelings for her -- but still, I felt for Ashby too. He's a product of his environment, to be sure, so he comes off condescending towards Greg from the start -- but considering his pull to Sam, I could totally understand his jealousy. Ashby never questions following instinct -- that's just how it works. Greg (and his parents) hadn't questioned it either... until now. As Greg puts it, they’re "like perfect, little trained monkeys." Ha!
Early on I couldn't help thinking that while Greg may not be destined for love, he still may try to break free of destiny and try to make his own destiny. Sam didn’t believe much in destiny before she morphed... so I thought they might have a chance.
The character dynamics, especially between Greg and Ashby, were thoroughly entertaining! This would make a great movie. I laughed during the scene where Ashby enters Sam's class, trying so hard to be Mr. Irresistible -- and pulling it off to everyone, other than Sam – and I enjoyed watching Greg rise to the challenge.
Through their interaction with and attachment to Sam, both boys experience personal growth. Greg is willing to let Ashby help them, for Sam's sake, and then Ashby is willing to leave Sam with Greg, going against his instincts, for Sam’s protection.
The Morphing
This could be a teenager’s dream – going from average looks and body stature to supermodel beauty and proportions in two weeks. At first I thought this story might not promote a healthy teenager self-appreciation, except that it does.
Sam does not want to go through the transition. Despite her negligent parental upbringing, Sam has a healthy feeling of self-worth. She not only volunteers at the homeless shelter, but she goes beyond the duties of a soup kitchen volunteer to help the homeless, especially children.
Both Greg and Ashby are attracted to Sam before her transition to super-model, Ashby instinctually and Greg initially stemming from a protective instinct, which develops then into genuine feelings of love.
After his transition, Greg remains the insecure, awkward teenager that he was before he morphed into a mega-hunk. He develops his sense of self confidence gradually as the story progresses – as a result of his actions, not as a result of his super good looks. So even though descriptive emphasis is placed on the transition from average to perfection, the main characters themselves don’t place any value on looks, but rather value character.
I asked myself at first if there was really any need to have the main characters physically change. Wouldn’t the story be better served if they just changed mentally? But after finishing the book, I really like the contrast between this superficial physical change, which Sam and Greg disregard almost entirely, and their genuine inner growth, which comes independent of their outward beauty.
Unanswered Questions
There are many questions left unanswered. I wonder what the story behind little Jacob and his dad is -- Jacob's dad seems to belong to a non-human race, hence his comment about sapiens' treatment of trees.
What's the deal with Sam's adoptive mother, Barbara? What’s her back-story? Why did she adopt a child when she clearly didn’t want to be a mother? Does she know that Sam is something special?
And what drives Danata? She sabotages her son’s attempt at happiness by trying to kill his integral, and eventually she destroys him -- but I can't figure out why. Danata's a singular, so she can't understand the pain she'd be causing her son by killing his integral... or... maybe she wants him to go mad like his uncle so that she can keep the reigns of power. It doesn't make much sense since her son is set to be her heir. Maybe she's worried he will challenge her power sooner than later. Danata’s been keeping her son from learning anything about the government or the decision making process. Why?
And, finally, like Sam, I wonder if Roanna and Bernard are Sam's real parents. Sam looks like Roanna, so... I guess I’ll just have to wait for the next installment, Ripper, to find out.
TJ's Time Travel Tips:
https://tjtimetraveltips.wordpress.co...
Keeper has everything I look for in a young-adult, fantasy novel: A creative and unusual premise; interesting and distinctive characters, who experience loads of character growth; fun and intelligent dialogue; some unexpected twists and turns; and some fast-paced actions sequences that culminate in a thrilling and exciting climax.
TJ's Time Travel Tips:
https://tjtimetraveltips.wordpress.co...
Not all my questions were answered, but the story came to an exciting and satisfying end. (It was not a cliff-hanger - Yay!).
The Characters
I really liked Sam's personality from the start. She’s got character.
She volunteers at the homeless shelter -- and she actually cares about the homeless people and goes beyond what is expected to help. She does incredibly well for someone who does not have loving, caring parents.
...and Sam's a Hoosier! That makes her even more likable!!!
Greg is endearing -- and I was rooting for him to get Sam long before I realized he had feelings for her -- but still, I felt for Ashby too. He's a product of his environment, to be sure, so he comes off condescending towards Greg from the start -- but considering his pull to Sam, I could totally understand his jealousy. Ashby never questions following instinct -- that's just how it works. Greg (and his parents) hadn't questioned it either... until now. As Greg puts it, they’re "like perfect, little trained monkeys." Ha!
Early on I couldn't help thinking that while Greg may not be destined for love, he still may try to break free of destiny and try to make his own destiny. Sam didn’t believe much in destiny before she morphed... so I thought they might have a chance.
The character dynamics, especially between Greg and Ashby, were thoroughly entertaining! This would make a great movie. I laughed during the scene where Ashby enters Sam's class, trying so hard to be Mr. Irresistible -- and pulling it off to everyone, other than Sam – and I enjoyed watching Greg rise to the challenge.
Through their interaction with and attachment to Sam, both boys experience personal growth. Greg is willing to let Ashby help them, for Sam's sake, and then Ashby is willing to leave Sam with Greg, going against his instincts, for Sam’s protection.
The Morphing
This could be a teenager’s dream – going from average looks and body stature to supermodel beauty and proportions in two weeks. At first I thought this story might not promote a healthy teenager self-appreciation, except that it does.
Sam does not want to go through the transition. Despite her negligent parental upbringing, Sam has a healthy feeling of self-worth. She not only volunteers at the homeless shelter, but she goes beyond the duties of a soup kitchen volunteer to help the homeless, especially children.
Both Greg and Ashby are attracted to Sam before her transition to super-model, Ashby instinctually and Greg initially stemming from a protective instinct, which develops then into genuine feelings of love.
After his transition, Greg remains the insecure, awkward teenager that he was before he morphed into a mega-hunk. He develops his sense of self confidence gradually as the story progresses – as a result of his actions, not as a result of his super good looks. So even though descriptive emphasis is placed on the transition from average to perfection, the main characters themselves don’t place any value on looks, but rather value character.
I asked myself at first if there was really any need to have the main characters physically change. Wouldn’t the story be better served if they just changed mentally? But after finishing the book, I really like the contrast between this superficial physical change, which Sam and Greg disregard almost entirely, and their genuine inner growth, which comes independent of their outward beauty.
Unanswered Questions
There are many questions left unanswered. I wonder what the story behind little Jacob and his dad is -- Jacob's dad seems to belong to a non-human race, hence his comment about sapiens' treatment of trees.
What's the deal with Sam's adoptive mother, Barbara? What’s her back-story? Why did she adopt a child when she clearly didn’t want to be a mother? Does she know that Sam is something special?
And what drives Danata? She sabotages her son’s attempt at happiness by trying to kill his integral, and eventually she destroys him -- but I can't figure out why. Danata's a singular, so she can't understand the pain she'd be causing her son by killing his integral... or... maybe she wants him to go mad like his uncle so that she can keep the reigns of power. It doesn't make much sense since her son is set to be her heir. Maybe she's worried he will challenge her power sooner than later. Danata’s been keeping her son from learning anything about the government or the decision making process. Why?
And, finally, like Sam, I wonder if Roanna and Bernard are Sam's real parents. Sam looks like Roanna, so... I guess I’ll just have to wait for the next installment, Ripper, to find out.
TJ's Time Travel Tips:
https://tjtimetraveltips.wordpress.co...
September 25, 2017
This is an extremely enjoyable novel, combining the universal themes of teenagers finding love and their place in the world, non-humans, immutable rules, and the roles that parents play.
The non-humans are a new breed – Morphids. Morphids start life looking like ordinary, unremarkable humans – then, at around 18, they morph into absolutely stunning physical specimens, with little resemblance to their former plain selves (didn’t we all wish this would happen!). Each adult Morphid has a tattoo defining their place in the world, and what they are fated to become. No choice, no bargaining, just immutable fate. That is the downside. All your previous dreams are ejected out the window. That is, of course, if you didn’t know you were Morphid, and had dreams and plans – like Sam. Morphids, who grow up as Morphids-in-waiting know the drill, and are much more accepting – like Ashby and Greg.
Sam is an ordinary, slightly chubby American girl, that few people would look at twice. She feels unloved by her aloof parents, and loathes them in return. She cannot wait to turn 18, leave school and home, and become a chef. Then, she meets not one, but two, drop-dead gorgeous (or “sugar coma of the eye” as her friend Brooke puts it) boys in a week. Both of whom, inexplicably, show more than a passing interest in her. Her life changes completely – and she is unsure that she is happy about it.
Greg comes from a very happy, loving and close family, and it shows in his demeanour. Sam’s family is dysfunctional, and her mother downright nasty. Because of this, she finds it difficult to get close to anyone. Ashby’s mother, Danata, goes way beyond nasty. As Morphid Regent, she rules as a dictator, and allows no challenge to her power. Ashby will inherit the crown after her, and already expects to have all his wishes fulfilled. He bosses his friend, Perry (a trainee sorcerer), around remorselessly, and expects Sam to immediately fall in with his desires. Unlike his mother, though, Ashby does care about the welfare of others, and has a conscience.
Whether Morphids will form a pair or not is determined by caste and by fate. Morphids fall into two categories: Singulars, who are destined to never pair; and Companions, who are inexorably drawn to their life-partner. At the start, Ashby knows he is a Companion, but Sam and Greg have yet to find out.
Keeper poses several questions: Is free will a benefit, or a curse? Can it be true love if you have no choice, if you are simply fated to be together? If your heart pulls you in a different direction to your Morphid destiny, can you fight it? Should you? Are Morphid rules set in stone, or just millennia-old tradition? What makes Greg’s parents so great, and Sam and Ashby’s mothers so appalling?
This book not only has a great thought-provoking story line, a fascinating new species in the Morphids, and wonderful characterisation, but the prose is very well written, and witty. When I read Greg’s mother’s reaction to her son’s metamorphosis, I knew I was in for a treat: ““Oh my,” she said, kneeling in front of his blurry eyes. “Greg, honey? Aw, poor baby.” Poor baby?! He was disintegrating on the floor and all she could come up with was “poor baby”?”. What teenager has not felt that their pain is unappreciated by their parents?
I loved everything about this book, and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The non-humans are a new breed – Morphids. Morphids start life looking like ordinary, unremarkable humans – then, at around 18, they morph into absolutely stunning physical specimens, with little resemblance to their former plain selves (didn’t we all wish this would happen!). Each adult Morphid has a tattoo defining their place in the world, and what they are fated to become. No choice, no bargaining, just immutable fate. That is the downside. All your previous dreams are ejected out the window. That is, of course, if you didn’t know you were Morphid, and had dreams and plans – like Sam. Morphids, who grow up as Morphids-in-waiting know the drill, and are much more accepting – like Ashby and Greg.
Sam is an ordinary, slightly chubby American girl, that few people would look at twice. She feels unloved by her aloof parents, and loathes them in return. She cannot wait to turn 18, leave school and home, and become a chef. Then, she meets not one, but two, drop-dead gorgeous (or “sugar coma of the eye” as her friend Brooke puts it) boys in a week. Both of whom, inexplicably, show more than a passing interest in her. Her life changes completely – and she is unsure that she is happy about it.
Greg comes from a very happy, loving and close family, and it shows in his demeanour. Sam’s family is dysfunctional, and her mother downright nasty. Because of this, she finds it difficult to get close to anyone. Ashby’s mother, Danata, goes way beyond nasty. As Morphid Regent, she rules as a dictator, and allows no challenge to her power. Ashby will inherit the crown after her, and already expects to have all his wishes fulfilled. He bosses his friend, Perry (a trainee sorcerer), around remorselessly, and expects Sam to immediately fall in with his desires. Unlike his mother, though, Ashby does care about the welfare of others, and has a conscience.
Whether Morphids will form a pair or not is determined by caste and by fate. Morphids fall into two categories: Singulars, who are destined to never pair; and Companions, who are inexorably drawn to their life-partner. At the start, Ashby knows he is a Companion, but Sam and Greg have yet to find out.
Keeper poses several questions: Is free will a benefit, or a curse? Can it be true love if you have no choice, if you are simply fated to be together? If your heart pulls you in a different direction to your Morphid destiny, can you fight it? Should you? Are Morphid rules set in stone, or just millennia-old tradition? What makes Greg’s parents so great, and Sam and Ashby’s mothers so appalling?
This book not only has a great thought-provoking story line, a fascinating new species in the Morphids, and wonderful characterisation, but the prose is very well written, and witty. When I read Greg’s mother’s reaction to her son’s metamorphosis, I knew I was in for a treat: ““Oh my,” she said, kneeling in front of his blurry eyes. “Greg, honey? Aw, poor baby.” Poor baby?! He was disintegrating on the floor and all she could come up with was “poor baby”?”. What teenager has not felt that their pain is unappreciated by their parents?
I loved everything about this book, and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2016
I received a copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Actual Rating: 3.5
I enjoyed the book. The characters were great. The journeys of the characters were great as well. I loved Greg. I found him funny and endearing. I felt bad for Sam especially when . Ashby is the bad boy of the story. He is Mr. Irresistible. I found him mysterious and interesting. Can't wait to see what happens in the next installment. Overall, a great read.
Actual Rating: 3.5
I enjoyed the book. The characters were great. The journeys of the characters were great as well. I loved Greg. I found him funny and endearing. I felt bad for Sam especially when . Ashby is the bad boy of the story. He is Mr. Irresistible. I found him mysterious and interesting. Can't wait to see what happens in the next installment. Overall, a great read.
July 23, 2014
If I had to review this book in just a couple of words, these are the words I would use to describe it, captivating, well developed and completely unique.
I was immediately drawn right into the story and into Greg, Sam and Ashby's story. I was fascinated with the morphism and what it all meant.
The author managed to give us just enough detail to explain what was happening without so much info that we felt overloaded or overwhelmed.
I loved Sam, Greg, and Ashby from the get go and felt invested in their outcome and happiness. I wanted the very best for all of them but just knew that probably wouldn't be possibly with the way the storyline was headed.
I know this was originally released as a serial novel but I am so very glad that I had all four volumes before starting it as I can see how each one ended in a cliffhanger and I just know I would have been on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment to be released, this really was that good.
My only real complaint was the world building, I just felt like there could have been just a little bit more explanation about where it all started and how it all came about but other than that I really was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. The ending took me by surprise and I am still not sure what to make of it all, I definitely wasn't ready for it to be over.
I was immediately drawn right into the story and into Greg, Sam and Ashby's story. I was fascinated with the morphism and what it all meant.
The author managed to give us just enough detail to explain what was happening without so much info that we felt overloaded or overwhelmed.
I loved Sam, Greg, and Ashby from the get go and felt invested in their outcome and happiness. I wanted the very best for all of them but just knew that probably wouldn't be possibly with the way the storyline was headed.
I know this was originally released as a serial novel but I am so very glad that I had all four volumes before starting it as I can see how each one ended in a cliffhanger and I just know I would have been on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment to be released, this really was that good.
My only real complaint was the world building, I just felt like there could have been just a little bit more explanation about where it all started and how it all came about but other than that I really was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. The ending took me by surprise and I am still not sure what to make of it all, I definitely wasn't ready for it to be over.
December 7, 2018
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Ingrid Seymour.)
Love, love, loved it!!!!
Keeper had me intrigued right from the first chapter, it's one of those books that you start reading and can't put down.
I am dying to read what is next for Sam and Greg.
Love, love, loved it!!!!
Keeper had me intrigued right from the first chapter, it's one of those books that you start reading and can't put down.
I am dying to read what is next for Sam and Greg.
October 8, 2019
I enjoyed the story. It was very interesting and I enjoyed how it had some similarities to The Mortal Instruments books.
My heart ached for Samantha for how she was treated by her mother. She is really a great character. I also liked Greg. There was some unanswered questions which of course you gotta keep reading to find out in the next installment. I really enjoyed this YA PNR.
Audio: 1 star
The narrator was awful. I would highly recommend getting another narrator. I had to speed up the narration to get by to listen to the story.
My heart ached for Samantha for how she was treated by her mother. She is really a great character. I also liked Greg. There was some unanswered questions which of course you gotta keep reading to find out in the next installment. I really enjoyed this YA PNR.
Audio: 1 star
The narrator was awful. I would highly recommend getting another narrator. I had to speed up the narration to get by to listen to the story.
July 18, 2014
I immediately loved this book! I was pulled into a great world and the writing was exquisite! Well written and descriptive. Be prepared to stay up past your bedtime because it will refuse to let you get any sleep until it's over!
We are introduced to a race, a species of people known as the Morphids. They are among the humans and the race is about shriveled to nothing. Where fate plays a huge role, fate decides what role each will have in there society they are known as Companions, Seekers, Shifters, Sorcerers, etc. With their own mark, they will be decided of what and who they will be in their own life.
I an love the Mythology introduced in this story! I've always been intrigued by such things and was interested in how the characters lives would play out, along Working around the twists and turns I have to say this was a fantastic read for me!
We are introduced to a race, a species of people known as the Morphids. They are among the humans and the race is about shriveled to nothing. Where fate plays a huge role, fate decides what role each will have in there society they are known as Companions, Seekers, Shifters, Sorcerers, etc. With their own mark, they will be decided of what and who they will be in their own life.
I an love the Mythology introduced in this story! I've always been intrigued by such things and was interested in how the characters lives would play out, along Working around the twists and turns I have to say this was a fantastic read for me!
January 28, 2024
This book was amazing!!! I received this book as a goodreads giveaway advanced copy a while back and wasn't able to read it until now. I'm hooked! Hoping the next installment will be out soon since there's no release date yet and it's been a while since the first book came out. I will definitely be recommending this to anyone who asks for a good book to read.
What I liked about this book is that it's a distopian YA but it's got Romance, drama, science fiction, and fantasy all combined into one. The characters have flaws, but you still like them. And what a twist at the end!
What I liked about this book is that it's a distopian YA but it's got Romance, drama, science fiction, and fantasy all combined into one. The characters have flaws, but you still like them. And what a twist at the end!
June 22, 2016
What a great story! The characters are all likeable and were fun getting to know- even the evil ones. The story is fresh and a welcome change to a lot of books I've read in the past. With the way it ended I think we can expect a lot of action in the future. It had small conflicts that made you think - the main one being free will. Very well written. I started it last night and finished it today. There is also a sneak peak to the next book included. I like the concept of the story very much.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 115 reviews