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The Legend of the Lightkeepers #1
Meg Mitchell & The Secret of the Journal
Stories never end. They just get bigger.
You only have to turn the page.
Meg Mitchell lives in a castle, but she’s no wilting princess. Raised in an alien world by adoptive parents, she spends her time fighting Centaurs, training as an Andai warrior, and chilling in her favorite willow tree.
But when Meg uncovers her birth father’s journal, she discovers a cousin she didn’t know existed. Meg and her little brother and sister travel through an interdimensional rip to San Francisco to search for their cousin, setting off a chain of events no one could have foreseen.
When her sister is kidnapped, Meg enlists the help of teenage detective Barb Taylor and her genius little brother Jim. Following clues dropped by a mysterious benefactor, they embark on a cross-country adventure to rescue her sister and find Meg’s cousin.
Family is everything to Meg, but not all is as it seems. In her quest to reunite her family, she may lose more than she ever imagined.
You only have to turn the page.
Meg Mitchell lives in a castle, but she’s no wilting princess. Raised in an alien world by adoptive parents, she spends her time fighting Centaurs, training as an Andai warrior, and chilling in her favorite willow tree.
But when Meg uncovers her birth father’s journal, she discovers a cousin she didn’t know existed. Meg and her little brother and sister travel through an interdimensional rip to San Francisco to search for their cousin, setting off a chain of events no one could have foreseen.
When her sister is kidnapped, Meg enlists the help of teenage detective Barb Taylor and her genius little brother Jim. Following clues dropped by a mysterious benefactor, they embark on a cross-country adventure to rescue her sister and find Meg’s cousin.
Family is everything to Meg, but not all is as it seems. In her quest to reunite her family, she may lose more than she ever imagined.
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Published March 29, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 8, 2020
FAN-MADE BOOK TRAILER HERE: https://youtu.be/LaLhJf0ofCk
This was an interesting read and different than what I originally expected. For one, I was not prepared for the quotes from a family member at the beginning of each chapter. That was by far one of my favorite parts of this book. Definitely a cool feature!
I was also unprepared for how deep the love of family would run as a theme, though I really loved it. Made this book special and made a powerful message of caring for those we love, whether through adoption or biologically.
I felt a few spots were a little slow, but WOW! When you get to the action, it really takes off! Sometimes literally! Having the different fighting styles shown and mentioned was really cool too (even if I didn't know even half of them).
Overall, this was a good read. I'm curious to see where things go next, and I'm especially glad that Barb and Jim will be involved. Plus, sounds like a new bad guy is somewhere out there that is wanting to be properly introduced.
Recommended to those who like kick-butt heroines and a unique fantasy world mixed in with our own. (And fox people. *winks*)
This was an interesting read and different than what I originally expected. For one, I was not prepared for the quotes from a family member at the beginning of each chapter. That was by far one of my favorite parts of this book. Definitely a cool feature!
I was also unprepared for how deep the love of family would run as a theme, though I really loved it. Made this book special and made a powerful message of caring for those we love, whether through adoption or biologically.
I felt a few spots were a little slow, but WOW! When you get to the action, it really takes off! Sometimes literally! Having the different fighting styles shown and mentioned was really cool too (even if I didn't know even half of them).
Overall, this was a good read. I'm curious to see where things go next, and I'm especially glad that Barb and Jim will be involved. Plus, sounds like a new bad guy is somewhere out there that is wanting to be properly introduced.
Recommended to those who like kick-butt heroines and a unique fantasy world mixed in with our own. (And fox people. *winks*)
October 27, 2017
This was an interesting read and different than what I originally expected. For one, I was not prepared for the quotes from a family member at the beginning of each chapter. That was by far one of my favorite parts of this book. Definitely a cool feature!
I was also unprepared for how deep the love of family would run as a theme, though I really loved it. Made this book special and made a powerful message of caring for those we love, whether through adoption or biologically.
I felt a few spots were a little slow, but WOW! When you get to the action, it really takes off! Sometimes literally! Having the different fighting styles shown and mentioned was really cool too (even if I didn't know even half of them).
Overall, this was a good read. I'm curious to see where things go next, and I'm especially glad that Barb and Jim will be involved. Plus, sounds like a new bad guy is somewhere out there that is wanting to be properly introduced.
Recommended to those who like kick-butt heroines and a unique fantasy world mixed in with our own. (And fox people. *winks*)
I was also unprepared for how deep the love of family would run as a theme, though I really loved it. Made this book special and made a powerful message of caring for those we love, whether through adoption or biologically.
I felt a few spots were a little slow, but WOW! When you get to the action, it really takes off! Sometimes literally! Having the different fighting styles shown and mentioned was really cool too (even if I didn't know even half of them).
Overall, this was a good read. I'm curious to see where things go next, and I'm especially glad that Barb and Jim will be involved. Plus, sounds like a new bad guy is somewhere out there that is wanting to be properly introduced.
Recommended to those who like kick-butt heroines and a unique fantasy world mixed in with our own. (And fox people. *winks*)
July 13, 2020
This book was not exactly what I was expecting. Having already read Ronnie Akkard and The Brotherhood of Blades and its prequel, Stan Hawthorne and The Broken Sword, I was expecting something more like those.
Boy was I wrong.
I really enjoyed this book. All its characters and settings. It was really amazing. I thought for sure I would be disappointed by the plot structure, as I was (mildly) with other A.C. Williams books. But this one was different. Instead of having the epic climax at the end, like most everyone does now days, the epic climax was in the middle and it ended with an interesting anti-climax, so to speak. I've never seen that done before, and it really made the book for me.
I'll definitely be picking up the sequel when it comes out (hopefully) this fall.
Boy was I wrong.
I really enjoyed this book. All its characters and settings. It was really amazing. I thought for sure I would be disappointed by the plot structure, as I was (mildly) with other A.C. Williams books. But this one was different. Instead of having the epic climax at the end, like most everyone does now days, the epic climax was in the middle and it ended with an interesting anti-climax, so to speak. I've never seen that done before, and it really made the book for me.
I'll definitely be picking up the sequel when it comes out (hopefully) this fall.
November 22, 2017
I’m always looking for a fun young adult novel to enjoy. Meg Mitchell & the Secret of the Journals by Kimberly McNeil is a fantastic Christian Fiction novel that I enjoyed. It started off very slow so I had trouble getting hooked in the beginning, but it had a lot of explaining to do. The author has non-stop action that makes the read enjoyable and fun. I would probably recommend this for older kids because there is quite a bit of violence throughout the novel, but nothing too over the top.
The story is unpredictable, engaging, and leaves you wondering different things throughout. I loved how the author didn’t tell us everything at once. She made us keep guessing. I also enjoyed her worldbuilding and sense of mystery. I’m hoping that we’ll learn why the Mitchell children are so important and what really happened to their parents in later books.
Overall, I enjoyed this. I’d recommend this one.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
The story is unpredictable, engaging, and leaves you wondering different things throughout. I loved how the author didn’t tell us everything at once. She made us keep guessing. I also enjoyed her worldbuilding and sense of mystery. I’m hoping that we’ll learn why the Mitchell children are so important and what really happened to their parents in later books.
Overall, I enjoyed this. I’d recommend this one.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 24, 2025
This book is the cause of my obsession. Thanks a lot for reminding me how awesome Ronnie Akkard is.
I read this book after the three Reishosan books that are currently available (Stan Hawthorne, Ronnie Akkard, Karl Goodson), so I thought my opinion of this book would be a bit skewed because of my love for those five sweet little babies, and I wouldn't love it as much. And it while it definitely wasn't as funny, the plot and mysterious journey were completely worth it.
But, I still legitimately loved this book and all the new characters. (Plus Ronnie's involvement really helped me ease into the new world)
I really loved the worldbuilding in Andaria, it definitely reminded me of Star Wars with the Josharons and the energy sabers. And the plot, with the missing cousin, Phoenix Munroe, and the Texas drug ring kept me on my toes and guessing.
The action scenes were awesome. They mentioned a lot of different martial arts styles that I didn't really understand, so now I want to look into them and their differences.
Jim Taylor is probably my favorite character in this series, but I also really loved Barb, Meg and Danny. The relationships between the characters were sweet and funny. The scenes with Ronnie were amazing as usual, I am officially in love with him.
I am super excited to read the rest of this jaw-dropping series!!!
I read this book after the three Reishosan books that are currently available (Stan Hawthorne, Ronnie Akkard, Karl Goodson), so I thought my opinion of this book would be a bit skewed because of my love for those five sweet little babies, and I wouldn't love it as much. And it while it definitely wasn't as funny, the plot and mysterious journey were completely worth it.
But, I still legitimately loved this book and all the new characters. (Plus Ronnie's involvement really helped me ease into the new world)
I really loved the worldbuilding in Andaria, it definitely reminded me of Star Wars with the Josharons and the energy sabers. And the plot, with the missing cousin, Phoenix Munroe, and the Texas drug ring kept me on my toes and guessing.
The action scenes were awesome. They mentioned a lot of different martial arts styles that I didn't really understand, so now I want to look into them and their differences.
Jim Taylor is probably my favorite character in this series, but I also really loved Barb, Meg and Danny. The relationships between the characters were sweet and funny. The scenes with Ronnie were amazing as usual, I am officially in love with him.
I am super excited to read the rest of this jaw-dropping series!!!
March 11, 2018
This was a fun ride! I credit it with lots of lost sleep due to reading in bed. I couldn't put it down!
I had this book on my Kindle for awhile--at least a year--and decided to read it. I regret waiting so long to pick it up.
I think one of this book's biggest strengths was how Christian values were just a part of the fabric of the story, instead of being delivered through a lot of moralizing or lecturing the audience, as too many Christian stories do. This is the way it should be done. It lets readers bond with the characters and know God "by the way we love each other." I really appreciate that as a Christian author myself. I look forward to reading more!
I had this book on my Kindle for awhile--at least a year--and decided to read it. I regret waiting so long to pick it up.
I think one of this book's biggest strengths was how Christian values were just a part of the fabric of the story, instead of being delivered through a lot of moralizing or lecturing the audience, as too many Christian stories do. This is the way it should be done. It lets readers bond with the characters and know God "by the way we love each other." I really appreciate that as a Christian author myself. I look forward to reading more!
November 7, 2018
1 star
Story has potential for more but it's incomplete. Blatantly and intentionally incomplete. Not a matter of me being pickier than the average reader, but an intentional non-ending. Additionally annoyed by other things, like the Centaur energy "canon" when the Centaurs were not singing or citing law or being clergy.
Story has potential for more but it's incomplete. Blatantly and intentionally incomplete. Not a matter of me being pickier than the average reader, but an intentional non-ending. Additionally annoyed by other things, like the Centaur energy "canon" when the Centaurs were not singing or citing law or being clergy.
February 5, 2019
Solid read with fun characters, an intriguing plot, and the promise of sequels! Started off a bit slow (despite the fact that the first chapter drops you right in the middle of the action), but the set-up is worth it. I loved the characters (esp. Jim and Jenny) and all the twists and turns they had to traverse. Definitely looking forward to sequels!
November 4, 2018
Page turning, edge of your seat read
Humor and intrigue grab the reader from the first. Fantasy, sci-fi, and real-life blend to form an excellent story. Some telling vs showing breaks up some scenes, but not enough for me to stop reading. Definitely grabbing book 2.
Humor and intrigue grab the reader from the first. Fantasy, sci-fi, and real-life blend to form an excellent story. Some telling vs showing breaks up some scenes, but not enough for me to stop reading. Definitely grabbing book 2.
March 25, 2017
Great read! I suggest for readers age 16 and older, though
Well written, great characters, awesome action. plus good fun and plenty of moral values message for both juveniles and adults.
Well written, great characters, awesome action. plus good fun and plenty of moral values message for both juveniles and adults.
November 8, 2017
This book started out a little slow for me. I was kind of confused. There was a lot going on. Castles, centaurs, energy swords, trains, inter-dimensional portals, talking foxes...
But I kept pushing because I trust the author and I knew it would pick up. And it pretty much took off at the speed of light. I read probably 70% of it in one sitting and stayed up really late to finish.
Meg protects her family and she'll do anything to keep them safe. She was very down to earth and real. Danny, her younger brother is hilarious and I relate to his constant need for eating and snacking perhaps a bit too much. Jenny is a big sweetheart and I loved her unwavering faith in her family and especially in Meg.
Ronnie = <3. His way of talking was a bit hard to get used to at first, but he really grew on me. Also, I have been promised Samurai and I need more about him please. Barb and Jim were great. Jim was adorably awkward and actually almost got eaten by his coat at one point... :)
So I went into this story thinking it was going to be a fairly standard "find the missing parents/family" quest, but it quickly morphed into something more elaborate and crazy, and I loved it! And nothing really got wrapped up! Some things did, but there are waay too many mysteries left out there. And of course the ending. :o
Each chapter from the Mitchell's POV has quote from their dad, and it added a really neat personal touch. Some of my favorite quotes are from the chapter headings.
I highly recommend this book. The plot is twisty and turny and the characters are all relateable and real. There's some awesome fantasy/sci-fi going on, smashed together with an epic adventure in modern day San Francisco and Texas. (ALSO! When they go to Texas, they go to Odessa which is basically my hometown! So it was super fun to see west Texas highlighted in an accurate manner, and the Odessa jackrabbits. lol!) It's all about family and doing whatever it takes to protect each other, even when someone's not blood related, and that's my favorite kind of story.
So go read this book. The only thing you will probably regret is staying up super late like I did. I really enjoyed it, and I know I for sure would have loved it as a teenager. And I have many questions, so I can't wait for A. the Samurai story I know is coming, and B. the next book in the series. :)
But I kept pushing because I trust the author and I knew it would pick up. And it pretty much took off at the speed of light. I read probably 70% of it in one sitting and stayed up really late to finish.
Meg protects her family and she'll do anything to keep them safe. She was very down to earth and real. Danny, her younger brother is hilarious and I relate to his constant need for eating and snacking perhaps a bit too much. Jenny is a big sweetheart and I loved her unwavering faith in her family and especially in Meg.
Ronnie = <3. His way of talking was a bit hard to get used to at first, but he really grew on me. Also, I have been promised Samurai and I need more about him please. Barb and Jim were great. Jim was adorably awkward and actually almost got eaten by his coat at one point... :)
So I went into this story thinking it was going to be a fairly standard "find the missing parents/family" quest, but it quickly morphed into something more elaborate and crazy, and I loved it! And nothing really got wrapped up! Some things did, but there are waay too many mysteries left out there. And of course the ending. :o
Each chapter from the Mitchell's POV has quote from their dad, and it added a really neat personal touch. Some of my favorite quotes are from the chapter headings.
I highly recommend this book. The plot is twisty and turny and the characters are all relateable and real. There's some awesome fantasy/sci-fi going on, smashed together with an epic adventure in modern day San Francisco and Texas. (ALSO! When they go to Texas, they go to Odessa which is basically my hometown! So it was super fun to see west Texas highlighted in an accurate manner, and the Odessa jackrabbits. lol!) It's all about family and doing whatever it takes to protect each other, even when someone's not blood related, and that's my favorite kind of story.
So go read this book. The only thing you will probably regret is staying up super late like I did. I really enjoyed it, and I know I for sure would have loved it as a teenager. And I have many questions, so I can't wait for A. the Samurai story I know is coming, and B. the next book in the series. :)
October 30, 2017
Meg Mitchell and the Secret of the Journal by: Kimberly McNeal, is the first book in what is sure to be an epic YA fantasy series.
If you were a child growing up in the nineties then you knew that the best TV shows aired before the crack or dawn on Saturday mornings. This novel reads like a love letter to those marvels of storytelling.
First we have the young heroes: Meg, Danny, and their little sister Jenny. These three are from a wonder-filled fantasy land on the other side of an inter-dimensional rip. But they may have family here in our world. Once on this side of the rip they quickly find trouble in the form of a super criminal named Phoenix Munroe, who likes to leave clues for two teenage detectives named Barb and Jim. Where in the world could that have come from. ;-D
In addition there may be vigilante samurai, secret assassin training, and mysterious Jedi storytellers.
The Legend of the Lightkeepers promises to be an enjoyable series with witty and complex characters. Not just a novel for children but for anyone who remembers getting up at six am on Saturdays just to see stories that your parents promised would rot your mind. They did anything but right?
If Meg Mitchell was a cartoon, I would totally get up at six am on a Saturday just to see what happens next.
If you were a child growing up in the nineties then you knew that the best TV shows aired before the crack or dawn on Saturday mornings. This novel reads like a love letter to those marvels of storytelling.
First we have the young heroes: Meg, Danny, and their little sister Jenny. These three are from a wonder-filled fantasy land on the other side of an inter-dimensional rip. But they may have family here in our world. Once on this side of the rip they quickly find trouble in the form of a super criminal named Phoenix Munroe, who likes to leave clues for two teenage detectives named Barb and Jim. Where in the world could that have come from. ;-D
In addition there may be vigilante samurai, secret assassin training, and mysterious Jedi storytellers.
The Legend of the Lightkeepers promises to be an enjoyable series with witty and complex characters. Not just a novel for children but for anyone who remembers getting up at six am on Saturdays just to see stories that your parents promised would rot your mind. They did anything but right?
If Meg Mitchell was a cartoon, I would totally get up at six am on a Saturday just to see what happens next.
June 4, 2017
I love this book!
The characters are so vivid, susceptible, and real, I found myself feeling as if they were my best friends.
The book has a stupendous plot line, with tons of epic action, clever fight scenes, and witty lines.
It's gritty, but the author did an outstanding job of being realistic (not veiling the fact that there is depravity in the world) without glorifying the wrongs.
The thrill, the mystery, and the endearing characters have worked together to make this book one of my favorites ever.
The characters are so vivid, susceptible, and real, I found myself feeling as if they were my best friends.
The book has a stupendous plot line, with tons of epic action, clever fight scenes, and witty lines.
It's gritty, but the author did an outstanding job of being realistic (not veiling the fact that there is depravity in the world) without glorifying the wrongs.
The thrill, the mystery, and the endearing characters have worked together to make this book one of my favorites ever.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews