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The Landkist Saga
First Keeper
First Keeper tells the story of the first Ember of the northern sands, and the nightmarish scenario that led to his awakening.
The legend is told in the form of a framed narrative, with the telling of the tale doubling as a prequel that takes place roughly 15 years before the start of The Landkist Saga, and features cameos by many of the main characters whose trials are chronicled beginning with Emberblade.
The legend is told in the form of a framed narrative, with the telling of the tale doubling as a prequel that takes place roughly 15 years before the start of The Landkist Saga, and features cameos by many of the main characters whose trials are chronicled beginning with Emberblade.
- GenresFantasy
46 pages, ebook
First published September 13, 2017
About the author
Steven Kelliher
15 books198 followersSteven is a fighter-turned-writer who resides in the Boston area. A former sports and entertainment writer, he now focuses exclusively on his true passion: epic action fantasy and sci-fi. He wishes all disputes were still settled with a friendly game of hand-to-hand combat, is a fan of awesome things, and tries to write books he’d want to read.
He hopes you like them.
He hopes you like them.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 24, 2017
Lyrical, atmospheric, frightening and fascinating! A fantastic introduction to the characters and world of Kelliher's The Landkist Saga, as well as a taste of the author's lyrical and fascinating writing style. I loved the first book in the series, Valley of Embers, and this tickled me to no end. First Keeper is a prequel of sorts, though I'm convinced it will appeal to fans of Kelliher's work as well as newbies to his world.
September 14, 2017
A powerful and exciting tale of the origins of the Embers for Landkist fans and new readers alike. Wonderful read; highly recommended!
September 18, 2017
I've not read the main series yet, so likely missed the relevance of the characters mentioned in this, but it didn't stop me from enjoying and being sucked into this vivid world Steven has created.
I wanted to read the main series anyway, but this has cemented that want, that need. Dark and cinematic, grand in scale (in feeling and emotion, rather than geographically) despite being a short, this story, this world, feels like a true legend. A legend and an epic fantasy in the truest sense. Five easy stars - the prose are fantastic.
I wanted to read the main series anyway, but this has cemented that want, that need. Dark and cinematic, grand in scale (in feeling and emotion, rather than geographically) despite being a short, this story, this world, feels like a true legend. A legend and an epic fantasy in the truest sense. Five easy stars - the prose are fantastic.
Want to Read
September 14, 2017The first of many planned short stories meant to illuminate aspects of Landkist lore alluded to in the main series. Enjoy!
May 19, 2018
Great introduction to the world and characters of the Landkist series!
September 20, 2017
First Keeper by Steven Kelliher is a short story, only 33 pages long by my Kindle’s count. I have not yet read the Landkist Saga (beginning with Valley of Embers) but I’ll begin this review by stating that this little tease of a tale makes me look forward to diving in to the rest of Kelliher’s work.
The writing has an evocative style, some lines and paragraphs almost carrying a touch of something poetic about them. We’re introduced to Ninyeva, who in turn introduces us to the story of the first Ember by way of a tale told by the fireside.
Keliher’s way with prose might not be for everyone, but I found it to be rich and beautifully detailed right where it needed to be, and the scene of the “birth” of the first Ember is a skillfully wrought thing, one that still sticks in my head several days later.
The writing has an evocative style, some lines and paragraphs almost carrying a touch of something poetic about them. We’re introduced to Ninyeva, who in turn introduces us to the story of the first Ember by way of a tale told by the fireside.
Keliher’s way with prose might not be for everyone, but I found it to be rich and beautifully detailed right where it needed to be, and the scene of the “birth” of the first Ember is a skillfully wrought thing, one that still sticks in my head several days later.
May 28, 2018
Okay, so I like what I've read (listened, actually) of the author so far, having come across a couple of his short stories on Audfans.com (I'm not affiliated, if anyone's wondering), and this one was no different.
The quality of the writing was obvious, as the author chronicles some of the events that lead to his Landkist Saga. It's a good story, and I don't believe you need to be up to speed on Landkist (I'm not), and it serves as a nice introduction for us Landkist virgins.
HOWEVER (sorry for yelling), the audio version is a bit weird. Whatever way the narrator is reading it (he has a nice voice) sounds like he's reading the events leading up to a new series of Ninjago or some other epicy (it's a word) cartoon. Maybe that was the plan. If so, he did a fine job, it just sounded a bit silly to me. I am old and dull though. And also well versed in Ninjago courtesy of my two kids.
The quality of the writing was obvious, as the author chronicles some of the events that lead to his Landkist Saga. It's a good story, and I don't believe you need to be up to speed on Landkist (I'm not), and it serves as a nice introduction for us Landkist virgins.
HOWEVER (sorry for yelling), the audio version is a bit weird. Whatever way the narrator is reading it (he has a nice voice) sounds like he's reading the events leading up to a new series of Ninjago or some other epicy (it's a word) cartoon. Maybe that was the plan. If so, he did a fine job, it just sounded a bit silly to me. I am old and dull though. And also well versed in Ninjago courtesy of my two kids.
March 2, 2020
This short story introduction to the Landkist Saga truly is a "First Keeper." Through writing reminiscent of Patrick Rothfuss, at times both poetic and cryptic, we meet "Mother." Almost 100 years old Enya was a master storyteller and the author uses a story night around the fireplace and a room filled with the villages children to foreshadow some foreshadowing. Through magic powders and abilities inherited she weaves a magical tale of her peoples history and we are given a really cool origin story of Landkist. At just 34 pages long, it's over before you know it and feels more like an extended prologue to a world of enchantment and wonder. I really like this current trend of authors giving away free books to get you hooked on the bigger series already written, but this one somehow did it's job in a somehow different way than some of the others I have read. I can't wait to dive in to the next chapter Valley of Embers.
September 28, 2017
Review to come
October 31, 2017
Fantastic short story that sets the stage for his Landkist series wonderfully. A haunting tale of the birth of the Embers, introducing us to many of the main players in Valley of Embers. Kelliher's storytelling seems to get stronger with each release and I'm thrilled to be along for the journey.
July 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this short prequel to what augers to be a great epic saga. In this story we get to meet the first Emberkind who still lives in the desert and who comes into the powers bestowed on him by his land. This book is opening a new world to the readers, one which looks to be very interesting and it has whet my appetite to read on further into the new saga! Well done Steven Kelliher for the magnificence of your characters and originality of their powers!
January 17, 2019
"He was young, but not so young. As such, it was expected that he keep questions to himself, or speak them into the winds so that they would be carried over the shifting sea to find answers on their own, leaving him in the gathering dust".
Just the barest taste of fascinating magic and lore, twisted up in a looming sense of doom. Will likely go on with this tale.
Just the barest taste of fascinating magic and lore, twisted up in a looming sense of doom. Will likely go on with this tale.
October 11, 2017
A 1-star review. And a DNF.
While the world building had some promise, the plot consisted largely of children sitting around a fire while an adult evaluated their magical colors. Lots of description from within the heads of the characters and not much action or character development.
While the world building had some promise, the plot consisted largely of children sitting around a fire while an adult evaluated their magical colors. Lots of description from within the heads of the characters and not much action or character development.
March 19, 2018
short but absolutely amazing, it is a great way to introduce people to the world of the landkist, showing where it all began for the embers, showing what trials they had to endure to receive the gift of the desert.
April 22, 2026
📖 Short Story Rating
• Vibe — 4⭐
• Enjoyment — 4⭐
• Clarity — 4⭐
Overall Rating: 4⭐️
• Vibe — 4⭐
• Enjoyment — 4⭐
• Clarity — 4⭐
Overall Rating: 4⭐️
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January 30, 2019A very good telling of the beginning. Of how the Embers became.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews