The Cryptid Keeper

Cryptid #2

by Lija Fisher

Clivo and the Myth Blasters are back on the trail of the immortal cryptid in this conclusion to a monstrous ly funny middle-grade duology by Lija Fisher.
Life has gotten complicated for thirteen-year-old Clivo Wren. After taking up his deceased father’s mission to find the extraordinary creature whose blood grants everlasting life, Clivo is spending his summer not at camp or hanging out with his friends, but jetting all over the world tracking cryptids―while keeping his aunt Pearl in the dark about his dangerous adventures. At the same time, a shocking development unveils the truth about Clivo’s enemies, and the cryptids themselves are posing trouble at every turn. With the help of his crew of Myth Blasters, Clivo is going to need all of the tools, gadgets, and training he has to prevent the immortal cryptid from falling into the wrong hands―and to keep Aunt Pearl off the case.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Fantasy, Cryptids

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 20, 2019

About the author

Lija Fisher is the author of funny adventure novels for kids. Her debut novel. THE CRYPTID CATCHER (Farrar, Straus & Giroux) received a starred review from Booklist and was a Junior Library Guild Selection. The sequel, THE CRYPTID KEEPER, was written while Lija was the Writer in Residence with Aspen Words and was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award in juvenile literature. Lija travels the country speaking at schools, libraries, and Bigfoot festivals where she gets kids interested in reading and science through searching for hidden animals, or cryptids, like the Loch Ness Monster. Prior to becoming an author, she trained for a while (a very short while) to be a Hollywood stunt person. She lives in Colorado near several Bigfoot sightings. Her forthcoming book is THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF THE ORDINARY BARNEY FLARFF.

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interest Level: 3-6; Reading Level: 6.8

When you are thirteen years old you should be thinking about homework and friends, right? Well not Clivo Wren! Clivo has taken over his deceased father's job of searching for the immortal cryptid. It is summer and the Myth Blasters, a group of kids who know everything there is to know about cryptids, have moved into Clivo's basement. The Myth Blasters do all of the leg work to research where the immortal might be, and Clivo sets off to find it. But something strange is going on. It seems that every cryptid Clivo finds ends up missing. Is someone following every one of Clivo's moves? Clivo, his best friend Jerry, and the Myth Blasters are trying to solve the mystery of where the cryptids are disappearing to and what they find may put all of their lives at risk. In their search Clivo also uncovers the secrets of his father's death. Will Clivo and his friends be able to find the immortal cryptid and protect it from the evil forces? Can they figure out what has been happening to all of the other cryptids? And will they all make it out alive? Don't miss the conclusion to The Cryptid Catcher!!

If you loved the beginning to this story, you will absolutely become obsessed with the end! If you thought the first one was full of action and suspense, then you better put your seat belt on for this one! It is full of twists and turns, ups and downs, and even a few of those "are you kidding me?" moments. You just can't help but fall in love with Clivo and his friends. Do not miss this one!!!

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[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike the first book, there were certainly many more cryptids and cryptids on location in this book. We got to see Clivo in action hunting the cryptids more often, however I feel like the scale of the world significantly shrunk as the chapters followed the later seasons of Game of Thrones plot teleportation rule. I didn't feel as immersed in each location as I did in the first book.

There were some interesting choices in plot like the entire section on the hunt for the aswang. A shape-shifting cryptid just seems really out of place in the established world of this book. And the all-knowing comic book oracles in Boston was also random and seemed somewhat shoehorned in. Also the 'surprise' villain of the story was predictable from the first scene this character was introduced in the first book. I also just have a hard time with just how dumb the adults are. I know, I know, it's MG, but it still just seemed over-the-top even for what it is.

Overall, while this book did fulfill the request I asked for in my review of the first book of actually including more of the monsters, it just felt way more disjointed and random with no coherent or solid underlying rules to the literary choices made.

[Serenity · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*

I really enjoyed the first book in this duology (or is it going to be a series?). It was just fun, exciting, and had interesting creatures and characters. This book did not click as well for me. Something about the writing seemed a bit off, maybe a little jumpy? With a fantasy like this you have to have a certain suspension of disbelief, obviously, but something about this one just seemed to strain that too much. The adventures and characters were still there, though, and I think readers will enjoy it.

I do have to add that I am a little hesitant to add this to my library, not because of content, per se, but because there is a brief reference to the thunderbird, and a "sacred Native American dance" or something to that effect, that really seemed questionable. It could be that there are other cultural references in this book that I did not notice, but that one in particular is bothersome because it seems, just a bit, to be cultural appropriation. I am wary of books that reference "Native American" (it wasn't even specific about the tribe) without a definition connection to the author.

[The Keepers of the Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

When his father is killed by a rival cryptid hunter, Clivo takes up her father’s search, with the help of curmudgeon, Douglas Chaucery. When the cryptids Clivo tested disappear, Clivo and the Blasters are drawn to a satellite at the Seti-Like Institute. There, Clivo’s dad’s friend works to find the missing beasts. Wny were the members of the group brought together? Why was Clivo’s father really killed? Will they succeed in finding the missing cryptids? Engaging and full of twists and turns, the plot is well-developed. The characters are intriguing and add to the mystery. Readers who enjoy mystery, fantasy, and adventure will enjoy reading this book.

Please Note: A copy of this books was given to us in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No financial compensation was received.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cryptid Keeper, sequel to The Cryptid Catcher, is a fun, fast-paced adventure that kids will love! With an Indiana Jones-meets-CSI vibe, a group of young teens take on the “evil resistance,” whose goal is to find the Immortal cryptid and use its blood for nefarious purposes. The message of responsibility to all of earth’s creatures (and beyond) will resonate with young readers, and they will love the antics of the MythBlasters, Jerry, and the amazing cryptids themselves.
I could not put this book down until I found out the mystery of the Immortal - and I loved the ending!
Congrats to Lija Fisher for creating another story that is entertaining and thought-provoking at the same time!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this middle school series about a group of teens working together to protect mythical creatures from adults who want to Weaponized their abilities. It’s very entertaining, as heart, and is a quick and fun read. I’m not sure if the second book is the end of the current series, or the jumping off point of a new series but I’m definitely keeping my eyes out for more novels by this newer author

[Erin Varley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished The Cryptid Keeper by @LijaFisher ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Please tell me there’s another Clivo adventure! This is such a fun, fast-paced adventure story with layers of family and friendship built in. It will most assuredly have a home in my classroom library. I read an ARC sent to #bookexpedition by Lija and was so glad to be back in Click’s world.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This didn't flow as well for me as the first one did. It also didn't hold my attention as well. It was still a good story and I think the target audience will enjoy reading more about Clivo and the Blasters.

[Tod Guilford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun cryptid adventure with plenty of surprises! I can wait for the next adventure with Clivo and the Blasters.

[Fleur Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the series, and just as delightful as the first. I love the sense of humor, wonder, and adventure in this MG series.

Recommended for the adventurous MG reader in your life!

[Carol Stirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good I hope Lija Fisher writes more good book soon

[Jo Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed reading this book as well as the Crytid Catcher along with my grandson. We read a few chapters every day then discussed it, which made it even more fun to read these books!

[Nicole Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining sequel

The second book in The Cryptid Duology was as much fun as the first. I’m really hoping the author decides to continue the series, as I’m curious to keep up with Clivo and gang.

[Michelle Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can enjoy a good fiction book even if its target audience is 13 yr olds! This book is every bit as good as the prequel (The Cryptid Catcher); it's a quick read high on adventure, full of great characters and I was sorry for it to end. The teen characters are true to life, right down to needing to be reminded to do their dishes. While I didn't pick out a favorite quote, I especially enjoy when the friends make mistakes and apologize - there is a beautifully honest quality about their arguments, doing the wrong thing, and then apologizing and making amends. Good role models in the book and lots of good clean adventure scenes.

[Dawn Graziano · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandsons loved this book! It was well written with likeable characters. For any middle school age child with an interest in adventure and legendary creatures (such as Big Foot or the Loch Ness Monster) Lija Fisher’s Cryptid Duology is for you!