They have won the battle, but can they win the war?
Stellan, Jytte, Third, and Froya have accomplished great feats for such young bears. They have traveled far from the icy biome they were born in, and after tireless searching they have found the lush, green forests that are home to their mentor, Svern, who is also Stellan and Jytte’s father. Svern is a rebel bear who has tried, in the past, to defeat the Grand Patek, a merciless bear that uses the Ice Clock as a facade for his tyranny. The bears’ findings and contributions have weakened the Grand Patek’s power, but he is still a looming threat. With Svern’s help, the bears have taken the key of the Den of Forever Frost, a place that was rumored to have only been a myth until they found it. Now that the bears possess the key, they finally have a chance at defeating the merciless Grand Patek and his Ice Clock.
They are tasked with delivering the key to the great owls of Ga’Hoole, and convincing the owls to conquer the Grand Patek, which will not be easy. The story begins with the bears as they travel to Ga’Hoole. They are immensely relieved when the regal owls accept their proposition, for the bears believe their journey is coming to an end. However, there is much more to do, for the owls dictate that they will only join the fight on the terms that Stellan, Jytte, Third, and Froya will travel through the lands and recruit an army of animals. Although they are dismayed that the fate of all animals’ rests on their shoulders, they agree to the terms, and begin training in the Great Ga’hoole Tree. The bears spend time learning the customs of various animals, and some survival tactics for the different regions. They study the way of the owls and become quite fond of the tree and its inhabitants.
With their new-found knowledge, the bears embark on their adventure. Together they reach exotic, new locations, and quickly learn to be cautious, for every species has an intricate culture, and a strange, new way of life. From the honorable Ambala Owls, to the competitive wolf clans, each creature has traditions and customs more formal than the last. They must tread lightly, for one wrong word could cost the bears a powerful alliance, and one less alliance means the chances of overpowering the Grand Patek become slimmer. While the bears make their way through the wilderness, foes lurk in dark, ready to pounce and betray. Anyone could be a traitor, and the risk is too high to chance. The death of thousands is on the line.
Meanwhile, the Grand Patek is becoming dangerously more impatient. Everything standing in the way of his plan is a threat and shall be destroyed. The time leading to the ominous Great Melting is growing shorter, and he must make everything perfect. Even if it means starting a war...
What species will join the bears in their valiant cause, if any? Will the bears’ army be strong enough to win a war? In such a time of treachery, who are friends, and who are foes? Join the fight by reading The Keepers of the Keys, the latest addition to the fantastic Bears of the Ice series.
The Keepers of the Keys is a unique and different type of book compared to its predecessors but fits well into the series. It is fast paced, and the ending of the book preceding it flows nicely into the beginning of this book. This novel introduces multiple subplots that are beautifully woven together, creating a detailed web of storylines. Many characters from previous books are reintroduced in this one. For those who have read the previous novels, older characters crossing paths with newer ones is quite a delight. Some characters are reunited, and have memorable, heartwarming scenes upon meeting.
The Keepers of the Keys is by far the most diverse book in the Bears of the Ice series. It fully showcases each species, their culture, their customs, and their region. It also exhibits how various animals respond to the bears’ proposition, and how their reply reflects the species’ traditions and heritage. While this is the most culturally diverse book of the series, it also arguably provides the most beautiful imagery. The different environments that take place in the story are unique and extremely detailed, from the rigid, mountainous areas of the wolves, to the ancient forests of the owls, to the snowy lands of the bears. The wide range of climates displays how large and complex the world in the Bears of the Ice series is.
Reading this book was an enjoyable experience and was quite easy. Ages eight and up should have no problem with understanding this book and will have a wonderful time reading. The Bears of Ice series has been lovely to read, and this book was no exception. I give it five stars.
Reviewed by Tessa H., Age 13, Oklahoma Central Mensa