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Suri #1
The Keeper
17-year-old, Cassie never wanted to participate in the reality tele-program. She’d rather be making animal documentaries than be courted by three princes from rival planets all with their own agendas. But when Cassie’s crush, zoological researcher, Dennian tricks his way into the competition, she may not need her back-up escape plan.
Dennian is used to keeping quiet, but as the competition takes a dangerous turn and contestants are forced to face their fears, the secrets that have kept him alive are revealed, but why is Dennian afraid of the Keeper?
The Keepers of the Dragon Temple have advised Governor Suri, ruler of the Universe, for a thousand years. A Keeper can’t die until an apprentice takes his place and the current Keeper has a string of dead students. When rumours of the Keeper’s demise reach one of the princes, Cassie and Dennian are drawn into the political conflict. Only two people know what has really happened to the Keeper and Dennian isn’t talking.
Dennian is used to keeping quiet, but as the competition takes a dangerous turn and contestants are forced to face their fears, the secrets that have kept him alive are revealed, but why is Dennian afraid of the Keeper?
The Keepers of the Dragon Temple have advised Governor Suri, ruler of the Universe, for a thousand years. A Keeper can’t die until an apprentice takes his place and the current Keeper has a string of dead students. When rumours of the Keeper’s demise reach one of the princes, Cassie and Dennian are drawn into the political conflict. Only two people know what has really happened to the Keeper and Dennian isn’t talking.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2019
142 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Moyes
11 books213 followersNikki Moyes is a multi-genre writer. Her first book, 'If I Wake' was published in 2016. She was born in Victoria and has moved around Australia amassing an eclectic range of occupations including tallship watch leader, apiarist, rose farm hand, and sandwich artist. In her spare time she learns tissu, static trapeze, and aerial hoop (she couldn’t decide on one) in case she needs to run off and join the circus.
This is my author profile. I sometimes review books on writing but all other books I review under a different account.
This is my author profile. I sometimes review books on writing but all other books I review under a different account.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 11, 2019
I actually thought that The Keeper was an okay read. I’d probably rate it more along the 2.5 stars range, because while I thought the potential of the futuristic fantasy bachelorette plot was ok, I found it difficult to truly invest in the characters. And in the end I was left wanting more, but also not feeling invested enough to actually WANT that more. For some reason I thought that this was a debut novel. The author spends a lot of time building the world and the plot, which shows experience but I feel as though the world felt a little unoriginal. Also there was a lack of investment in the characters themselves and any relationships in the story. It felt like a weakness in the story that I’m just not able to look past. I can’t say for sure if I will check out the next potential installment. We shall see.
Available now!
*ARC from NetGalley
Available now!
*ARC from NetGalley
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September 20, 2019So this is set in a futuristic universe were there is one ruler Governor Suri and her mystical advisor the Keeper who basically run the galaxy. Dragons used to walk amongst them and now are apparently no more although that is definitely something up for debate. What isn't in doubt is the existence of majestic, magical tigers and as this story begins in a zoo it feels right to mention these mysterious and dangerous creatures as they do become integral as the story progresses .
Cassie has a school project that means she needs a mentor at the zoo and she persuades the reluctant Dennien to allow her to shadow his work. Everything crashes around Cassie when her father suddenly dies and her mother fighting her grief enters Cassie in a bachelorette type show and you've guessed it Cassie is selected to be the lucky or unlucky bride !
This started as more of a paranormal story with the possibility of Dennien being able to communicate with animals. Then it quickly moves on from that and the majority of this story charts what happens when Cassie gets sucked into the television show. It is a brutal look at what could go on behind the scenes with corruption and trickery that was very distasteful. Of course Dennien does come back into the story and that's when the author gets to explore the sci fi aspects of her story.
This is aimed at those younger then me so I did feel the romantic aspects were very teenage but as Cassie is seventeen I won't mark it down because of it. I'm sure many readers will hate her mother but I could sympathise slightly as not only has she lost her husband but in this futuristic world she's about to lose her home too now that she's single. What I didn't like was the rapid way it moved from Cassie doing her project to suddenly being on the television show as the timing felt wrong. Perhaps if the author had written this as a story that began after the death of Cassies father so that we know this was something already arranged I would have felt it flowed better as it just seemed as if there was no time for grieving. There are several revelations during the final third of this book and it certainly held a few surprises.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Cassie has a school project that means she needs a mentor at the zoo and she persuades the reluctant Dennien to allow her to shadow his work. Everything crashes around Cassie when her father suddenly dies and her mother fighting her grief enters Cassie in a bachelorette type show and you've guessed it Cassie is selected to be the lucky or unlucky bride !
This started as more of a paranormal story with the possibility of Dennien being able to communicate with animals. Then it quickly moves on from that and the majority of this story charts what happens when Cassie gets sucked into the television show. It is a brutal look at what could go on behind the scenes with corruption and trickery that was very distasteful. Of course Dennien does come back into the story and that's when the author gets to explore the sci fi aspects of her story.
This is aimed at those younger then me so I did feel the romantic aspects were very teenage but as Cassie is seventeen I won't mark it down because of it. I'm sure many readers will hate her mother but I could sympathise slightly as not only has she lost her husband but in this futuristic world she's about to lose her home too now that she's single. What I didn't like was the rapid way it moved from Cassie doing her project to suddenly being on the television show as the timing felt wrong. Perhaps if the author had written this as a story that began after the death of Cassies father so that we know this was something already arranged I would have felt it flowed better as it just seemed as if there was no time for grieving. There are several revelations during the final third of this book and it certainly held a few surprises.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
September 23, 2019
**1.5 Rating**
Disclaimer: I received this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the material.
It's not everyday you come across a synopsis that includes the terms "zoological research" and "rival planets." Let's add sugar crystals to our muffin top and throw in keepers and dragons and tigers (Oh my!) all amidst a bachelorette type back drop. I was intrigued.
So why did I rate this 1.5? The main character, Cassie, and the bachelorette scenario. Cassie is 17 and her mother forces her into a tele-program for a future husband using guilt. We learn her mother regrets marrying for love and only wants Cassie to do this program so she (the mother) is set for life and can be on the financial level of her ex-bff. Cassie does not come off as a heroine or women of strength either. Chapters are stretched around the making and filming of this tele-pogram she is on. Only towards the end does she finally come into her own but it's so far at the end that I have already lost my liking for her as a character.
I did have to make myself continue through the majority of the book until the end. The saving grace for the story line is Dennian. I truly think if the bachelorette aspect were removed and Dennian became the main character this could have been a hit for me. There is SO much potential for HIS story. What he went through during his training, the trails, his family heritage, the political backstabbing, deaths etc. The book would be true to it's name at that point as well.
Disclaimer: I received this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the material.
It's not everyday you come across a synopsis that includes the terms "zoological research" and "rival planets." Let's add sugar crystals to our muffin top and throw in keepers and dragons and tigers (Oh my!) all amidst a bachelorette type back drop. I was intrigued.
So why did I rate this 1.5? The main character, Cassie, and the bachelorette scenario. Cassie is 17 and her mother forces her into a tele-program for a future husband using guilt. We learn her mother regrets marrying for love and only wants Cassie to do this program so she (the mother) is set for life and can be on the financial level of her ex-bff. Cassie does not come off as a heroine or women of strength either. Chapters are stretched around the making and filming of this tele-pogram she is on. Only towards the end does she finally come into her own but it's so far at the end that I have already lost my liking for her as a character.
I did have to make myself continue through the majority of the book until the end. The saving grace for the story line is Dennian. I truly think if the bachelorette aspect were removed and Dennian became the main character this could have been a hit for me. There is SO much potential for HIS story. What he went through during his training, the trails, his family heritage, the political backstabbing, deaths etc. The book would be true to it's name at that point as well.
November 12, 2019
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Keeper was a weird one. A really really weird one. It's a bit hard to explain because for the first half of the book I had no idea what was going on. If there was a test on this book, I would definitely fail because of how confusing everything was. Luckily for me, after the halfway mark.. things were a bit more interesting. Or at least things were slowly sliding into place for my brain? Maybe?
Still not quite sure on that though.
In this book, you will meet Cassie and Dennian (interesting name??). They were okay. Cassie is a student who wants to work with documenting animal and Dennian is her mentor at the zoological park. He is also mute - which I found a bit intriguing and I wanted to know more about him.
Low and behold, there's drama - like instantly. We get to meet Cassie's awful mother - seriously, she is a major character to hate with all your heart - and things were kind of iffy for me. It was like the bachelor/bachelorette was a part of this book now.
Cue eyeroll.
Overall, I was mostly confused. Certain things were just too weird for me. I wanted to enjoy it a lot more than I did but it was just a meh book for me. Hopefully the second book is a lot better and less weird.
The Keeper was a weird one. A really really weird one. It's a bit hard to explain because for the first half of the book I had no idea what was going on. If there was a test on this book, I would definitely fail because of how confusing everything was. Luckily for me, after the halfway mark.. things were a bit more interesting. Or at least things were slowly sliding into place for my brain? Maybe?
Still not quite sure on that though.
In this book, you will meet Cassie and Dennian (interesting name??). They were okay. Cassie is a student who wants to work with documenting animal and Dennian is her mentor at the zoological park. He is also mute - which I found a bit intriguing and I wanted to know more about him.
Low and behold, there's drama - like instantly. We get to meet Cassie's awful mother - seriously, she is a major character to hate with all your heart - and things were kind of iffy for me. It was like the bachelor/bachelorette was a part of this book now.
Cue eyeroll.
Overall, I was mostly confused. Certain things were just too weird for me. I wanted to enjoy it a lot more than I did but it was just a meh book for me. Hopefully the second book is a lot better and less weird.
October 27, 2019
I received this eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Trying to describe the world of The Keeper is incredibly hard. This book spans multiple genres and has so many different aspects of each. Cassie is a student and wants to become an animal documentarian. She lives in some sort of fantasy-futuristic UK-esque country that is probably on Earth, but it's called Terra.
At school, she does a project that involves working with a mentor at the local zoological park. This is where she meets Dennian. A mute guy who was a special way with the animals. They seem to be bonding until disaster strikes Cassie's home life. Her mother, who is quite awful IMO, forces her to go on a reality TV show that will marry her off to a guy chosen by the ratings. Then there's the myths of The Keeper, dragons, dragon slayers and a Governor of the universe. Like I said above, there's a lot to unpack in this book.
At first, I was very confused as to where this book was going and how everything fit together. While you will probably spend 50% of this book pretty confused, things slowly pieced together. I really liked the myths of the dragons and the history of the Atlasian's fighting them. I wish this had been brought in sooner. It was really fascinating and I loved that aspect. The whole government system was pretty highly sci-fi driven, though there's also a fantasy aspect with the dragons. I loved that the Governor of the universe was non-binary. It added a sort of mystery to their persona. Plus the fact that the Governor has all the previous memories of the Governors before it was fucking awesome.
As for the reality TV show, I was wary. It seemed like we'd seen the last of Dennian and if Cassie didn't outright rebel, we'd never see the two reunited. Fortunately, he finagles his way onto the show. I did eventually start to enjoy this aspect, the other guys were pretty great and very highly amusing. I want a Nathan for myself if I don't say so lol. The relationship between Cassie and Dennian was VERY insta-love, but by the end I did like them together. I wish their chemistry had developed a bit more before they started making heart eyes at each other.
All in all, while confusing this was really fascinating and I'm definitely interested in reading the next book.
Trying to describe the world of The Keeper is incredibly hard. This book spans multiple genres and has so many different aspects of each. Cassie is a student and wants to become an animal documentarian. She lives in some sort of fantasy-futuristic UK-esque country that is probably on Earth, but it's called Terra.
At school, she does a project that involves working with a mentor at the local zoological park. This is where she meets Dennian. A mute guy who was a special way with the animals. They seem to be bonding until disaster strikes Cassie's home life. Her mother, who is quite awful IMO, forces her to go on a reality TV show that will marry her off to a guy chosen by the ratings. Then there's the myths of The Keeper, dragons, dragon slayers and a Governor of the universe. Like I said above, there's a lot to unpack in this book.
At first, I was very confused as to where this book was going and how everything fit together. While you will probably spend 50% of this book pretty confused, things slowly pieced together. I really liked the myths of the dragons and the history of the Atlasian's fighting them. I wish this had been brought in sooner. It was really fascinating and I loved that aspect. The whole government system was pretty highly sci-fi driven, though there's also a fantasy aspect with the dragons. I loved that the Governor of the universe was non-binary. It added a sort of mystery to their persona. Plus the fact that the Governor has all the previous memories of the Governors before it was fucking awesome.
As for the reality TV show, I was wary. It seemed like we'd seen the last of Dennian and if Cassie didn't outright rebel, we'd never see the two reunited. Fortunately, he finagles his way onto the show. I did eventually start to enjoy this aspect, the other guys were pretty great and very highly amusing. I want a Nathan for myself if I don't say so lol. The relationship between Cassie and Dennian was VERY insta-love, but by the end I did like them together. I wish their chemistry had developed a bit more before they started making heart eyes at each other.
All in all, while confusing this was really fascinating and I'm definitely interested in reading the next book.
September 12, 2019
I'm so excited to be finally releasing this book. The Keeper is Book 1 of the Suri Series and follows 17-yr-old Cassie who gets dragged into a Bachelorette-style program against her will. Her crush, Dennian, is keeping a lot of secrets including what the Governor of the Universe is up to, and what has happened to the Keeper of the Dragon Temple who acts as Governor Suri's chief adviser.
The series will continue with The Challenger (book 2) which follows Governor Suri and The Destroyer (prequel) which is set 1,000 years earlier at looks at how Governor Suri came to rule the universe. The short story The Castle is set a couple of years before the events of The Destroyer and is available now as an ebook.
Another short story, The Halfling, sits between Book 1 and 2 and can be downloaded for free when you sign up to my mailing list - http://nikkimoyes.com/index.php/newsl...
I hope you enjoy this sci-fi/fantasy series.
The series will continue with The Challenger (book 2) which follows Governor Suri and The Destroyer (prequel) which is set 1,000 years earlier at looks at how Governor Suri came to rule the universe. The short story The Castle is set a couple of years before the events of The Destroyer and is available now as an ebook.
Another short story, The Halfling, sits between Book 1 and 2 and can be downloaded for free when you sign up to my mailing list - http://nikkimoyes.com/index.php/newsl...
I hope you enjoy this sci-fi/fantasy series.
October 4, 2019
I could not put this book down. Yes, it was a bit referential (Bachelorette), but it was enjoyable, the characters were likeable, it was well written, and I wanted to see how it would end (even if I knew in broad strokes who would end up together).
There were a few parts of the world-building and "magic" (for lack of a better term) that confused me at times, but I didn't think that detracted from the stories. I also didn't love the occasional times the author switched perspectives. I preferred hearing the story from Cassie's viewpoint.
For a young adult book this was pretty clean, although there was discussion of violence and physical abuse.
I look forward to more from this author!
Thank you publishers and NetGalley for the free e-ARC.
There were a few parts of the world-building and "magic" (for lack of a better term) that confused me at times, but I didn't think that detracted from the stories. I also didn't love the occasional times the author switched perspectives. I preferred hearing the story from Cassie's viewpoint.
For a young adult book this was pretty clean, although there was discussion of violence and physical abuse.
I look forward to more from this author!
Thank you publishers and NetGalley for the free e-ARC.
October 4, 2019
Nikki has built a wonderful world, no universe, where there are multiple cultures, motivations, and expectations in conflict.
Here we get to follow the life of Cassie, a teen who is being driven by her mother's fears and ambitions towards a life she does not want.
Then a school assignment leads to unexpected adventures and emotions that get caught up in interstellar intrigue and a wedding she does not want.
This is a rich environment that we get to explore court intrigue, the inner workings of the Dragon Temple, all tied to a reality TV show that makes the shows of today look tame and predictable.
I can't wait for book 2.
Here we get to follow the life of Cassie, a teen who is being driven by her mother's fears and ambitions towards a life she does not want.
Then a school assignment leads to unexpected adventures and emotions that get caught up in interstellar intrigue and a wedding she does not want.
This is a rich environment that we get to explore court intrigue, the inner workings of the Dragon Temple, all tied to a reality TV show that makes the shows of today look tame and predictable.
I can't wait for book 2.
September 16, 2019
A fun read. Can't wait to get my hands on the paperback - the cover is gorgeous.
June 5, 2020
The story revolves around Dennian (the Researcher, who pretending to be mute) and Cassie, 17 year-old-girl (who is looking for a keeper/mentor for her school project). Her family is quite fun, especially her mum, who is trying to find her a rich partner. All characters are believable and becoming more interesting and complex as the story develops and the heroes are changing. The plot is fascinating and fun because everything is happening at the zoo or the tele-project. There’re a lot of new words to learn, about animals, people, and future life. Cool ending, which catapults the reader into Book 2... hopefully :) In general, I enjoyed reading it! It takes time to get into it and understand the story tho.
December 4, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Nikki Moyes; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2020
I'm a huge fan of world building, and the imagination involved in creating that world. I believe the authors did a fantastic job using a unique combination of ideas and genres, mixed up with events, like reality TV. Throw in the scifi, far in the future timescale and a Universal ruler, and theres a lot to appreciate about this book. Characters were not my favorite aspect of what was a pretty good story though. Not badly written by any means, just didn't connect with me as much as I'd hoped. That could be this crazy time we are currently living through of course too.
I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Keeper is the first book in a new series by indie author Nikki Moyes. Released 10th Oct 2019, it's 366 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a potentially interesting mash-up of a dystopian YA/NA novel (echoes of the Maze Runner and Hunger Games) with some odd romance tropes (a novelized version of reality/bachelorette show) tacked on. The author has a good start with solid world building, ecology, alien life forms, shapeshifters, dragons, and more, but I felt that the grafted on reality TV show subplot felt like filler.
The pacing was off to me as well. There were a number of places which really dragged for me, despite the fact that people were killing one another or being killed left right and centre. I never felt the tension which suggested that any of the main characters were -really- in danger. There's quite a bit of deus-ex-machina going on. The dialogue felt seriously stilted and unnatural in some places and there were a lot of places where otherwise supposedly mature adults just made me want to bang my head on my desk.
Despite that, the author can write engaging fantasy and has a clear and adept voice as a storyteller. The book felt unfinished and in need of unflinching editing.
Three stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Keeper is the first book in a new series by indie author Nikki Moyes. Released 10th Oct 2019, it's 366 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a potentially interesting mash-up of a dystopian YA/NA novel (echoes of the Maze Runner and Hunger Games) with some odd romance tropes (a novelized version of reality/bachelorette show) tacked on. The author has a good start with solid world building, ecology, alien life forms, shapeshifters, dragons, and more, but I felt that the grafted on reality TV show subplot felt like filler.
The pacing was off to me as well. There were a number of places which really dragged for me, despite the fact that people were killing one another or being killed left right and centre. I never felt the tension which suggested that any of the main characters were -really- in danger. There's quite a bit of deus-ex-machina going on. The dialogue felt seriously stilted and unnatural in some places and there were a lot of places where otherwise supposedly mature adults just made me want to bang my head on my desk.
Despite that, the author can write engaging fantasy and has a clear and adept voice as a storyteller. The book felt unfinished and in need of unflinching editing.
Three stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 9, 2019
Thank you to Net Galley and IPBA for allowing me to read an ARC of this YA novel. I should admit, before commenting, that I'm a little beyond the typical age range for this novel, which may affect my insights.
I was excited to begin Nikki Moyes’ The Keeper because it seemed to offer an ecological message wrapped in genre fiction: a blend of science fiction and fantasy, twined like the gold and silver dragons on its cover.
The book starts promisingly, focusing on Cassie, a student and would be wildlife documentarian, and Dennian, a seemingly mute researcher with a love for big cats. The text is composed of short, sharp sentences contribute to a fast pace, but quickly become dull as they are unvaried. Unfortunately, the pacing quickly becomes garbled: characters suddenly form deep emotional attachments or suddenly die or are suddenly in turmoil - without explanation enough to win and keep the reader’s attention.
The book then makes a dramatic shift as Cassie becomes the center of a Bachelorette-like reality television show. Her interest in documentary filmmaking would make this ripe ground for comparison, but the author focuses, instead, on the capitalism/greed of Cassie’s mom and the very, very vapid dialogue of the contestants. Furthermore, the science fiction and fantasy elements feel like cut outs that have been glued to a story that wants to be current YA fiction. As this is the first in a projected series, the author may address this in future novels. For now, in the end, any promise of a redeeming ecological message is buried by unsympathetic characters and subpar writing.
I was excited to begin Nikki Moyes’ The Keeper because it seemed to offer an ecological message wrapped in genre fiction: a blend of science fiction and fantasy, twined like the gold and silver dragons on its cover.
The book starts promisingly, focusing on Cassie, a student and would be wildlife documentarian, and Dennian, a seemingly mute researcher with a love for big cats. The text is composed of short, sharp sentences contribute to a fast pace, but quickly become dull as they are unvaried. Unfortunately, the pacing quickly becomes garbled: characters suddenly form deep emotional attachments or suddenly die or are suddenly in turmoil - without explanation enough to win and keep the reader’s attention.
The book then makes a dramatic shift as Cassie becomes the center of a Bachelorette-like reality television show. Her interest in documentary filmmaking would make this ripe ground for comparison, but the author focuses, instead, on the capitalism/greed of Cassie’s mom and the very, very vapid dialogue of the contestants. Furthermore, the science fiction and fantasy elements feel like cut outs that have been glued to a story that wants to be current YA fiction. As this is the first in a projected series, the author may address this in future novels. For now, in the end, any promise of a redeeming ecological message is buried by unsympathetic characters and subpar writing.
December 6, 2019
If you like the Hunger Games, you may really like this book!
The Keeper revolves around Cassie, a recent High School graduate who's life gets turned upside down when her mother signs her up to be part of a "Bachlorette" type television program to find a reputable husband. The author does a great job at creating an interesting world and characters that are different from the norm.
However, as other reviewers had said, the book definitely lacks a noticeable amount of context around certain subjects such as societal norms in this universe based on status, the exact hierarchy of the royalty/peacekeepers/all other roles of the government in the book as well as relationships between many of the characters which would have helped in understanding the book and plot more thoroughly. For example, a diagram showing what the world/universe looks like and/or another diagram showing the family trees/hierarchy may have been useful for readers that may have had trouble visualizing it all.
I truly believe that if the author incorporates this information in the next sequel, it may help in filling in the gaps.
Regardless, it was a good read for any fans of fantasy and YA romance.
The Keeper revolves around Cassie, a recent High School graduate who's life gets turned upside down when her mother signs her up to be part of a "Bachlorette" type television program to find a reputable husband. The author does a great job at creating an interesting world and characters that are different from the norm.
However, as other reviewers had said, the book definitely lacks a noticeable amount of context around certain subjects such as societal norms in this universe based on status, the exact hierarchy of the royalty/peacekeepers/all other roles of the government in the book as well as relationships between many of the characters which would have helped in understanding the book and plot more thoroughly. For example, a diagram showing what the world/universe looks like and/or another diagram showing the family trees/hierarchy may have been useful for readers that may have had trouble visualizing it all.
I truly believe that if the author incorporates this information in the next sequel, it may help in filling in the gaps.
Regardless, it was a good read for any fans of fantasy and YA romance.
October 8, 2019
I wasn’t quite keen on this, it seemed so interesting based on the premise, but I found it slow, hard to get into and the world building isn’t great. Unfortunately for me it’s a no.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
November 26, 2019
I loved this book. It's like a cross between the Bachelorette and I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, but in a sci-fi setting. Looking forward to book 2.
January 2, 2020
Brilliant new book from this talented author
August 7, 2024
Going into this book i had no idea what to expect, i didnt really know what it was about or the genre really apart from it being fantasy. However i was really happy i decided to pick it up as i really enjoyed reading it and how it was a mixture of both fantasy and sci-fi with it was set in galaxies and planets. We meet our two main characters really quickly and i was definitely intrigued by Dennian right from the start which i think is what the author wanted. At first i thought the book was going to be based around the zoo that we entered in straight away however i felt the book make a massive 360 when it switched to a competition but i did find it a fun change to the book and did make it more interesting. There are alot of characters in this book which i felt hard to keep up with at the beginning but the more i read i began to learn who was who. I adored some of them however some of the characters like her mum, at times, and some of the contestants really wound me up and got on my nerves. I enjoyed learning about the different myths and legends within the world. I like the representation we got in this book with our main male lead being selective mute at the beginning and the leader of the universe being non-binary.
I gave this book 4 stars and i looking forward to continuing with the series.
I gave this book 4 stars and i looking forward to continuing with the series.
November 4, 2019
*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The Keeper feels like two very different stories welded together.
On the one hand we have a fascinating fantasy story set in a futuristic world of multi-planetary diplomacy, telepathy, shapeshifting and genetic manipulation. This story thread centres around the mysterious Dennian and his shrouded past; and promises a huge power battle related to the Keeper’s role and status.
The other story thread is a somewhat forced romance between schoolgirl Cassie and the mutely brooding Dennian, leading into him crashing a reality TV show starring Cassie as the victim/star who is to be married off to the winning contender.
I really hated that Cassie’s mother apparently cares so little for her daughter that she is not only willing to sell her into marriage to secure a house, but when her daughter’s one true love manages to finagle his way into the running and thereby offers a potential win-win scenario for both Cassie and her mother, her mother is willing to scupper his chances purely to squeeze a tiny bit more money and prestige for herself. I felt a lot of rage.
That said, I found it hard to buy into Cassie and Dennian’s relationship anyway. I definitely enjoyed the characters individually, but I just didn’t get a feeling of chemistry between them, and the way they meet through Cassie shadowing him for a school-project, then leap straight into a potential marriage scheme feels really rushed and a little uncomfortable. I got more of a mentor/trainee vibe from the characters than a sexy loving one, and was relieved when the fantasy plotline distracted from their flirting. I think that Cassie would have to mature and become a bit more proactive about her fate in order to make a realistically equal match for action-hero Dennian – master of all things!
In terms of the two plots: the reality show was actually engaging (and occasionally enraging) and good fun, and the challenges were a little more I’m a Celebrity than The Batchelorette, so there was some real tension and danger. The political fantasy plotline – featuring Governer Suri and the Keeper, dragons and tigers – was also enjoyable and had plenty of potential for developing in interesting ways in future instalments.
It’s just a shame that the two plots have been squished together, rather than getting their own book each, as the result is detrimental to both threads; leaving the reader confused and even cold.
I stand still so my movement doesn’t spook the notoriously temperamental animal and slowly check my tablet screen, hoping the zoological park has an emergency contact for people about to be eaten by wild animals.
Before I can call for help, the man touches his forehead to the large feline’s, before running a hand down its back. It butts its head into his shoulder in response. He stands as the cat prances away, and he backs out of the enclosure, locking the gate behind him. I step forward before I remember I’m not meant to be here.
“How did you do that?” I ask.
– Nikki Moyes, The Keeper
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
The Keeper feels like two very different stories welded together.
On the one hand we have a fascinating fantasy story set in a futuristic world of multi-planetary diplomacy, telepathy, shapeshifting and genetic manipulation. This story thread centres around the mysterious Dennian and his shrouded past; and promises a huge power battle related to the Keeper’s role and status.
The other story thread is a somewhat forced romance between schoolgirl Cassie and the mutely brooding Dennian, leading into him crashing a reality TV show starring Cassie as the victim/star who is to be married off to the winning contender.
I really hated that Cassie’s mother apparently cares so little for her daughter that she is not only willing to sell her into marriage to secure a house, but when her daughter’s one true love manages to finagle his way into the running and thereby offers a potential win-win scenario for both Cassie and her mother, her mother is willing to scupper his chances purely to squeeze a tiny bit more money and prestige for herself. I felt a lot of rage.
That said, I found it hard to buy into Cassie and Dennian’s relationship anyway. I definitely enjoyed the characters individually, but I just didn’t get a feeling of chemistry between them, and the way they meet through Cassie shadowing him for a school-project, then leap straight into a potential marriage scheme feels really rushed and a little uncomfortable. I got more of a mentor/trainee vibe from the characters than a sexy loving one, and was relieved when the fantasy plotline distracted from their flirting. I think that Cassie would have to mature and become a bit more proactive about her fate in order to make a realistically equal match for action-hero Dennian – master of all things!
In terms of the two plots: the reality show was actually engaging (and occasionally enraging) and good fun, and the challenges were a little more I’m a Celebrity than The Batchelorette, so there was some real tension and danger. The political fantasy plotline – featuring Governer Suri and the Keeper, dragons and tigers – was also enjoyable and had plenty of potential for developing in interesting ways in future instalments.
It’s just a shame that the two plots have been squished together, rather than getting their own book each, as the result is detrimental to both threads; leaving the reader confused and even cold.
I stand still so my movement doesn’t spook the notoriously temperamental animal and slowly check my tablet screen, hoping the zoological park has an emergency contact for people about to be eaten by wild animals.
Before I can call for help, the man touches his forehead to the large feline’s, before running a hand down its back. It butts its head into his shoulder in response. He stands as the cat prances away, and he backs out of the enclosure, locking the gate behind him. I step forward before I remember I’m not meant to be here.
“How did you do that?” I ask.
– Nikki Moyes, The Keeper
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
November 3, 2019
All Cassie wants is to make wildlife documentaries. While doing a school project at the zoo, she meets Dannian and asks him to be her mentor for the project. At first he presents himself as a mute that can seemingly communicate with animals and Cassie is intrigued. Her father dies and her mother, fearing she’ll be shipped off to a home, enrolls Cassie in a Bachelorette TV show to marry her off and procure housing for them both. Her mother, mad that she herself married for love and not money wants Cassie to make an important match regardless of what Cassie wants. She doesn’t care if she’s happy or not. Cassie’s friend Jayne seems to be rather shallow as well. The Bachelorette type show is a bit silly. They remove contestants then randomly add others. Dannian gets on the show but the producers don’t see his value. The show is constantly, recklessly putting the contestants in danger and Dannian comes to the rescue. Then, there is the back story with planets, black holes, dragons, horned temple guardian tigers, death and reincarnation, evil leaders and something called Suri that is supposedly all knowing. This is the most interesting part of the story and is just not explained well. I wish the author had focused more time on fleshing this part out than all the time spent on the stupid television show. I think we needed more explanation of Dannian powers and why the dead were brought back to life for the Keeper contest. There were so many parts I didn’t understand that I cannot give this book more stars. I liked this book and it was a quick read. The idea is there and it’s very interesting but it needs to be fleshed out. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 5, 2019
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
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It is a futuristic novel, which took a bit to get into. It was a book that I really WANTED to delve into but for some reason, it just didn't grab me. It had an interestingly weird story, I think the part that got me was the 'bachelor/bachelorette' dynamic and the fact that the author changes character perspective, which is purely a personal preference when reading.
There was drama, a bit too much for my liking but everyone has their own threshold, family relationships were explored and of course love.
This story had a lot of potential, characters were enjoyable to read (and in some cases they were enjoyable to hate), there was some violence and physical abuse but overall it was a good book for teens to read with limited triggers.
While this is not one of my favourite reads of all time, I am looking forward to seeing how the series continues.
AVAILABLE NOW
It is a futuristic novel, which took a bit to get into. It was a book that I really WANTED to delve into but for some reason, it just didn't grab me. It had an interestingly weird story, I think the part that got me was the 'bachelor/bachelorette' dynamic and the fact that the author changes character perspective, which is purely a personal preference when reading.
There was drama, a bit too much for my liking but everyone has their own threshold, family relationships were explored and of course love.
This story had a lot of potential, characters were enjoyable to read (and in some cases they were enjoyable to hate), there was some violence and physical abuse but overall it was a good book for teens to read with limited triggers.
While this is not one of my favourite reads of all time, I am looking forward to seeing how the series continues.
September 25, 2019
This is an intriguing read no doubt because from the summary you look forward to a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Cassie, I like her, we've just met in this book and I am yet to see her grow into her own- stand up for herself and chart her own path. Her mother, not so much, however I do understand why she was needed to give Cassie that push because she signs her up and guilts her into joining a tele-program seeking a potential suitor for her.
I felt like there was so much information surrounding the tele-program and Governor Suri's rule, and this did not appeal to me as much. I loved the detail on Dennian- and his journey to the program and how he relates with Cassie- now that right there is the story and it's sad that this only comes towards the end.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC. I'll admit that this being the first book does not really entice or draw anyone in as such, wish there wasn't so much focus surrounding the tele-program and more on the leads.
I felt like there was so much information surrounding the tele-program and Governor Suri's rule, and this did not appeal to me as much. I loved the detail on Dennian- and his journey to the program and how he relates with Cassie- now that right there is the story and it's sad that this only comes towards the end.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC. I'll admit that this being the first book does not really entice or draw anyone in as such, wish there wasn't so much focus surrounding the tele-program and more on the leads.
November 14, 2019
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion.
My honest opinion for this book says it’s a good idea but it needs a major overhaul. First part of the book Cassie uses Dennian for a school project mentor because he has a gift with animals. Cassie’s dream is to make documentaries and her major focus is to graduate. Then the book does a total one eighty with the books focus being on a bachelorette show for a young girl only 17.
What did I like? I liked Dennian and Cassie’s relationship although I thought 17 a bit young for the marriage. The dystopian government was a good idea, and I loved how things turned out but the middle was confusing and hard to follow. I’d do the dating part in book one and the overthrow in part two. Flesh it out better.
Would I buy this book? No it’s definitely a work in progress.
Thoughts for the author? Good luck, definitely an interesting read.
My honest opinion for this book says it’s a good idea but it needs a major overhaul. First part of the book Cassie uses Dennian for a school project mentor because he has a gift with animals. Cassie’s dream is to make documentaries and her major focus is to graduate. Then the book does a total one eighty with the books focus being on a bachelorette show for a young girl only 17.
What did I like? I liked Dennian and Cassie’s relationship although I thought 17 a bit young for the marriage. The dystopian government was a good idea, and I loved how things turned out but the middle was confusing and hard to follow. I’d do the dating part in book one and the overthrow in part two. Flesh it out better.
Would I buy this book? No it’s definitely a work in progress.
Thoughts for the author? Good luck, definitely an interesting read.
September 26, 2019
**Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
1/5
The synopsis of the story was interesting and I wanted something easy to read (it reminded me of "The Selection"), but, oh noooo.
Cassie, the main character, is neither strong nor independent. The interactions she has with other characters in the beginning are so aggravating and cringey that I found myself skipping paragraphs/pages.
The world-building is almost non-existent (at least in the beginning). I was so confused as to where the story was headed (there's zoological research, mentors, rival planets, The Bachelorette-type shows/programs??). help
Dennian was the most interesting part, but I couldn't continue reading, even for his backstory.
1/5
The synopsis of the story was interesting and I wanted something easy to read (it reminded me of "The Selection"), but, oh noooo.
Cassie, the main character, is neither strong nor independent. The interactions she has with other characters in the beginning are so aggravating and cringey that I found myself skipping paragraphs/pages.
The world-building is almost non-existent (at least in the beginning). I was so confused as to where the story was headed (there's zoological research, mentors, rival planets, The Bachelorette-type shows/programs??). help
Dennian was the most interesting part, but I couldn't continue reading, even for his backstory.
November 13, 2019
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While i thought this book was an OK read, I think it has a lot of potential. I found the character development really hard to invest into.
It was a very slow read and i struggled to maintain my attention on the book. The world building wasn't that great either as i kept getting lost as to where they were and where everyone was from.
While i thought this book was an OK read, I think it has a lot of potential. I found the character development really hard to invest into.
It was a very slow read and i struggled to maintain my attention on the book. The world building wasn't that great either as i kept getting lost as to where they were and where everyone was from.
October 10, 2019
It took me quite a while to get through the book and in the end I wasn't sure what to think about it. It was somewhat confusing and there is nothing standing out, making the story special. I'm not sure if I will pick up the next book.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Moyes Publishing!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Moyes Publishing!
September 22, 2019
I couldn’t finish this. I didn’t enjoy the writing and storytelling - it lacked flow, it was too jarring and abrupt in its pace.
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