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War is brewing in Rodhlan, magical chaos reigns, and Lira’s friends and allies are scattered. As her fragmented power grows out of control, Lira finds herself lost, alone, and completely vulnerable to the magic raging within her.

On her way across the continent, Lira makes an unlikely friend in Thorne Beran, a young warrior from her stepfather’s clan. Desperate to save Aidryn Tarlach, Lira convinces Thorne to go with her on a dangerous mission to retrieve him from enemy hands. Along the way, they make a shocking discovery that could turn the tides of war and restore hope to Rodhlan.

As the evil in Iathium ignites to an unstoppable blaze, Lira finds herself drawn toward her own mission to resurrect a ghost from her past. But to succeed, she must face her own deeply-rooted terrors—and test the loyalty of those she loves most.

If you’re ready for an epic fantasy adventure with adventure, magic, and heart-stopping romance, Keeper of Keys is for you.

ebook

Published November 30, 2020

11 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Haley Walden

5 books58 followers
Haley Walden writes fast-paced, character-driven epic fantasy with magical adventures, spellbinding love stories, and unforgettable friendships. The Witness Tree Chronicles is her series-in-progress.

Haley is a multi-passionate geek with many obsessions, including pop culture, Star Wars, fantasy, mythology, martial arts, film, music, and musical theatre. She lives in the Deep South with her husband and children.

Follow her on Instagram at @authorhaleywalden and @witnesstreechronicles for more details on her worlds! You can sign up for publication updates at authorhaleywalden.com.

Download a FREE fantasy novella here.

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Christa.
901 reviews83 followers
December 6, 2020
I had pretty big expectations going into Keeper and this book exceeded all of them.

Lira is determined to get Aidryn back after his capture at the end of book one. She forms alliances with other clans and learns more about her magic along the way.

The plot was a little slower in this one - not a complaint, it gave characters time to shine. I was pleasantly surprised by Caitir’s character. There are no one note villains here. Thorne and Oda are wonderful additions as well.

The world building was excellent as expected, and I really enjoyed exploring the outer clans in this one. Eremon’s actions in book one have a major ripple effect in book two. Sacrifices were made and the ending was honestly surprising in the best possible way.

We get to read from Aidryn’s POV in this one and it was unexpected but just wonderful. I liked him in book one but I loved him in bool two. Oh my word, there was one scene that had me dying I was laughing so hard.

The emphasis on this book is building Lira’s magic and relationship with the other clans. Also ship Aidryn/Lira has sailed and I’m all for it. I hope I am seeing hints of enemies to lovers romance between another set of characters, but it’s too spoilery to go into here. There’s no cliffhanger ending, but I’m eagerly awaiting book 3.

If you’re looking for an indie fantasy with excellent world building and character development, and a slow burn romance, this series is the one for you.



Team Aidryn all the way.
Profile Image for Micheline Ryckman.
Author 8 books409 followers
April 11, 2021
I didn't love this book as much as the first... I'll be honest, it mostly boiled down to the fact that the title and the cover led me to believe the story would revolve more around the main male character, Aidryn, this time, but it didn't... I love Aidryn's character a lot and was looking forward to getting to know him better here, however, most of this novel was in Lira's POV, and as a result I felt a little cheated and kinda confused. That said, I still enjoyed the world building in this book and I really enjoyed the new character introductions. I'm just holding out in hope that maybe we'll get more depth in Aidryn's POV in the third book. (Fingers crossed.)
Profile Image for meg • unpolished.books.
186 reviews36 followers
November 9, 2020
I am feeling so many things about this book right now, but first and foremost, I have to express how AMAZING this installment was. I devoured it in a day because I could not put it down!

Lira and Aidryn stole my heart in this one and I doubt I'll ever get it back. I loved being able to read the story from both of their points of view. It gave the book an extra layer of depth that I found so captivating.

This book picks up right where the first one left off and it hit the ground running. The mystery and intrigue were at an all time high, and there were so many moments that left me stunned because I did not see them coming. Even sitting here thinking about those moments, I'm still reeling.

And the ending--the ENDING. I honestly don't know how I'm going to wait for book 3 because I need answers immediately!! All the praise goes to Haley for writing such a wonderful story that's had me hooked from the start.
Profile Image for bookittothelibrary.
126 reviews6 followers
November 9, 2020
WOW. JUST. WOW.
This book has blown my mind, I was already excited to devour this book and love it completely. But this book has really blown me out of the water. My emotions can’t even process right now.

One? The writing was AMAZING, the way I felt almost everything that happened. I felt like I could feel how they were feeling, it was practically jumping out of the pages. My emotions will never recover from this book.

Two? The plot twists in this book, omg I was shocked when certain things came light. I won’t stay what because I’ll keep this spoiler free, just go read this book. You will not regret it.

Three? The characters are absolutely amazing!! And those last few chapters? Have wrecked me completely, thank you Hayley and your amazing writing skills but I am now currently sobbing over these characters. ESPECIALLY that last chapters you know what I mean.
Profile Image for Nite0wl29.
352 reviews63 followers
November 9, 2020
I don’t even know where to begin. Trying to put my emotions into words is nearly impossible because nothing I say will ever do this story justice. This book was everything what I hoped it would be and MORE!! It’s just so damn GOOD and I wish more than ever now that I hadn’t devoured this book in an entire day.

I loved the multiple POVs with Lira and Aidryn. I fell in love even more with them in this as I did with some additional new characters. The twists and revelations had me reeling and grinning like an idiot in certain parts. And now I’m left staring at my iPad thinking “where is book 3?!?”

Seriously, I can’t recommend these books enough. Other than I’m so incredibly honored to have been given the chance to be an ARC reader for Haley because she deserves all the praise and support for this brilliant storyline she’s crafted for us. To all the readers who haven’t read this series yet, do yourselves a favor and pick up Defender of Histories now so you’re ready for Keeper of Keys. You won’t regret it!!!
Profile Image for Marcella.
498 reviews21 followers
January 9, 2021
I like Defender (Book 1), but I loveee Keeper.

The plot thickens. Danger in every turn. Lira had to make an impossible choice, which could cost her everything.

I enjoyed it more than Defender, and the angst hit just right. I'm so ready for book 3!
Profile Image for Pauline.
230 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2022
It was an amazing ride.

To be honest, I wasn't deeply immersed with the first one but Ballad of Stallions the novella and this second book truly got me captivated me from start to finish.

The world building is so beautiful well done, complex and rich. I sometimes had some trouble to understand everything but the characters seemed to have the same troubles as me so I understood everything at the same time as they did.

I was truly part of the story. I loved everything, the new characters, new story lines, relationships everything. It was packed with revelations, strategies, treason, actions, everything.

The writing was intriguing, I couldn't put it done.

A well deserved 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for underseabookish.
167 reviews28 followers
November 21, 2020
I received an eARC copy of this book, and WOW. I loved and I mean LOVED the first book, but this one took it to the next level for me.

I've grown even more attached to the characters and the story after this one. Haley does such a wonderful job with making you feel like a part of this world. Even if it's filled with gut wrenching angst at times. 😭

I devoured the first book and the novella in a span of a weekend. I took longer on this one to complete, because I wanted to savor it. I also really didn't want to say goodbye so soon to this world. 🌎

I highly recommend this series to fans of fantasy with romance. ❤
Profile Image for Melina.
274 reviews12 followers
November 22, 2020
I LOVED this book! The first one really set the stage, and I have to say that I liked this one even more than the first! The magic system is so unique and different than anything that I've read, which I really enjoyed. The character development was also great, and I am so excited to read the next book when it comes out!
Profile Image for Lynda.
44 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2020
Another fantastic read! All the characters are well developed and it is hard if someone is lost, like losing a friend. Now if everyone will just suck it up and share details and not hold back to avoid unpleasentness it would be nice. 😉
Profile Image for moxxi reads .
162 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2020
The world building in this series was so vivid and well written. The first book left me wanting so much more of the story and the second book delivered in spades. Typically I seem to read books that are just a little more steamy romantically, but this had a great balance of magic, action, and adventure, and there was definitely some heartache thrown in. The ending of the book is a cliffhanger but left me hoping to see more of a certain character. 😍
I really like the witness tree Chronicles and look forward to that next book very much
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mika.
36 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2020
This book is amazing, it exceeded all of my expectations, I laughed I cried (I cried so much a stranger walked up and ask me if I was ok lol) this series just keeps getting better. It has firmly secured a place as one of my absolute favorite series !
7 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2020
If I say I loved Defender of Histories, what word can I use for Keeper of Keys? Haley gets better as the story progresses. Or maybe her characters are getting better at telling her what is going on. Either way, this book is even better than Book 1.

In some books, alternating POVs can be distracting. Here she uses it just enough to be intriguing. Just about the time you wonder what is happening to Aidryn, she switches from Lira to him.

Still, this is a book about Lira and discovering who she is and how to grow. There are major decisions to be made, in some of which she does not choose wisely. There are emotions to deal with, again not always wisely. Even magic cannot keep her from being human.

There are cheers and tears, battles, changes of loyalty, life and death. All those little things that make epic fantasy epic. If anyone dismisses this as Young Adult fiction, they will have to come through this 6-decades-young adult. This is fiction for everyone who loves fantasy, no matter what age. Thank you, Haley, for including me in your Advanced Reader Copy group.
Profile Image for TS.
473 reviews11 followers
November 23, 2020
Oh, this book! That ending! Book two had a lot to live up to after how amazing book one was. It did not disappoint! The writing is wonderful; the romance, action, suspense, all of it. Perfection. I had so many emotions, I loved the different POVs, it brought even more depth to the story as major events begin to unfold and our main characters are often in different locations. This world, so full of uncertainties and danger, thrusts Lira into a decision she never thought she’d have to make and into a romance she didn’t realize she wanted. As things progress she finds allies in unfamiliar places, strength she didn’t know she possessed, and confidence in her magical abilities.

I absolutely cannot wait for book three! So grateful for the opportunity to read the ARC. Thank you so much, Haley!

If you haven’t picked up this series yet, I absolutely would recommend it ten times over. Again, as with book one, I’d give this more than five stars if I could.
Profile Image for Gracienne Standen.
366 reviews8 followers
November 10, 2020
I am speechless! I have read the first book, the novella and this book in a span of 3 days. I absolutely devoured it. The world building is top notch and the characters are realistic and have such depth, you can't help but fall in love and root for them.

I really enjoyed reading both Lira and Aidryn's POVs and to say my heart wasn't beating out of my chest for 80% of the book would be a huge lie. The story kept me guessing and I was never really sure what was going to happen next (which I enjoyed immensely).

The last few chapters had me on edge and now that I'm finished I'm dying to read Book 3. Thank you Haley for writing such an amazing story and putting so much thought and effort into writing this book. I definitely recommend it (and the other books) and have already gushed about it to a friend! But I now have a major book hangover and need to put my heart back together.

Profile Image for Lisa Abrams.
2 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2020
The Witness Tree Chronicles creates a world with many interesting characters. You really get to know them and root for them. The plot, with several subplots, is very intricate and comes to an ending point, but leaves you wanting more. It is a bigger book that you can enjoy for hours. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

I was given this book free in exchange for my honest review.
215 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2020
Another well done book in the Witness Tree series. In my opinion, this is not a book you pick up leisurely. I loved reading it. This one is also worth your time and money!
2 reviews
February 23, 2022
Riviting

So hard to put this book down! Characters are so well written, plot so unexpected, relationships so real that you feel their joys and struggles with them. I have been fascinated with this series!
Profile Image for Brit.
139 reviews
July 14, 2021
If you heard me talk about how much I loved Defender of Histories, just buckle up because I loved Keeper of the Keys even more! Here's why:

- Aidryn's POV! In all seriousness, this was a great addition to the storytelling in this book, and allowed for the world and characters to really become fleshed out. Adding this second perspective let us explore more of the world in less time, and really helped Walden's impressive character development shine.

- Lira's magic was in the spotlight, as well as her connection to the clans. We were introduced to a few new characters and I got the awesome female friendship I was missing in the first book!

- The villains in this story are complex and have motivations aside from "just being evil", which I love. Caitir's story in particular is intriguing and I'm very excited to read more about her in book 3.

If you love fantasy stories with beautiful world building and characters to swoon over, do yourself a favor and pick up these first two books in the Witness Tree chronicles. The third book comes out later this year, and I need more people to share the pain of waiting with me!
Profile Image for Donna.
799 reviews14 followers
February 19, 2025
In Keeper of keys (Witness Tree Chronicles Book 2)by Haley Walden, War is brewing, magical chaos reigns and Lira's friends/allies are scattered. As her power grows out of control she finds herself alone and vulnerable to the magic within. Love this book and definitely recommend it. It is available on Amazon. This is my second time reading and I enjoyed reading it now just as much as I did the first
1,260 reviews23 followers
November 2, 2022
This is an epic reading adventure so don’t think it’s a quick read-because it isn’t! The characters are complex and all too human in so many ways. You will be sucked in with the story and plots and the use of magic both good and evil only adds to the story! I could feel for the feelings of Caitir and Fiadh but the betrayals to avenge those feelings and thirst for revenge and power know no bounds. One life is ruined by listening and obeying her mother and the other by her feelings of rejection and humiliation in matters of the heart.

I am amazed at how Haley can make these characters so realistic! As you read this saga they come to life and you expect to run into them on your daily pursuits. In fact you do meet them daily just not as the names in the books. They are familiar to you as your friends (aside from the magical powers some of these characters possess). We all have been in situations like these characters and been oblivious to people who like us more than we like them or are obsessed to achieving a goal no matter what it takes
or the final cost as a result. The goal of power, control and domination over others is replete in history books as well!

My only wish as I read these books by this wonderful author is that I could make time stop so the demands of the world around me wouldn’t prevent me from having to be interrupted so many times. I feel that on most books I read but with an epic like this series I feel overwhelmed sometimes when I know there is so much left to read when those interruptions come.

I can guarantee you that you will want to finish this series once you start it! There is love, rejection, thirst for power and control, betrayals and an exciting story and plot which will keep you reading well into the night!

Be prepared to spend many many hours caught up reading this epic adventure but know you will be richly rewarded for your time and effort as you delve further and further into the lives of these main characters and how complicated their actions and paths take them and what personal costs they suffer as a result of what their loyalties and desires bring about.

I highly recommend you get this series! You can’t read this book without first reading Defender of Histories and The Ballad of Stallions. Get Defender and sign up for the authors newsletter and get Ballad next and then get this book Keeper Of The Keys and then Vow Of Magic and what follows next. It’s a lot of reading but you’ll be glad you took the journey! It’s one you’ll remember for a long long time!

I’m now reading Vow of Magic, the next book in this exciting and engrossing saga and I invite you to take this epic journey with me as we all get to know Silira, Aidryn, Caitir, Fiadh, Eremon and the other characters who make this journey so memorable!
Profile Image for Melissa Widener.
511 reviews8 followers
November 21, 2022
3.9⭐️
Book 2 of The Witness Tree Chronicles
Genre: upper Young Adult/New Adult Epic Fantasy
Format: ebook ARC

Loved:
*Finally...deets on magic, lands, and clans
*Continued in-depth character development
*Romance
*Not too spicy
*Epic adventure

Loved Less:
*Slower paced than book 1

Description:
War is brewing in Rodhlan, magical chaos reigns, and Lira’s friends and allies are scattered. As her fragmented power grows out of control, Lira finds herself lost, alone, and completely vulnerable to the magic raging within her.

On her way across the continent, Lira makes an unlikely friend in Thorne Beran, a young warrior from her stepfather’s clan. Desperate to save Aidryn Tarlach, Lira convinces Thorne to go with her on a dangerous mission to retrieve him from enemy hands. Along the way, they make a shocking discovery that could turn the tides of war and restore hope to Rodhlan.

As the evil in Iathium ignites to an unstoppable blaze, Lira finds herself drawn toward her own mission to resurrect a ghost from her past. But to succeed, she must face her own deeply-rooted terrors—and test the loyalty of those she loves most.

My opinion:
Superb fantasy storyline with well developed characters who you can't help to love...and hate! Lira has improved with her self-absorption and total unawareness of what is going on around her and is a more likable heroine in this book. I loved learning more about the magic elements, clans, and lands with this installment. I can't wait to see what happens in book 3. Team Aidryn!
Profile Image for Vanessa St.Onge.
62 reviews
October 18, 2022
I like the characters MUCH more now than I did in the first book. There has been time for them to get fleshed out, to grow and develop. I still get incredibly frustrated by the main character. But I take that as a sign of good writing. I would have liked to see some more clarity in the history that was laid down, in the background. But on the whole, I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first. It was easier to read, felt less rushed. I am looking forward to the third book.
Profile Image for Claire Lct.
150 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2022
I liked this book even more than the previous one. I was really into it, I enjoyed every seconds of my read. They were lots of actions, and more romance 💕. I can just tell you that Lira and Aidryn own my heart. I enjoyed the new characters. The world building is still unique and very interesting. There was some politic scheme. The ending was crazy and I am so curious about Lira's story and others characters stories!
Profile Image for Elyse.
47 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2023
This was another great addition to the Witness Tree Chronicles series. I really enjoyed the character building in this one, learning more about the clans and their magic, seeing more of the lands that the story takes place in and seeing the characters make new connections, and struggle with their own issues. Excited to see where the story goes next!
53 reviews
December 31, 2024
Agh! I am in love with this series. Second book, at times, seemed to drag on bit quickly threw action, suspense and plot twists your way. I am so frustrated by the "just out of reach" or almost made it but then foiled fate that seems to befall the main characters. But that is why I devoured this book.
5 reviews
October 18, 2022
Captivating

As you become immersed in the story, you find you cannot but the book away. The plot and story continues to build until you finish the book and turn the page to find its the end. Can't wait for the final book in the series.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
808 reviews3 followers
February 16, 2025
Went right into the second book in this series. Tempted to roll into the third. But 2nd didn't load into my reader so I had to read on my tablet, which is harder on my eyes. Just another computer screen, sigh. Moving back to my reader.
Profile Image for Sherree.
62 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2025
Great series

I love this series! I've read the first 2 books in less than a week and I'm looking forward to the last book in the series. There's no spice, but the passion behind the characters and the story is amazing
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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