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The Keeper Origins #3

Phoenix Rising

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I wish more of the nudges that shaped history were the gentle kind—the signing of a treaty, the commitment to protect the weak, the spreading of a story that would enlighten minds.

Alas, humans are more prone to stagnate than to change willingly, and so most nudges are given with force and terror and blood.

Most nudges come at the slicing of a blade or the searing of a flame.

The final chapters of Sable’s beginning certainly did.

More blades than I hope to see again, and the fire…

Who could ever forget the fire?


Phoenix Rising is the final book in the Keeper Origins.

732 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2022

328 people are currently reading
730 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Andrews

22 books672 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
Profile Image for Rob Hayes.
Author 45 books1,915 followers
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March 23, 2024
I utterly loved this book. And all 3 books in the Keeper Origins series. A very different type of epic fantasy to those I usually read with very little action, but a whole lot of heart. I immediately purchased the Keeper Chronicles and am looking forward to continuing reading JA Andrews works.
Profile Image for Constance Lopez.
Author 14 books148 followers
May 11, 2022
Such a satisfying conclusion to an amazing series

Phoenix Rising is the epic(in every sense of the word) conclusion to the Keeper Origins trilogy. I waited a year for this book, and you guys.

It was worth the wait. This is easily in my top 3 books for the year—maybe even the best book I’ve read this year.

As always, Andrews wrote us a book chock full of vibrant characters, a rollercoaster of emotions, and a plot that just sucks you into the vacuum of “what is time and space”. Seriously. I went on a trip a week and a half ago, and after I read Phoenix Rising, it now feels like that was a month or two ago. I was so immersed in her world that it feels like I lived through everything those characters did.

There were no punches pulled, and yes, I did cry. Happy tears, angry tears, sad tears… There were a lot of tears. But every single one was well earned, because this book took us by the hand and led us through the last part of Sable’s journey—her fight to get rid of the Kalesh once and for all. It seems impossible for most of the book, but never hopeless. She has more enemies(and, sometimes, friends) to contend with than she realizes, and they have schemes within schemes, but Sable is amazing and resourceful and she will never give up while the people she loves are threatened.

I’m so happy with how this story concluded. But also, sad, because I deeply love these characters. This world. The magic, the themes, the clever foreshadowing and way the plot unfolds. There’s literally nothing I disliked about this story by the end. It was magical in the way only the very best fantasy is.

I received and ARC, and I have reviewed this book willingly.
Profile Image for Lana  (Lore & Lullabies).
175 reviews37 followers
March 11, 2023
Officially solidified itself as a favourite fantasy series of all time!! ALL TIME!!

I feel like it is rare to find a tale about a woman who saves the world that can not fight, can not parry a sword, and can not shoot an arrow at all throughout a series and doesnt have any desire to. But Sable needs none of those things. Is it because she has incredible powers and can smite her enemies with her magic? No. She does it with the truth. And I couldn't love this series more.

Contains subtle magic, the best found family, animal companions, war, loyalty, deceit, a natural romance that doesn't overtake the plot and ...maybe I'll just scream at people till they read this series. Yes, it is that good.

JA Andrews has managed to create characters that will stay in my heart forever. Enemies whose intentions you can't really fault and layers of action, drama, intrigue, politics, romance, and a pure joy to read.

I loved that the epigraphs in this particular book were mostly scene opening descriptions from Atticus, the playwright, and really set the tone and scenery for each part effortlessly but also why. He was telling us, while also showing, and it was delightful.

Atticus mentions layered audiences here and the format, pacing, and style as much as the words themselves did exactly that. I think this series has something for everyone and want everyone to read it so I can talk about it. Sometimes highlighting and noting just isn't enough.

I can't say anything else without revealing things that were so fun to unravel, but aaahhhh so good!

Thankfully, I can escape back into this world in the Keeper Chronicles, and I intend to do exactly that

Highly recommend for fantasy lovers of all ages and genres.
Profile Image for Julia Sarene.
1,683 reviews202 followers
November 23, 2022
All the stars! What a conclusion for a brilliant series. Andrews had long since written her way into my favourite author list and Phoenix Rising is one more clear reason why.

All these characters have grown so very much on me, I really cared for each and every one of them. They all feel so real and three dimensional, so you can even kind of understand the bad guys. This made the story all the more gripping and realistic.

The balance between war, fights, death and destruction on the one hand, but also hope, friendships, family and loyalties on the other hand worked out well for me. It didn't feel too easy or shallow, but also managed to avoid going into the mobilisation grimdark direction.

All the major plot points get a satisfactory conclusion, while enough little bits and pieces are left open to leave the world open and the characters room to grow.

This trilogy is a glowing example of a more modern written epic fantasy, and I need MORE!
Profile Image for Nils Ödlund.
Author 15 books56 followers
May 27, 2022
To say that this book meets expectations is correct, but not entirely fair. One would also have to mention that I expected this to be a worthy culmination to one of the best series I’ve ever read, and that both of the previous books made it into the top five list in the years I read them.

I can’t remember having higher expectations of a book, ever.

Getting back into the Keeper Origins series was a little like reuniting with old friends. The kind you’ve not seen for a long time, but with which you can still have the same old conversations and crack the same stupid jokes – as if no time at all had passed.

There’s Sable and Reese, Leonis and Thulan, Jae and Serene, and there are all the other characters that circle around them, just like I remembered. Admittedly, before getting back into the book, I’d have been hard pressed to remember any names but Sable’s, and maybe Kiva’s, but they all came back to me naturally while reading.

Phoenix Rising picks up where Raven’s Ruin left off. What was once a story of a young orphan trying to get out from under the thumb of a cruel gang boss has grown into tale involving the fates of nations and empires.

Even then, the story never loses sight of its true focus. The characters and the stories they create together – and if there’s one thread that runs through the entire series, it’s that of the power of stories. It’s always been there, in the background, and perhaps that’s what makes it so compelling. Because just like Sable has her own story, so do I have mine, and even if I don’t have a phoenix, my story still has its own kind of magic.


What I’ll whine about
Flibbet. In previous books in this world, even outside of this series, Flibbet the Peddler is a mysterious presence along the sidelines. The kind of character that hints at being not quite what he seems, and possibly much more. In Phoenix Rising, Flibbet plays a (very slightly) more active role than in the past, and while it’s not much, it was enough to diminish the glow of mysterious appeal for me.


What I’ll gush about
Well, it’s an amazing end to an amazing series of books, and it’s difficult to not just go “awesome, awesome, awesome, read it.” I’ll try though…

Sable. Our main character is still very much a real person, trying to find her own voice and trying to do what’s right. A little more confident, but still with her doubts and uncertainties – especially where her sisters are concerned.

Banter. So often recently, I’ve felt that authors show snarky banter into their books just to add comedic effect, without thought of pacing or tension, so it’s refreshing to see it done right. There are plenty of humorous exchanges, but they never get in the way of what’s important to the story.


Final Words
Phoenix Rising is a worthy end to one of the best fantasy series I’ve ever read.
Profile Image for KMart Vet.
1,522 reviews81 followers
September 16, 2024
*slow clap*

This is the perfect conclusion to an absolutely phenomenal trilogy. It’s packed with all the emotions: sadness, joy, and a relentless sense of tension that had me on the edge of my seat. I ended up finishing the entire series in two weeks because once I started, I simply couldn’t stop.

The world-building continues to amaze, and I loved how the central conflict wrapped up in a way that was completely unexpected but so satisfying. The resolution felt earned, and it was different from the typical outcomes you might predict. Sable continues to be a force, disarming everyone in her path with her abilities, her rawness, and her sheer will.

What really made this trilogy stand out for me was the depth of the characters and their relationships. Every interaction felt significant, and you can tell the care that went into crafting these dynamics. There’s so much nuance, and even secondary characters have moments of growth that are rewarding to witness.

This final book delivered everything I wanted and more. I was both heartbroken and elated by the time I turned the last page. Phoenix Rising is truly a wonderful end to an unforgettable journey, and I can't recommend this series enough to anyone who loves immersive fantasy.
Profile Image for Derrick Smythe.
Author 6 books102 followers
December 4, 2022
Phoenix Rising was one of the smoothest, most enjoyable conclusions to a series I have read in a very long time. Andrews had a lot of sub-plots to resolve alongside the main course that was the inevitable show-down between Sable and Vivaine. And she managed all of this brilliantly. If you’re an author, or aspiring author, this is a series to study because it exemplifies everything a fantasy epic should be from start to finish.

I came into this read with the mindset that it would be one of my favorites of the year, perhaps a top ten of all time. I was a little bit obsessed with the first two books in the series, and my wife even more so! Raven’s Ruin built upon everything that worked well in Dragon’s Reach. But does Phoenix Rising live up to such high expectations after such a stellar beginning to the series? The answer is…yes! This should be no surprise, since JA Andrews already proved she can finish a series with a bang *cough-Keeper Chronicles-cough*

What makes this book so great? The writing is layers deep. First, there is this beautiful imagery to prepare you for the scene and tone of each setting, then quippy dialogue to remind you how much we love each of the characters. Next, the dialogue takes on almost a narrative tone, but through the character. Most of the time when authors try to do this, it falls flat with me. Not here. And lastly, there is the inspirational aspect of this story. The characters seem to take turns building each other up throughout the series. Sable, for instance, begins the series as a character in need of encouragement, to one able to offer—let me just show you what I mean.

He glanced into the front room, where Innov perched on the back of a chair. “But from what I’ve heard of you, hope is something you are good at.”

“Sable let out a breath that was too defeated to be a laugh. “I’m better at offering that to other people than to myself.”

“It’s terrifying to hope for something that could be torn away at any moment.” His words moved warmly through the room. “All the more terrifying because things are torn away. Every day. For no discernible reason. All we are really left with is the choice to hope or to despair. But despair feels like surrendering to death before the fight has been fought.” He looked up at Sable. There were streaks of grey through his eyebrows and his short-cropped beard, and the crease between his brow was deeply carved, as though it often sat in this troubled expression. But his eyes held a fierceness and a stubbornness that she recognized. “I don’t like to surrender.”

Sable gave him a small smile. “Neither do I.”

“Good.” He set a hand on her shoulder as he turned to leave. “Then we will hope while we can.”

There is so much I could discuss with this book, and about the series as a whole. But I’ll limit this to a few items I think were done particularly well aside from the writing itself. The growth of the characters, which I’ve already alluded to. Sable goes through a great deal throughout this series. Grievous losses, and epic victories abound, and yet it all progresses with such richness and depth that you never feel like you’re taking so much as a step of faith, let alone a leap. It’s written like real life. In the business of politics and war, meteoric rises often end in disastrous crashes. This brings to mind the likes of Napoleon Bonaparte, though he, unlike Sable, craved power for himself while Sable was merely trying to save her people with no regard for herself. Still, the similarity is there. Sable goes from a poor errand girl bound to the shady black-market merchant at the beginning of book 1, to Flame of the North in book 2. But the North is a diverse fractious alliance united out of necessity and struggles to remain intact. JA Andrews exploits human nature’s craving for power and self-preservation, slowly dissolving Sable’s hold over the north through a combination of conflict from within and savvy on the part of their enemies. This sets up the tension and the plot for Phoenix Rising. I’m midway through Phoenix Rising, and Sable is holding onto the threads of this northern union. She has visited both elves and dwarves in search of allies. It’s yet to be seen whether or not this will prove beneficial, but I’m optimistic that it won’t not have been not for nothing (I think I have the linguistic negatives math right).

I can’t mention conflict without also mentioning tension. They are slightly different and JA Andrews seems to know this because she uses both separately and effectively in her writing. The tension comes out in her dialogue, and it sometimes feels so real for the characters, you can almost feel the warmth or coolness of their words, as if Sable’s magic is leaking its way through the pages. Perhaps this is what makes everything else in this story work so well.

How about you enjoy a preciously silly snip from Phoenix Rising as a lasting reminder of how much fun this story is!

“Thulan said, “Where are the prisoners kept?”

“In the chicken coop,” Sam answered.

A room full of confused looks turned to him.

“They have foxes on the island, Reese said. “very persistent and resourceful foxes. This isn’t your average chicken coop.”

And lastly, my favorite line of the entire story. Even if I myself may not full agree with it, I think Atticus the playwright was not far off when he said, “What good is a story without a dragon?”

Thank you, JA Andrews for creating such an enjoyable reading/listening experience. I look forward to many more.
Profile Image for Alli Lavely.
67 reviews15 followers
August 13, 2025
Since this is the third and final book in this excellent series, I’ll be brief to avoid spoilers. Suffice it to say, the author wrapped up all the many intricate plot lines masterfully. Somehow after 2.5 fairly long books, she still managed to surprise me with the final showdown. I expected a certain outcome and she delivered something totally different and satisfying.

I highly recommend this series if you love epic fantasy, rich characters, a strong sense of place, and a warm thread of morality (the “doing the right thing” kind of morality) and truth woven throughout. It was a welcome dose of comfort for me during chaotic and stressful times.
Profile Image for Gayreth Walden.
439 reviews10 followers
May 12, 2022
The conclusion to Sable's story!

This is a glorious and fitting conclusion to "The Keepers Origins" trilogy. Always edge of your seat reading because you never know for sure what is coming next. This book was very emotional for me, not just because of the amazing writing but also I knew I was saying goodbye to Sable's journey. I enjoyed the plot, the magic, the world building and most of all the amazing characters. I will miss them. I will never forget this story and I believe anyone who reads it will feel the same. Definitely a "Glorious Conclusion"!
Profile Image for Lana.
2,768 reviews59 followers
May 13, 2022
This books brings us to the end of Sable's story and boy what a magnificent ending it is. Ms. Andrews gives us a powerful tale with a massive battle which was long overdue between Sable and Vivaine the dragon prioress whose thirst for power had really done her head in. I love the characters in this series especially those of Atticus's troupe in all their diversity, Sable and Reese and of course Flibbet who is a great favourite of mine but topping the list I really loved Pernicious, the witty and delightful kobold who so loved to tease Reese. I also loved all the wise and inspiring thoughts which went into the writing of this book. The final battle is epic but even better than this is the tying of all loose ends and the hope filled happy ending we were given. I am so going to miss our lovely group of friends and their camaraderie and I do hope Ms Andrews will write another series within the same setting, there are so many characters whose stories are dying to be told!
Profile Image for Darcy B.
3 reviews
December 18, 2024
Enjoyed the read - not the best book

This series was a really nice and easy read. I was invested in the storylines and fell into the world. That being said, when you actually look at the book and the characters, there is a lot lacking. Most of the plot stayed exactly the same through three books and all the main characters were 2D and annoying.

But it was a good read for my mental state and I don’t regret it.
Profile Image for Miriam Michalak.
857 reviews27 followers
July 28, 2022
A super satisfying end to the Keeper Origins series. A character-led fantasy with stories within stories, the importance of story-telling told by a master story-teller herself JA Andrews.

Adored this series and would heartily recommend!
Profile Image for Levi Dykstra.
184 reviews
March 28, 2024
Again, interesting world, but the dialogue generally made me cringe.
The story of an in control antagonist who's only weakness is revealing their plans, yet procedes in revealing their plan; is not an great draw. Didn't feel like a clever ending. Find myself not caring much about any single character. Surprised these books average 4.5 stars and not 3-4 stars; they're fine....
Profile Image for Krystal Hummel.
121 reviews
December 22, 2023
This was a very good conclusion to the series. While it did have dull moments, when it was fast paced it was REALLY good. I do feel like the ending dragged a bit once a certain someone did a certain thing to the antagonist. I enjoyed this series and cannot wait to read the keepers chronicles series.
Profile Image for George Brown.
105 reviews
March 17, 2023
Finally finished this trilogy, a great trilogy at that, I definitely prefer this prequel series to that of the Keeper's Chronicles by the same author, and I quite enjoyed them, I appreciated this series a lot
23 reviews
March 13, 2025
Read this! Read this! Read this!
Just finished the Keeper Origins after loving the Keeper Chronicles. If you like fantasy - read this! An interesting twist on the normal epic fantasy series. A very enjoyable world and characters. I'll be reading anything this author writes.
Profile Image for Sam.
3 reviews
December 2, 2025
I didn’t want this series to end it was pure magic! I loved everything about it, 75 hours wasn’t enough I need 75 more
90 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2022
Can this series ending be any better? More fulfilling and more well thought? I don’t think so! I’ve gotten an advanced reader copy of this book in the hope of giving an honest review… we’ll the book released ages ago and life got in the way of my reading time, but slow and steady I read this rich, passionate, adventurous and totally fulfilling conclusion of yet another brilliant trilogy by J. A. Andrews! It just has everything. I’m in love with this series!!! SERIOUSLY ❤️❤️
10 reviews
May 20, 2022
New favorite author?

So I love this series! I am glad I only needed to wait a month or so for this book to be finished after reading the second. The characters are all you want and need in a fantasy story. Please hurry with your next trilogy!
Profile Image for Kenny Bellew.
470 reviews13 followers
September 27, 2024
After I finished this series, I started reading the famous series by Robert Jordon regarding the Wheel of the World. The first book, The Eye of the World, started in 1990. There are so many similarities between the J.A.Andrews Keeper Origins series and the Eye of the World that they can be listed in a lengthy table (ask Chatgpt to create this table of similarities).

Oddly, I'd read these two back to back and found they are similar. I don't know if it was a subconscious borrowing by Andrews or what. Nonetheless, if you like one, you'll like the other. I'm enjoying both.
13 reviews
March 22, 2024
*Review is for the Trilogy*
J.A. does a great job of developing the character's personalities along the plot, and giving each person their own strong, unique voice.
These books had a fun amount of humor and joking around between characters, enough to have me snorting and laughing out loud while sitting alone in my livingroom.
BUT
I've (sadly) had to say this in a few other reviews: why are we giving women swords and/or swordfight training if we aren't going to put them in an epic swordfight!?.. like Reese trained Sable for weeks and all she got was a freaking compliment because she could "hold it right"!? Dumb. Justice For Girls With Swords.
The main antagonist couldve had a little more back story, like I wanna know what motivated her quest for more power in the first place. Like did she just come out the womb guarded and patient and cunning? Why IS she such a bitch?
MINOR SPOILER: I have a strong dislike of endings that consist of "and now everyone's married, pregnant, and living happily ever after" but I know there's more books set in this world that I haven't read so I cant knock it, I just think that kind of wrap up is unnecessary and everybody always writes the same shit: "his name is Albus Severus" still haunts my nightmares and it triggered me when she Sable named the baby Noreen, like let your children be their own people? What if Noreen grows up and doesn't act like Noreen? Will everyone who knew Noreen be disappointed in Noreen?
Anyway I've rambled enough, it really was a fun, engaging read.
1,573 reviews104 followers
August 16, 2023
I'm starting my review with a sigh. Two sigh's in fact. A sigh because I say goodbye (hopefully only adieu!) to some amazing characters. This series has been a beautiful journey, to see the development of each character, the banter between them, the heartbreaker and tears (yes, I cried real tears too), their triumphs and their defeats, was first class penmanship. Sable's progression, from thief to queen, and all the adventures in between, is sublime! Her relationship with Reese is pure poetry, I loved the realism. As much as I enjoyed their characters, as well as Jae and Selene, Purn, the little kobald, stole my heart! What a delightful character! Another great favourite of mine is Flibbet, an old man with a cart who is so much more! I enjoyed the humour and the drama of this well paced book, I enjoyed the reveal of pertinent facts, I enjoyed the mystery, the elements of surprise that took me unawares. This book, the entire series, kept me rooted, I couldn't tear myself away until I had finished it and at 730 pages, that wasn't an easy task, I did have a sleepless night though! I highly recommend the book and the series
Profile Image for Tammy M Payne.
53 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2022
I 💖 this series

I stumbled upon Keeper Chronicles and was instantly hooked, and while hard for me to believe, I loved this trilogy even more. This book in particular has been my haven during the most stressful period I’ve ever had in my work life and I’ve just finished right in time to successfully meet my deadline. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this read. JA Andrews has also completely made me a fan of kobolds 😊
Profile Image for André.
236 reviews21 followers
December 30, 2023
This is my favorite book in the series – and that is saying something, because – let’s be honest here – the first two books are simply amazing. I already loved the Keeper Chronicles and couldn’t imagine that there might be Keeper-stories I could enjoy even more. Well, I was wrong.

Part of me enjoying this third book so much is of course because we get to see where everything leads to, we have a grand finale that deserves the title. But, a lot more important for me is the fact that the secondary characters get more room here and truly get to shine. Don’t get me wrong, Sable is a great main character, but I am a sucker for great supporting characters. And J.A. Andrews’ stories have them. This is especially true for Thulan and Leonis, but also for Reese and Purn. These four characters really won my heart in the course of the story. On the surface, Thulan and Leonis seem to be comedic reliefs with their steady banter. But to me, theirs is a very special friendship. Despite their differences, they have truly come to care for each other, and you can perfectly see this in their respective weak moments. It’s beautiful and heart-warming. I love the parts when the group visits the elves and the dwarves so much, where these two outsiders/outcasts have to face their respective past. Their problems, their tragedies they only wanted to forget. And they change, they grow through this process. And their friendship to each other and the other members of their group (or rather found family) plays an important role in this growth. They support each other unconditionally, they are there for each other, but also give them room when needed. This rings deeply with me. The relationship between Purn and Reese develops beautifully, too, but differently. Since Purn is bound to Sable, of course Sable’s relationship with Reese is part of why the relationship between Purn and Reese also changes. But it is so wonderful to see how a relationship that was…difficult, to say the least, evolves into such a beautiful and caring friendship. The relationships between the different characters are the truly magical part in this tale for me.

The whole time the story keeps you on the toes of your feet, keeps you rooting for the characters, keeps you guessing, hoping, lamenting, and then starting all over again. There are quite some twists I didn’t expect, but still everything feels satisfying. Feels right. Feels wholesome.

This is fantasy with heart at it’s best! Thank you, J.A. Andrews!
Profile Image for Camilla Vavruch.
Author 16 books33 followers
September 12, 2023
This story—the whole trilogy, not just this third and final installment—has every single thing I want in a book/story.

Allow me to gush.

Fantastic, relatable characters? Check. These are some of the best characters out there, characters that are my friends, and people I’m terribly sad to see go now the story is over. Pern is a favorite, and her relationship with Reese is… *chef’s kiss* (though why he doesn’t love her is beyond me). Sable is a powerhouse, but not in that she’s a great fighter (she’s really not) but in her people skills and being able to bring people together. Thulan is one of Andrew’s fantastic dwarves, and her and Leonis are hilarious. They really do spread joy wherever they go.

Great villains? These are not your run-of-the-mill villains with a single dimension. We got Vivaine’s backstory in book one, making her relatable. Kiva is also layered and interesting, definitely leaning toward the darker grays out there, but not completely black.

Incredible story that keeps me entertained all the way through despite not being fond of threatening war and big battles? Check, mainly because while the threat of war hangs over the characters, there aren’t much in the way of battles that the MC takes part in. Her battles are battles of wits more than brawns.

Wonderful prose? I adore the prose. There are so many things I could quote, at least if I had read the book instead of listened to the audio. Alas, I do not have Sable’s ability to remember text. Good thing I have the ebook too, if I ever have the energy to go through the 2400 pages.

I do wonder what happened in the time between this origin story, and the latter Keeper Chronicles, because in the latter, there is a new Keeper every ten years give or take, but here in the Origins, there are a whole bunch of characters with the ability to control vital/do magic in different ways and they seem to all be about the same age. So why did the fates stop producing so many people with Keeper abilities?

I’m so sad to see this over. It’s been an amazing journey with hope and despair and joy and sadness. If I tried, I could probably write another few pages about the general wonders of this story. But I’ll just say: if you haven’t read it yet, WHY HAVEN’T YOU READ IT YET? Go read it!
Profile Image for Melinda Cater.
224 reviews9 followers
October 29, 2022
Phoenix Rising was the absolute perfect conclusion to the Keepers Origin Trilogy!

Sable, Reese, Atticus, Leonis, and Thulan are all set in their paths to try to fight the Kalesh and save the North from becoming just another taken over and absorbed land. Along the way they make new friends and allies, attempt to persuade the dwarves and elves to join them in their plite, fight harrowing battles against the evils we know and the evils that follow us hidden, but ready to overtake us at any and all opportunities. There were great sacrifices, love, loyalty, family and the family we choose for ourselves. This book also had tons of different types of interesting and unique magic—which I wholeheartedly enjoyed discovering, a unicorn, a Phoenix, and a dragon. And above all and most importantly there was hope— hope for the future, hope for alliances between all living beings, and hope for happiness.

In this book I particularly enjoyed Leonis and Thulan. They brought a lot of comic relief to this story and I laughed! Out Loud! So many times! They were absolutely perfect and I enjoyed every page they were written on.

Another aspect of this book I particularly like was the Dwarven Hearth Vows. I enjoyed this idea and this passage in the story very much and have decided that that is exactly how people in our world should pledge themselves to each other. Forget weddings, the Dwarven Hearth Vows are were it’s at.

All in all, this was an amazing conclusion to an absolutely wonderful series. There were so many wonderful aspects to this story and it’s hard to touch on all of them so you absolutely have to read it to discover them all for yourself. So, if you love classic fanatasy, with amazing magic, tons of magical beings, great evil, amazing heroes, a wonderful found family, all entwined with rays of hope for the future then you just have to read the Keeper Origins Trilogy.
1,780 reviews15 followers
February 25, 2024
This is an epic fantasy that will pull you in like no other. The story and the people have twists and turns in unexpected ways, as Flibbert the Peddlar noted:
“How much do you think we weave ourselves? Sometimes it feels like the knots are made by something vastly more powerful than us, but then when you trace each thread, it looks like it’s just us.”

There clearly is love between the main characters of the story, in more ways than can be described. Sable is a person searching for the best for her people and her country. She searches for her own history and she discovers:
“There was love in those words. Deep, heart-wrenching love that could have sounded sweet, but the sentiment tore into Sable. The rift between the past and this moment ripped wider, leaving a bottomless, bleeding chasm.”

And what good would a story be without humor. The dwarves actually had very dry and sarcastic humor, certainly carried some scenes;
“The dwarf next to Reese grinned. “We can only hope.””

It was a very positive story, that will bring heartfelt tears to all but those who are Scrooge times 1000. It will get you to believe in hope and goodness, and also desire to read the ongoing saga:
“I’ve always thought the most satisfying endings felt like that, like the beginning of a story you don’t know yet.”

You will enjoy having read this book. It made my day, my week. It is a book I will continue to enjoy as I reminisce about the paintings the author left in my memory from descriptions that made me feel like I was right there watching and listening. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Profile Image for Geetha Krishnan.
Author 80 books50 followers
July 24, 2024
This book concludes Sable's tale, and it was a ride! Sable is now firmly entrenched as the Flame of the North, but the Kalesh are coming, and nothing can stop that. Her desperate attempt to save everyone has backfired and now she has to come up with a plan to stop the Kalesh and to unite the warring factions.

Adding to the mix is the legend of Zenivah, a Kalesh myth of a woman with a dragon who had helped their emperor stave off rebellions. The Kalesh seem to believe Vivaine is the reborn Zenivah, and once again, Sable has to put her faith on the woman who had betrayed her and her people countless times already, because the one person who can stop the invasion is the revered Zenivah.

I loved how the Zenivah legend is a counterfoil to the tale of the Ghost of the White Wood. One was a woman who helped the emperor overcome rebels and the other was a rebel who inspired rebellions across the empire. Both of these women are remembered by the Kalesh for different reasons, and I love that Vivaine is held to be Zenivah whereas Sable is identified with the Ghost, which is fitting.

There were more connections in this one, more revelations, heartbreak, and there were times I grew so anxious for Sable and her friends. The book, the largest in the trilogy, held me captivated and I finished it at 2 am, unable to put it down.

I would recommend this to everyone who loves fantasy. This is just an excellently written book with characters who are relatable and a plot that keeps on raising the stakes.

Just read it!
Profile Image for M.H..
Author 28 books141 followers
July 5, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 5 stars for Phoenix Rising, Book 2 of Keeper Origins by JA Andrews

It’s rare that a book leaves me with a hangover but this entire trilogy did just that. Blast you, J. A. Andrews. And blast you again for flaring my imagination so much that now I feel bereft at the close of this amazing trilogy. I need another book now, please and thank you.

There’s a lot I could say about Phoenix Rising—and the whole of Keeper Origins. From delightful characters, tight world-building, vivid descriptions, intense battles, and heartbreaking moments that conjure up actual tears—I could write a whole gushing novel. But that would be redundant and deprive readers of the real gem.

Do yourself a favor, dear reader, and read this trilogy. Walk beside Sable in her struggle against overwhelming forces, and experience her travail, bravery, and boldness. Laugh, cry, and cheer for her. Fall in love with found family. Love to hate the villains. Cherish the sweet romance. And feel the hope.

You won’t regret it.

P. S. I must add that I never quite forgave Talia for her treatment of Sable, though I came to understand her. Her attitude triggered me due to personal life experiences, so I’m afraid I can’t excuse her for her unwise choices and cruel reactions. But that’s no poor reflection on the story. In fact, it’s one of the more brilliant aspects. The characters feel so dang real.

Content: War violence, very mild gore, death, kissing. No spice, no strong language.
Profile Image for Ayzha .
58 reviews
January 15, 2024
I fell head over heels in love with these characters, their stories, and this world. Out of all 3 books in the Keeper Origins trilogy, this one by far is my favorite. It's got everything I came here for: action, mythical creatures, sass, humor, and most importantly, fantasy. And it's ✨️clean✨️. If I had a nickle for every smutty, unimaginative fantasy book I've accidentally picked up, I could buy myself a combo meal at Subway. If that's what you want, fine, but I wish there were more books that take the fantasy genre and truly do something wild with it. Children's book authors and really good for coming up with unique premises. Rarely do I find adult authors who have that same imagination but take it 10x farther with the world building and lore.

JA Andrews wrote some really believable, multi-dimensional characters that have unique motivations, fears, backstories, and personalities. This book, and all the books in this trilogy are lengthy with descriptions and dialogue, but it never felt overwhelming. It only adds to the charm. The book's scenes are silly at some points and downright brutal at others. It's the most satisfying conclusion to Sable's story. At no point did I really feel like I knew where the story was heading. There are callbacks to the first and second book, plotlines wrapped up in neat little bows, and mysteries explaines. I'll just say that it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I for one loved it.
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