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The Treekeepers
An epic tale of trees of power and a world under threat, from the author of the bestselling Five Realms series.
Here come the roots of the Shadow Tree.
Whatever they touch will never get free.
Liska lives in Arborven, a city surrounding an extraordinary tree that gives all those living there special powers. As a shapeshifter, Liska is training as a warrior. When she discovers that the Tree is under threat, it is her duty to act - but she can't convince anyone to listen to her. So with Lug, whose power over earthworms is dismissed as useless, and a ghost-girl, Elowen, she goes on an epic journey to defeat the worst threat their world has ever known.
Illustrated by Chris Wormell this is a richly woven and thrilling fantasy with a wonderful affinity between humankind and nature - a current and vital message for young readers everywhere.
'A thoroughly absorbing story . . . all set in a richly realised and epic fantasy world.' School Reading List
'The first in an exciting new series.'The Bookseller
'A phenomenally rich and thrilling story you won't be able to put down.'Vicky's Never Ending TBR
Here come the roots of the Shadow Tree.
Whatever they touch will never get free.
Liska lives in Arborven, a city surrounding an extraordinary tree that gives all those living there special powers. As a shapeshifter, Liska is training as a warrior. When she discovers that the Tree is under threat, it is her duty to act - but she can't convince anyone to listen to her. So with Lug, whose power over earthworms is dismissed as useless, and a ghost-girl, Elowen, she goes on an epic journey to defeat the worst threat their world has ever known.
Illustrated by Chris Wormell this is a richly woven and thrilling fantasy with a wonderful affinity between humankind and nature - a current and vital message for young readers everywhere.
'A thoroughly absorbing story . . . all set in a richly realised and epic fantasy world.' School Reading List
'The first in an exciting new series.'The Bookseller
'A phenomenally rich and thrilling story you won't be able to put down.'Vicky's Never Ending TBR
ebook
First published January 1, 2022
13 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Kieran Larwood
23 books283 followersKieran Larwood is the author of Freaks, and was the winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2011.
Kieran is one of only two male Reception class teachers on the Isle of Wight.
His days mainly consist of singing nursery rhymes, tying shoelaces, trying to locate who has had an ‘accident’ by sense of smell alone, and vast, endless mountains of paperwork.
Kieran graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English, and also did a foundation year at Falmouth College of Art. Ever since he first read The Hobbit at age six, he has been passionate about stories and storytelling.
Kieran lives with his family on the Isle of Wight. It is his dream to write full time and leave the ‘accidents’ to someone else.
Kieran is one of only two male Reception class teachers on the Isle of Wight.
His days mainly consist of singing nursery rhymes, tying shoelaces, trying to locate who has had an ‘accident’ by sense of smell alone, and vast, endless mountains of paperwork.
Kieran graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English, and also did a foundation year at Falmouth College of Art. Ever since he first read The Hobbit at age six, he has been passionate about stories and storytelling.
Kieran lives with his family on the Isle of Wight. It is his dream to write full time and leave the ‘accidents’ to someone else.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 15, 2025
Liska is a shapewalker, which means she can become an animal when she wears its skin. She is training to become a warrior of Arborven, a city built on and around an enormous tree. The city thrives because of the tree’s magic, which the arbomancers and the others gladly make us of.
One day, Liska gets caught while she overhears something she shouldn’t have. While she flees the scene, she ends up doing something bad. To punish her for her mistake, Liska is forced to do the most humiliating thing anyone could ask of a warrior shapewalker. She has to go to school.
There are some excellent themes in this one. The obvious good Vs evil battle at the heart of this book. The importance of a good friendship. The importance of trees and the environment. Every voice matters, even that of “just a child.” And that you should not look down on or judge people for their jobs. Every job plays a part in keeping a society thriving.
The characters are fleshed out well, but there’s one thing that bothered me. Liska doesn’t really treat her friend Lug well. This is a part of her character arc, as she starts out as a bit of a selfish person. For example: in the beginning of the story, Lug says he’s willing to share a big secret with Liska, who he has just met. Because they’re bonding over being outcasts in school. And before she’s even heard his entire secret, Liska basically tells everyone about it. She does have her reasons for sharing it, so she isn’t a bad person. Still, this is something that does make her a bit unlikeable in the beginning.
This is a very strong middle grade epic fantasy story. The setting in particular is a delight. The quest-like plot is full of fantasy and adventure, this reminds me of Lord of the Rings for all the right reasons. And the characters are worthy of such an epic adventure. Though be aware that the protagonist can be a bit unlikeable in the beginning.
One day, Liska gets caught while she overhears something she shouldn’t have. While she flees the scene, she ends up doing something bad. To punish her for her mistake, Liska is forced to do the most humiliating thing anyone could ask of a warrior shapewalker. She has to go to school.
There are some excellent themes in this one. The obvious good Vs evil battle at the heart of this book. The importance of a good friendship. The importance of trees and the environment. Every voice matters, even that of “just a child.” And that you should not look down on or judge people for their jobs. Every job plays a part in keeping a society thriving.
The characters are fleshed out well, but there’s one thing that bothered me. Liska doesn’t really treat her friend Lug well. This is a part of her character arc, as she starts out as a bit of a selfish person. For example: in the beginning of the story, Lug says he’s willing to share a big secret with Liska, who he has just met. Because they’re bonding over being outcasts in school. And before she’s even heard his entire secret, Liska basically tells everyone about it. She does have her reasons for sharing it, so she isn’t a bad person. Still, this is something that does make her a bit unlikeable in the beginning.
This is a very strong middle grade epic fantasy story. The setting in particular is a delight. The quest-like plot is full of fantasy and adventure, this reminds me of Lord of the Rings for all the right reasons. And the characters are worthy of such an epic adventure. Though be aware that the protagonist can be a bit unlikeable in the beginning.
December 10, 2024
At this point, I am certain that Kieran Larwood is incapable of delivering a less than 5-star novel ⭐️
January 16, 2024
Kieran Larwood always weaves a fantastic story. The Treekeepers is no different. I read this aloud to my children and we all enjoyed it. I have to say, though, that Fishbone was our favorite character and stole every scene he was in.
September 19, 2022
Not a Podkin or Uki in sight and yet this was still brilliant!!! A perfect stand alone adventure ful of magic, shape shifting, daring do and friendship!
May 26, 2024
A beautiful standalone fantasy story!
Stunning descriptions and wonderful world building.
Stunning descriptions and wonderful world building.
July 27, 2022
Every light tree has a shadow tree that will one day destroy it. The rot will come for the city unless the light tree makes the ultimate sacrifice, giving up its heart to save the city from the shadows. Arboven’s tree is under threat and Liska, a shapeshifter, knows she must save it. Armed with secret knowledge, she sets off on what seems like an unimaginably perilous quest to save her tree. With the support of her companions, Lug and Elowen, will she manage it, or will Arboven be lost to the shadows forever?
Let me start this review by saying that I adore Kieran Larwood’s writing. The Podkin and Uki series are magical and Podkin is one of my favourite ever books. And you know what, The Treekeepers immediately goes right up there too. I think the first thing I said when I finished was ‘wow, just wow’ and that encapsulates the sheer marvelousness of this book. Kieran has this way of transporting the reader quickly to a magical setting and building a glorious world around them. I felt like I was part of Arboven and I truly want to live in one of the mage circles – though obviously being an arbomancer would be the best. The Treekeepers follows Liska’s perilous quest and this is on similar levels to quests in epic fantasy – like Lord of the Rings etc. Kieran does this so well for a younger audience – keeping the story age appropriate, but with genuine fears and real senses of danger throughout.
There’s a fantastic cast of characters to follow too. Heroine Liska has the incredible power to change into a gryffix. She spends so much of the book desperate to prove herself to her family and to the other warriors, just wanting to be accepted. Lug, her sidekick, has the not-so-amazing power to call up and talk to worms as a vermispex, but he completely underestimates his own abilities! Elowen is a ghostly girl who is so much more than she seems (no spoilers here from me). But my particular favourites are Fishbone and Myrtle. Fishbone is just hilarious throughout and provides the most epic support, but you better remember that they are a kittimew and most certainly not a cat! And Myrtle the wyvern is a supportive companion for perhaps the most unlikely of the heroes.
I am really hoping for more adventures in Skyra and following these characters. The Treekeepers is a phenomenally rich and thrilling story you won’t be able to put down! 5 out of 5 stars.
Thank you so much to Faber for my review copy.
Let me start this review by saying that I adore Kieran Larwood’s writing. The Podkin and Uki series are magical and Podkin is one of my favourite ever books. And you know what, The Treekeepers immediately goes right up there too. I think the first thing I said when I finished was ‘wow, just wow’ and that encapsulates the sheer marvelousness of this book. Kieran has this way of transporting the reader quickly to a magical setting and building a glorious world around them. I felt like I was part of Arboven and I truly want to live in one of the mage circles – though obviously being an arbomancer would be the best. The Treekeepers follows Liska’s perilous quest and this is on similar levels to quests in epic fantasy – like Lord of the Rings etc. Kieran does this so well for a younger audience – keeping the story age appropriate, but with genuine fears and real senses of danger throughout.
There’s a fantastic cast of characters to follow too. Heroine Liska has the incredible power to change into a gryffix. She spends so much of the book desperate to prove herself to her family and to the other warriors, just wanting to be accepted. Lug, her sidekick, has the not-so-amazing power to call up and talk to worms as a vermispex, but he completely underestimates his own abilities! Elowen is a ghostly girl who is so much more than she seems (no spoilers here from me). But my particular favourites are Fishbone and Myrtle. Fishbone is just hilarious throughout and provides the most epic support, but you better remember that they are a kittimew and most certainly not a cat! And Myrtle the wyvern is a supportive companion for perhaps the most unlikely of the heroes.
I am really hoping for more adventures in Skyra and following these characters. The Treekeepers is a phenomenally rich and thrilling story you won’t be able to put down! 5 out of 5 stars.
Thank you so much to Faber for my review copy.
January 5, 2024
I enjoyed this! Great characters, a carefully crafted world and a great adventure! From Mr B's Reading Spa in Bath.
August 23, 2025
The book, “The Treekeepers” is a lovely book that features wild imagination and an unbelievably great storyline. I would really recommend this book to 10-18 year olds as the vocabulary is not really hard and the story is quite easy to understand, perfect for young teens and adults. This fabulous book written by Kieran Larwood is mainly about Liska and other friends saving their kingdom from Thresher, a villain who uses seepers (an animal that is made from black goo)to attack Liska and the kingdom. Will Liska succeed in this dangerous adventure of defeating Thresher? Or will the kingdom be defeated by an army of seepers?
January 4, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable quest adventure novel with a really fun and original set of characters and encounters. The shape shifting premise was cool and the book contains one of the best ends to a bad guy I’ve read in some time. Favourite character was Lug who’s worm related escapades left me chuckling throughout and ended with a feat to rival Paul Atreides 🤣. A great gateway fantasy read for families with older children and young teens.
September 24, 2022
Amazing such a great read, gave me the feeling of reading the hobbit for the first time
October 28, 2022
Perfection for kids and adults alike. Kieran Larwood is utterly superb and Treekeepers is such a beautiful story.
January 16, 2023
I absolutely love this book and have read it over and over again.
June 22, 2023
It's fantastic and I'm so happy that I chose this the way Liska helps Lug is fantastic.
June 30, 2023
I thought the tree city was so imaginative and interesting. However I lost interest quite a bit after they left it. Cute book that a younger reader would enjoy more.
August 7, 2023
Very good love the adventure in it😄
October 1, 2023
One of the best adventure books out there
December 29, 2024
Started slow but had a great middle and ending… good characters, fun situations… recommended read
June 20, 2025
My son (8) loved this book. He said it was the best book he’s ever read! (Ok…he’s only getting into chapter books so hasn’t read tons yet but still!)
October 4, 2025
Really nice book! Got hooked on the very first chapter, definitely recommend. Wished this was a series so we could get more of this amazing world.
October 29, 2023
Fantastic and imaginative world building. Lovely characters. Nice message at the end. Not a 'couldn't put down' read but still a very impressive children's adventure story.
October 26, 2022
🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳
The Treekeepers was my first foray into @KieranLarwood's writing and I was not disappointed. The journey Liska and her friends (Lugworth is a treasure) take is captivating, filled with all sorts of magic and wonder. Liska burns with the overwhelming feeling that I remember so well, a child desperate to be taken seriously by adults.
Entwined within the journey is the exploration if some quite weighty themes, social injustice, loss and preservation of the natural world. However Kieran's deft writing never strays into moralising which children have such an aversion to.
The outside of the book matches the inside @christopherwormell has lovingly captured Arborven on the cover and each chapter is headed with a woodcut style illustration. I've not shown the foiling on the naked hardback because it was a surprise to me but it is stunning.
My only complaint, not shared with my son, is that I wanted much more time in Arborven before the journey began. I found the gargantuan size of the Undrentree fascinating and loved the glimpse of the workings of the city.
A must read for children solo reading from 7 upwards and any adult that was a fan of Robin Jarvis or Brian Jacques
"I'm the centre stood the Undrentree...
Almost as tall as the mountains that enclosed the valley, it dwarfed everything around it. Its thundering great branches
spread out like open arms covered in sprays of jade leaves that rose high enough to touch the clouds."
The Treekeepers was my first foray into @KieranLarwood's writing and I was not disappointed. The journey Liska and her friends (Lugworth is a treasure) take is captivating, filled with all sorts of magic and wonder. Liska burns with the overwhelming feeling that I remember so well, a child desperate to be taken seriously by adults.
Entwined within the journey is the exploration if some quite weighty themes, social injustice, loss and preservation of the natural world. However Kieran's deft writing never strays into moralising which children have such an aversion to.
The outside of the book matches the inside @christopherwormell has lovingly captured Arborven on the cover and each chapter is headed with a woodcut style illustration. I've not shown the foiling on the naked hardback because it was a surprise to me but it is stunning.
My only complaint, not shared with my son, is that I wanted much more time in Arborven before the journey began. I found the gargantuan size of the Undrentree fascinating and loved the glimpse of the workings of the city.
A must read for children solo reading from 7 upwards and any adult that was a fan of Robin Jarvis or Brian Jacques
"I'm the centre stood the Undrentree...
Almost as tall as the mountains that enclosed the valley, it dwarfed everything around it. Its thundering great branches
spread out like open arms covered in sprays of jade leaves that rose high enough to touch the clouds."
September 24, 2022
I’m a big Five Realms fan, and I also really enjoyed Carnival of the Hunted, but something about the synopsis of this just really called to me and I’m so happy about how much I adored it. I read it with Izzy, a common theme in this post, and I loved discovering the lands of Skyra with her. It takes place in a world where the magical Undrentree gives the people who live there powers, and a dangerous shadow twin tree named Bitterblight threatens to destroy everything. Shape-shifting Liska, our desperate to prove herself protagonist, decides to journey across the land in order to find a way to save her tree and her people from certain death, as well as earning herself a celebratory stripe. She is joined by Lug- who lacks confidence in himself and his powers but learns to appreciate them, and a ghost girl named Elowen, and they’re being pursued by an incredibly sinister hunter who will kill them if she tracks them down. And we also have the MAGNIFICENT Fishbone the kittimew- I don’t even know what to say about him other than that he’s hands down one of the best characters I’ve ever read, and reminiscent of Dominique Valente’s beloved Oswin. The worldbuilding is lush and complex, the magic system is detailed and unique, and I loved the various twists and turns the story takes, lots of which I hadn’t seen coming. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book in the series, although I’m unsure if it’ll follow the same group of characters as this was such a satisfying standalone. Nevertheless, I’ll be reading it as soon as possible!
April 30, 2023
This book was brilliant ! We couldn't put this down (I read to my 10 and 12 year olds).
We are massive fans of Kieran Larwood books! Having read them all.... we knew this would not dossappint!
So well written, beautifully detailed and a rich vocabulary that just draws you in!
What an epic adventure! 👏
We are massive fans of Kieran Larwood books! Having read them all.... we knew this would not dossappint!
So well written, beautifully detailed and a rich vocabulary that just draws you in!
What an epic adventure! 👏
November 21, 2022
I am already a fan of the Podkin books- they are some of the best middle grade fantasy out there. And this is brilliant from the beginning, steeped in LOTR-esque Tree Lore with mages and wonderful chimera shape-shifters.
It's easy to love the wildly creative band of little heroes: human/fox creature Liska, fretful worm boy Lug, ghostly but happy Elowen and clever kittimew Fishbone, as they go on adventure to save their home.
The world of magic good and evil trees is enchanting but the variety of characters, animals and their magic is inspired (and sometimes very cute). They make this a truly wonderful book.
It's easy to love the wildly creative band of little heroes: human/fox creature Liska, fretful worm boy Lug, ghostly but happy Elowen and clever kittimew Fishbone, as they go on adventure to save their home.
The world of magic good and evil trees is enchanting but the variety of characters, animals and their magic is inspired (and sometimes very cute). They make this a truly wonderful book.
April 27, 2024
An Outstanding Read
Such incredible storytelling from Kieran. This story evolved and developed beautifully, growing into a book that I struggled to put down each evening. Having read the Five Realms series, my expectations of The Treekeepers were very high. It's safe to say that it didn't disappoint!
I highly recommend this for anyone 9+.
Such incredible storytelling from Kieran. This story evolved and developed beautifully, growing into a book that I struggled to put down each evening. Having read the Five Realms series, my expectations of The Treekeepers were very high. It's safe to say that it didn't disappoint!
I highly recommend this for anyone 9+.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews