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The Keeper Chronicles
The Black Horn: A Keeper's Tale
It's astonishing how often love and magic are mistaken for each other.
The enemy hordes are approaching, and there's nothing to protect Stone Gap except a black rams horn with powers more legend than reality, and a young woman desperate to save those she loves.
The Black Horn is a short story related to the Keeper Chronicles.
It is a standalone story and can be read at any time.
The enemy hordes are approaching, and there's nothing to protect Stone Gap except a black rams horn with powers more legend than reality, and a young woman desperate to save those she loves.
The Black Horn is a short story related to the Keeper Chronicles.
It is a standalone story and can be read at any time.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2022
10 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 11, 2022
This is another short story in the Keeper world, and while I enjoyed it a tiny bit less than her Ghost in the White Wood, it was still a damn good read!
With The Black Horn the start was a bit rocky for me, and it took me a bit to firmly settle into the world and the characters. That's my only complaint here, once I got past the very first scene, I was just as hooked as always. As it's a short story, this didn't take long at all.
I wonder how she manages to put so much emotion into such a few words, but I was fully attached to the characters, and on the edge of my seat by the end.
It's full of tension, love and fear for your family and friends. There's a big tragedy looming right around the corner. But as it's a book by JA Andrews, there's also hope. Always that little glimmer of hope.
With The Black Horn the start was a bit rocky for me, and it took me a bit to firmly settle into the world and the characters. That's my only complaint here, once I got past the very first scene, I was just as hooked as always. As it's a short story, this didn't take long at all.
I wonder how she manages to put so much emotion into such a few words, but I was fully attached to the characters, and on the edge of my seat by the end.
It's full of tension, love and fear for your family and friends. There's a big tragedy looming right around the corner. But as it's a book by JA Andrews, there's also hope. Always that little glimmer of hope.
July 5, 2023
I listened this on Karyne Norton's new podcast Finding Fantasy Reads which was fantastic!
I have loved everything Andrews has written and this was no exception. I’m happy to have another story that takes me back to the world of the Keepers but the hero in this story isn’t a Keeper, but Eliese, a young woman desperate to protect her family and home against overwhelming odds.
It’s a lovely, lyrical story about desperation and hope, love and magic.
(And I totally believe Marcus!)
I have loved everything Andrews has written and this was no exception. I’m happy to have another story that takes me back to the world of the Keepers but the hero in this story isn’t a Keeper, but Eliese, a young woman desperate to protect her family and home against overwhelming odds.
It’s a lovely, lyrical story about desperation and hope, love and magic.
(And I totally believe Marcus!)
August 31, 2021
For such a little story, there is so much heart!
When they were young, Eliese, Rellien, and Marcus blew the legendary black horn, rumored to call armies to aid in time of need, but nothing happened since its magic had been lost. When they grew older and their home was at risk, Eliese attempts to find a way to imbue the horn with magic in order to save everyone she loves.
I loved Eliese, she was such a strong, kind using woman. I felt that if the world had more people like her, it would be a better place.
Also, here's a fun quote:
"And if you could swoon or something at our impending doom, that would be great."
"I don't swoon." Eliese said, indignant. "I'm perfectly capable of helping solve whatever problems come up. After all, I'm the one who climbed up the mantle to get the horn , and I'm the one who discovered we could get out the watch tower window to reach this goat trail." She scowled at her brother. "Swoon," she muttered.
When they were young, Eliese, Rellien, and Marcus blew the legendary black horn, rumored to call armies to aid in time of need, but nothing happened since its magic had been lost. When they grew older and their home was at risk, Eliese attempts to find a way to imbue the horn with magic in order to save everyone she loves.
I loved Eliese, she was such a strong, kind using woman. I felt that if the world had more people like her, it would be a better place.
Also, here's a fun quote:
"And if you could swoon or something at our impending doom, that would be great."
"I don't swoon." Eliese said, indignant. "I'm perfectly capable of helping solve whatever problems come up. After all, I'm the one who climbed up the mantle to get the horn , and I'm the one who discovered we could get out the watch tower window to reach this goat trail." She scowled at her brother. "Swoon," she muttered.
June 6, 2022
Short and heart-wrenching. I loved the tantalising hints as to where the story was going, and yet that ending! It broke me.
March 27, 2023
A very short quick fun read
December 4, 2025
Opening lines:
This was a bittersweet story. I really enjoyed Andrew's writing in how she used metaphors and similes. The description made me interested to read more of her work. The book markets itself as a standalone since it is a short story in the series, but I think I would have benefited in reading the first book before reading The Black Horn. It is possible that it was harder to follow because I listened to the audiobook while driving.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read and free to listen to on the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast available on YouTube.
Content Warning: No swearing or sex. Mentions of death and magic. Minimal romance.
The bag with the Black Horn bounced against Eliese's back like the prodding of a little sprite, cheering her on to adventure and victory. She raced after her twin brother Rellien, his red curls jouncing wildly as he ran down the goat trail winding high along the cliff. Behind her she could hear Marcus's quick breaths and footsteps. A pebble knocked loose by her foot shot off the side of the path and bounced down the steep slope disappearing into the gorge. The rust-red cliffs stood out in sharp relief against the empty blue sky. Eliese's black hair soaked in the heat from the summer sun, making the top of her head feel like it was too close to a fire.
This was a bittersweet story. I really enjoyed Andrew's writing in how she used metaphors and similes. The description made me interested to read more of her work. The book markets itself as a standalone since it is a short story in the series, but I think I would have benefited in reading the first book before reading The Black Horn. It is possible that it was harder to follow because I listened to the audiobook while driving.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read and free to listen to on the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast available on YouTube.
Content Warning: No swearing or sex. Mentions of death and magic. Minimal romance.
June 23, 2023
For such a little story, there is so much heart!
When they were young, Eliese, Rellien, and Marcus blew the legendary black horn, rumored to call armies to aid in time of need, but nothing happened since its magic had been lost. When they grew older and their home was at risk, Eliese attempts to find a way to imbue the horn with magic in order to save everyone she loves.
I loved Eliese, she was such a strong, kind young woman. I felt that if the world had more people like her, it would be a better place.
Also, here's a fun quote:
"And if you could swoon or something at our impending doom, that would be great."
"I don't swoon." Eliese said, indignant. "I'm perfectly capable of helping solve whatever problems come up. After all, I'm the one who climbed up the mantle to get the horn , and I'm the one who discovered we could get out the watch tower window to reach this goat trail." She scowled at her brother. "Swoon," she muttered.
When they were young, Eliese, Rellien, and Marcus blew the legendary black horn, rumored to call armies to aid in time of need, but nothing happened since its magic had been lost. When they grew older and their home was at risk, Eliese attempts to find a way to imbue the horn with magic in order to save everyone she loves.
I loved Eliese, she was such a strong, kind young woman. I felt that if the world had more people like her, it would be a better place.
Also, here's a fun quote:
"And if you could swoon or something at our impending doom, that would be great."
"I don't swoon." Eliese said, indignant. "I'm perfectly capable of helping solve whatever problems come up. After all, I'm the one who climbed up the mantle to get the horn , and I'm the one who discovered we could get out the watch tower window to reach this goat trail." She scowled at her brother. "Swoon," she muttered.
February 26, 2024
This journey takes us briefly for another enjoyable visit into the Keeper’s world by Andrews.
The Black Horn is an ancient item, that once created an army to deliver a people from slaughter or that’s how the story goes. Yet as Eliese stares at the horn, it’s hollow of any victory. However, a miracle is what she needs more than anything right now with an enemy army coming to kill all those she holds dearest.
Yet Eliese finds something more powerful than any magic or a dormant artifact. It’s hope. It’s the kind that one knows will come to fruition though the how can’t be fathomed in that instant. It’s one in which the strength of heart translates into the fire to manifest the army to conquer the enemy. For Eliese knows she can’t allow the enemy to win, that someone must make the story turn to reality this time, because she won’t allow those she loves to be lost. So, for love, she’ll awaken the legend or become the fulfillment of it or die trying.
The Black Horn is an ancient item, that once created an army to deliver a people from slaughter or that’s how the story goes. Yet as Eliese stares at the horn, it’s hollow of any victory. However, a miracle is what she needs more than anything right now with an enemy army coming to kill all those she holds dearest.
Yet Eliese finds something more powerful than any magic or a dormant artifact. It’s hope. It’s the kind that one knows will come to fruition though the how can’t be fathomed in that instant. It’s one in which the strength of heart translates into the fire to manifest the army to conquer the enemy. For Eliese knows she can’t allow the enemy to win, that someone must make the story turn to reality this time, because she won’t allow those she loves to be lost. So, for love, she’ll awaken the legend or become the fulfillment of it or die trying.
July 19, 2024
This was a reread for me, and I enjoyed it more the second time. There’s a short prologue when the characters are children playing with the legendary black horn without permission. They put it back with none the wiser, convinced it has no magic. At least the boys are convinced, but the girl is not. Chapter 1 picks up seven years later when they are on the brink of war, the odds stacked against them. None of them is super powerful or overly skilled, but the girl, now a young woman, wonders if the black horn can help them in their time of need. The story's main theme is what attributes are needed to be a hero. I like how believable the characters were.
May 9, 2024
I wanted to like this short story, but it let me down in so many ways. The prologue I quite enjoyed, but after that things kind of got bland and muddy. From the repetition of the words and there being no synonyms in their place, to the lackluster plot that had promise and potential but was paced too quickly for its own good. Everything felt either predictable or entirely random. I enjoyed the writing style aside from the the same words bring used so often in less than a couple pages and the grammatical errors that, although rarely, arose. 3/5 stars.
December 28, 2024
The thing with magical items is that such items can literally be anything. And they are often not discernable as such.pre so, sometimes magic also resides in humans and even they often are unaware of such.
The black horn at Stone Gap is such an item. Yes, legend had it as being magic.
Till the day Eliese had to try it..
The Black Horn by author J A Andrews is fantasy story drawing the reader into a situation where even you would want to blow that horn with everything inside of you.
Don't.
The black horn at Stone Gap is such an item. Yes, legend had it as being magic.
Till the day Eliese had to try it..
The Black Horn by author J A Andrews is fantasy story drawing the reader into a situation where even you would want to blow that horn with everything inside of you.
Don't.
February 3, 2023
This really was a great, but short tale. Eliese is everything you could want in a young woman, not afraid to give her all for her people. She trusts enough in the legend of the Black Horn to try it out in the most desperate of times. The people around her are all folks you'd want to know.
Give this heroic a fantasy a read.
Give this heroic a fantasy a read.
July 2, 2024
Another wonderful little story of the Keepers and those around them in Queensland.
This is the story of Eliese, a black horn, how she saves her town and discovers her magic. The touch of romance is so lightly done but it's poignant and lovely.
My fav thing about these short stories is the way they make me want to know more...what happens next?
ESPECIALLY THIS ONE!!! 😁
This is the story of Eliese, a black horn, how she saves her town and discovers her magic. The touch of romance is so lightly done but it's poignant and lovely.
My fav thing about these short stories is the way they make me want to know more...what happens next?
ESPECIALLY THIS ONE!!! 😁
June 21, 2023
I listened to this short story with my kids, and we all really enjoyed it! It was a fun little introduction to the Keepers world for them (I've already read all of Keeper Chronicles). The characters were interesting, and the story was wonderful.
September 3, 2023
More Please.....
I didn't like the ending, but the story was good. I really do hope that MS Andrews writes more about Elise and the Black Horn at some point in the future, because there is definitely more to this story.
I didn't like the ending, but the story was good. I really do hope that MS Andrews writes more about Elise and the Black Horn at some point in the future, because there is definitely more to this story.
July 8, 2022
A Grand Tale!
JA Andrews never disappoints, other than The Black Horn being way to short, leaving us to want more. Well written, great plot with inspiring characters.
JA Andrews never disappoints, other than The Black Horn being way to short, leaving us to want more. Well written, great plot with inspiring characters.
March 21, 2024
Great quick read.
This book was a fun quick read. Although short, I feel in love with the characters and it left me wanting more.
This book was a fun quick read. Although short, I feel in love with the characters and it left me wanting more.
March 5, 2023
Lovely story of love and courage. I loved every minute with them and I just KNOW Marcus is right!
September 28, 2024
I want to read more J A Andrews
July 3, 2023
This is a beautiful story filled with friendship and hope. It's a great introduction to both the world of Keepers and JA Andrews' heartwarming style of writing.
Download and read for free here: https://jaandrews.com/
Listen for free here: https://www.findingfantasyreads.com/p...
Download and read for free here: https://jaandrews.com/
Listen for free here: https://www.findingfantasyreads.com/p...
December 20, 2021
This is a short novella and a Keeper's Tale and it is about Eliese, a young woman who loved her family so much she would do anything to keep them safe. So when the hordes of wildmen were nearing Stone Gap she feared for her twins' life, and for that of the man she was in love with, and she knew she had to do something to stop the horde before they arrived at the keep. They did not have the men necessary to stop the wildmen from crossing into the plains but Eliese had the Black Horn. This was a horn of legend but it was the only thing she had so she blew it. Was it magical, was she magical or was it her strong love for her family which finally turned the tide in their favour? Whatever it was Eliese and the Black Horn saved the day and the country. Though short this tale is full of the wonder of magic, of belief and of love and courage and as usual written in the great writing style of JA Andrews, author of the Keeper Chronicles.
December 5, 2022
I love Ms Andrews writing style, she captures the very essence of all she writes so majestically, superbly! I love the characters she creates, they are never what they seem at face value, there is always more to them. And Eliese is no exception. When faced with total destruction of all she holds dear, her family, she pours her very heart and soul into trying to prevent it from happening. Taking a legend and her newly acknowledged ability, she does the impossible. I loved how even a Keeper, Oriana, couldn't quite wrap her head around her suspicions, lovely. So wonderfully spun and weaved, it's a terrific prequel to the Keeper books, which leaves me no alternative but to go reread them!
September 17, 2021
The black horn was a nice prequel and I liked the fact that it can be read as a standalone.
It had a great take on magic, nice characters that I liked and a great action movement.
Rumored to be able to raise stone armies, The black horn is now a mere ornament. That's the conclusion Eliese, Rellien and Marcus draw when they blew the horn.
Now on the dawn of a battle Eliese still hopes that the horn will save her family. And she braves the winds and stony steps until she does the impossible and saves everyone.
But this will have consequences.
It had a great take on magic, nice characters that I liked and a great action movement.
Rumored to be able to raise stone armies, The black horn is now a mere ornament. That's the conclusion Eliese, Rellien and Marcus draw when they blew the horn.
Now on the dawn of a battle Eliese still hopes that the horn will save her family. And she braves the winds and stony steps until she does the impossible and saves everyone.
But this will have consequences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2023
A really strong and emotionally-driven short story! It's set in the Keeper Chronicles universe, but can totally be read as a complete standalone.
I already knew that I loved Andrews' writing from reading The Keeper Chronicles, but this once again reminded me of how good she is in terms of character work! Perfect example of why you don't need hundreds of pages to tell an engaging and impactful story. Loved this!
I already knew that I loved Andrews' writing from reading The Keeper Chronicles, but this once again reminded me of how good she is in terms of character work! Perfect example of why you don't need hundreds of pages to tell an engaging and impactful story. Loved this!
July 1, 2022
This is what a short-story should be like if introducing a series: Characters you instantly like, and interesting story, small hints of worldbuilding and the bigger story to be intriguing and very well written. The Black Horn has all that and it made me want to read the Keeper-books even more now!
December 28, 2021
Totally enthralling. I loved every minute of this story!
June 20, 2022
A nice tale of hope and sacrifice.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews