Land Keep

Farworld #2

by J. Scott Savage

“Thrilling reads.” — Holly Newton, Meridian Magazine

Four mythical Elementals — Water, Land, Air, and Fire — have the power to save two worlds, Earth and Farworld, from a common enemy: the Dark Circle. In book one, Water Keep, a portal has been opened between the two worlds, allowing Marcus, from Earth, and Kyja, from Farworld, to combine their unique gifts and begin their epic quest to find the Elementals.

In book two, Land Keep, Marcus and Kyja travel with Cascade, a Water Elemental, toward Land Keep, the home of the powerful and wise Land Elementals. However, their journey may end before it even begins. Land Keep is empty, deserted for at least a thousand years, and the rumor is that the creatures who once controlled all land magic are extinct. Marcus and Kyja's only hope seems to lie in finding the Augur Well, a legendary Oracle protected by subtle traps and mind-bending trials. To succeed in their quest, Marcus and Kyja must also avoid the Keepers of the Balance, an order dedicated to redistributing magic to the rich and powerful. And they must travel far underground, where Cascade is unable to follow and where they will be unable to leap to the safety of Earth.

As the Dark Circle closes around them, Marcus and Kyja are faced with the temptation of what they desire most. Sacrifices must be made, and not everyone will survive unscathed.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fiction, Adventure, Magic, Mystery

374 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2009

About the author

J Scott Savage is the author of 19 novels including the Mysteries of Cove series, the Farworld series, and the Case File 13 series, and the Lost Wonderland Diaries.

He has been writing books for over twenty years. His books have received various recognitions including Junior Library Selection, Starred reviews from PW and Kirkus, Amazon Book of the Month,
Barnes and Noble Select book, and several state award nominations.

He has visited over 2500 schools, dozens of writers conferences, and taught many writing classes. He has four children and seven grandchildren. He lives with his wife Jennifer in a windy valley of the Rocky Mountains.




He loves hearing from his readers at info@jscottsavage.com

Reviews

[Ryelor · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first installment of the Farworld series, I wasn't sure I would continue with the rest of the series. So, when I saw Land Keep, I had an internal struggle as to whether I should buy it or not, but finally gave in because J. Scott Savage happens to be a really awesome person and I wanted to at least support his work. I put reading it off for a while, but then decided to face the inevitable by reading it. Verdict: I loved it.

Land Keep takes the story from Water Keep and gives it a shot of adrenaline. It is much more fast paced and , in my opinion, better thought out and more engaging. I understand that the series is aimed for younger readers, and Water Keep did a good job of keeping things straightforward and not too intense. It was, however, a little too soft for me. (Note: that doesn't mean I didn't think it wasn't good, it just wasn't what I was looking for.) Land Keep keeps with the YA style of writing, but takes the story and adds twists, turns, intrigue, and a faster paced read. The characters are beginning to fit well with their personalities, but are evolving enough to not feel static (a downfall of many of today's more popular book series). Plus, Savage has a wonderful narrative voice that I felt matured a lot in this second book.

Now, having read Land Keep, when the third Farworld book comes out I won't even hesitate before I buy it. I am hooked. I am a fan. Loved this book and can't wait to see how the rest of the series turns out.

[Steven Urbina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this book I was amazed at Marcus and Kyja. Two kids found a way to get a to land keep which it was imposible to find. They the puzzels like it was nothing Kyja did something heroic to save Marcus. If I were Kyja I really wouldnt sacrafice the things. That why I was amazed at those two kids.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far so good...

After skeptically reading Water Keep, I have high hopes for the Farworld series. I was nervous about this second installation - would it disappoint? Would continue to feel real? Would it be unbelievable or stagnate?

While the opening Interlude had me briefly concerned, I'm overall pleased with installment #2 of Farworld. The apparent, but not apparent, attraction between Marcus and Kyja is annoying. I don't mind the attraction and bond - I mean, something's bound to happen given the nature of their adventure - but ending book 1 with a kiss on the cheek and book 2 with a kiss on the lips? With no other indication during the book about their growing interest in each other, what's thrown in at the end seems a needless ploy to keep interest. The story itself does that! Hopefully the remaining two books don't do this.

I did enjoy Land Keep and look forward to reading the remaining books - I don't doubt that Air Keep will be good, but I am nervous about Fire Keep ... successfully and believably ending a series is difficult, and I think that will be where the success of the books collective stands or falls.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic second book in the Farworld series! Landkeep added a new dimension to Farworld and it's characters. I was once again amazed at the unique and wild creatures that J.Scott Savage continues to create in Farworld.

The story line is deeper and richer in this second book. There is added tension in the relationship between the two friends, Marcus and Kyja. They both are changing and growing as they mature and learn new things about each other.

The best scene in the whole book takes place at the very end. Wow! It is so well written, that you feel like you are watching a scene from a movie and forget that you are reading a book. Landkeep is the second book in a five book series. You have to wonder how he can write anything better than Landkeep? I know, that J.Scott Savage will write an equally great book in the third book of the Farworld series, as Marcus and Kyja continue in their quest to save Earth and Farworld.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to amaze me....
It is truly a great fantasy story!
Filled with adventure, friendship, hunger for power, a hint of humor, and twist and turns along the way...and just wait until you read the very last line of the story...OH SO GOOD!
I am anxiously ready to read book 3 ~ Far World: Air Keep!

PS. Yes I really did read this book in ONE day...
It took me ALL day...but I just couldn't put it down :)

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series messes with my mind. The characters have a depth to them that makes it hard to figure out who's on which side. Especially at the end, you start wondering if everything you thought about characters is wrong. I'm just glad I already have the next book in the series so I don't have to sit around wondering for a year or more.

[Amanda Fryar · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing. i love these books! :)

[Jayme Swallow · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I blogged about books one and two at the same time. Check it out.

http://jaymesbookreviews.blogspot.com...

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

its okay, not as good as I expected. But I liked the quests, very fantasy-like.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by James, age 12, 9/25/21

This book is about Marcus and Kyja. In the first book Marcus and Kyja found a water elemental and convinced him to help them in their quest. In this book they have to find an earth elemental. They need four elementals (earth, water, fire, and air, in no particular order) in order to open a - for lack of a better word - rift between Farworld and Earth. They need to open this rift because Marcus is from Farworld and Kyja is from Earth, but they were swapped at birth so that Kyja grew up in Farworld and Marcus grew up on Earth. (In the first book, Marcus was brought to Farworld as part of some prophecy, and he met Kyja there, as she was also part of the prophecy.)
Kyja has no magic, but she has the unique ability to open a mini-rift between Earth and Farworld. This is good, because if Marcus stays in Farworld too long, he gets very sick. What happens is that they open the mini-rift, it takes him to Earth as well as her, and he stays on Earth until he is no longer sick, then they head back. The useful thing is that travel on Earth is equivalent to travel on Farworld, so they can travel in one place, and get to a new location on the other.
In this book they have all manner of adventures trying to find an earth elemental. They find new bad-guys called "Keepers of the Balance" who have a goal inimical to Marcus and Kyja's.
Eventually, after many adventures, they find a land elemental. Or maybe two land elementals. You'll have to read the book to find out!

Characters in this book showed these virtues: Kyja showed self-sacrifice. Both showed courage and an indomitable spirit.

Characters in this book showed these vices: The Keepers of the Balance were completely evil and power mad. They showed selfishness and thievery.

Did any characters grow, change, or learn important lessons in this book? Marcus learned to think before he acted.

Does this book have a primarily virtuous, neutral, or negative message?
Well, they all learned good life lessons, but it was not actively Christian or virtuous.

[Sekou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farworld is a fantasy and fiction book. The author of the book is J. Scott Savage. The book Land keep is the second book to a series of other books named Water Keep Air Keep and Fire Keep The book is about the main characters Kyja and Marcus. Kyja is a girl that had a lot of trouble learning magic because she can reflect it. Marcus is a boy that is naturally good at magic but is troubled by the fact that his health is connected to the Far World. Kyja and Marcus are also known as the Keepers. Both these two unfortunate friends go on an adventure to save and rescue the Far World from the Dark Circle. The main villains in all the books are called the Dark Circle. The Dark Circle are groups of evil people that want to rule the Far World. Kyja and Marcus have to find all the elemental creatures to stop the Dark Circle from taking over the Far World. There are 4 parts in Land Keep. My favorite part in the first part is when Marcus was being lazy. My favorite part in the second part of the book is when Kyja and Marcus were getting hunted down by villains. My favorite part in the third part is when the two main characters blushed when they touched hands. My favorite part in the fourth part is when Kyja and Marcus finally found the land elemental. I suggest reading the book if you're into fantasy and rpg related things.I loved this book i loved this book and I hope you do as well . The author of the book is J. Scott Savage. i.:) thanks to u Scott.

[Alicia Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book has so much world building it was difficult to get into at times, and I'd hoped this one would be less disjointed. It still has a lot of that. "Oh look, this thing/monster/idea/concept that has never been mentioned before is now introduced and a Big Part of the plot!" I think I'm judging too harshly, as this was intended for a younger audience and therefore has to be a little more obvious. But I am very much enjoying the story, VERY much enjoying chatting with my 11yo about it, and looking forward to the next two books. I loved the Rhadian* and Screech storylines here.

Also, those damn elementals better not be working for the Dark Circle!!!

*I don't think that's how you spell it, but I'm too lazy to go look it up.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though Cascade, a Water Elemental, has joined them, Marcus and Kyja fear they may never find Land Keep, or stay ahead of the magic-stealing Keeper of the Balance - and every trial strains their trust in both themselves and potential allies, in a journey that could mean the decimation of Terra ne Staric. Savage brings fantasy lovers another exciting adventure into a realm full of wondrous landscapes and fascinating twists, with plenty of emotion and wry wit to keep readers hooked in a single go. How can Marcus and Kyja complete the next step of their quest when they can't even find the next step?

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty decent fantasy series so far. There are twists and turns and enough going on to be interesting. Personally, I'm getting tired of Riph Raph and his always being a jerk to Marcus. He's more annoying than endearing. There is a little pick and choose what elements of Earth are surprising to Kyja is shocked and doesn't know what to do with, but if you can get past that attempt a humor, the story really is pretty decent. I'm having trouble finding them at my library which is kind of disappointing.

[Charity Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

After listening to the second book of this series by J. Scott Savage I’m feeling more and more drawn into the story. Some aspects are hard for me to imagine, but it’s not keeping me from enjoying the story. I’m even more convinced that your tweens and teens will enjoy this series.

[Anne-Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, light fantasy. Would recommend for fans of Brandon Mull. Cool concept and lots of adventure. Nothing particularly extraordinary or mind-blowing, but neat plot and well done characters. A great side read.

[Shalyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun family story that held our attention and had everyone asking for more reading each night.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really confused, I forgot most of the first book so while I was reading the second book I had no idea who on earth/ Farworld they were talking about.

[Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

This s probably a result of the genre, but the danger never quite felt real. The journey is somewhat interesting, but the end is not really in doubt.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute light read. Original creatures and settings. Wasn't too impressed with fantasy elements and was a little slower paced than I love. But over all a cute book.

[Dustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is much better than its predecessor, although continuity errors were abundant and the point of view was skewed. I hope the next installment continues to climb in quality.

[Sisley · Rating 2 out of 5]

My favorite part was the puzzles to get to the Augur Well. Ive never read the first one, so i was a bit confused but it was entertaining

[Kaden · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very cool and interesting, I definitely recommend reading this book.

[Tameka · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was amazingly intriguing; I couldn't stop reading the book!

[David Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

[Heather Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[chancy Halliday · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an ok read for kids. Which is why I am reading it to my kids. They like the story.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for keverbloom.edublogs.org and teenauthorbootcamp.com/messhall

Land Keep, the second book in J. Scott Savage’s Farworld series, was as good as, if not better, than the first! The characters had some good growth throughout the book and Savage kept tying in the same themes and messages as before with an added emphasis on how important learning and knowledge are. Knowledge really is power and his characters use that to their advantage. It’s another I’d recommend to elementary/junior high level students.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyja and Marcus continue their search for the elementals. They save the people fromt the harbingers and get the land elementals help. They take down the keepers of balance before they find out that one of Marcus’s parents is from the shadow realm. Marcus gets sent back to earth.

The point of view in Land Keep is 3rd person objective. This view helps us feel as if we are another character in the book. This view is important to the way the book is portrayed. It helps us understand how scary things are when monsters are attacking them or how happy they are when they are reunited. It gives more detail to the area around them. It helps establish the plot to the story by being capable to tell the story, but keep some of the details hidden until later in the book.

Kyja is one of the main characters revealed at the very beginning. Ever since she appeared she hasn’t had an ounce of magic, in fact she was immune to it. She wanted it with all her heart, and if she got it, then she wouldn’t give it up for anything. She ended up getting magic on their way to land keep. At the end of the book, she had a choice, she could keep her magic or she could give it up and save Marcus At the beginning of the book, the thought would never even cross her mind of giving up her magic, but at the end of the book she said,”I give… my magic”(221) to the Augur Well. She changed also in her feelings toward Marcus. They grew closer over their travels.

This book was even better than the first one. These books always bring something unexpected. This is the second time I’ve read this book, and it still got me. Writing such as this the world should enjoy not just me, so I suggest this book to everybody. A huge twist was that the Harbingers weren’t evil. At first I didn’t understand it, but once it dawned on me I couldn’t believe my eyes. I give it five stars because I know I will read this again.

[Candace Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading J. Scott Savage's Farworld Land Keep, book two of the Farworld series.

The backliner reads:

Four mythical Elementals— Water, Land, Air, and Fire— have the power to save two worlds, Earth and Farworld, from a common enemy: the Dark Circle.

In book one, Water Keep, a portal has been opened between the two worlds, allowing Marcus, from Earth, and Kyja, from Farworld, to combine their unique gifts and begin their epic quest to find the Elementals.

In book two, Land Keep, Marcus and Kyja travel with Cascade, a Water Elemental, in their goal of gathering the other three Elementals— Land, Air, and Fire. However, their journey may come to an end before it even gets started.

Land Keep— home to the powerful and wise Land Elementals— is empty, deserted for at least a thousand years, and the rumor is that the creatures who once controlled all land magic are extinct. The only hope seems to lie in the Augur Well, a legendary Oracle protected by traps and trials set by the Land Elementals before their disappearance. But to get there, Marcus, Kyja, and Cascade must travel deep underground, where Cascade's water magic is weak. And if anything should happen, Marcus and Kyja will be unable to leap to the safety of Earth.

This sets the stage for an exciting story that was so impossible to put down I ended up ignoring all my responsibilities until I turned the last page. What a page turner.

As I read along, J. Scott Savage did an excellent job of pulling me thoroughly into the story. There were times when I wanted to smack Marcus, other times when Kyja need a little smacking. But all in all, the two grew closer and more questions were answered as the journey continued. There was no shortage of bad guys and confrontations.

I don't know how Scott came up with the creatures he did. Some were really quite disgusting, which will thrill boys to no end! And my favorite creature, the Ishkabiddle, made a brief appearance once again.

All in all, this is a marvelous continuation of the Farworld series and I anxiously await the next release. I encourage everyone to purchase Farworld Land Keep and add it to your home libraries. Savage's stories never get old and are wonderful places to revisit often.

Reading level: Ages 9-12 (although I'm 46 and enjoyed every single word!)
Hardcover: 374 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (October 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1606411640
ISBN-13: 978-1606411643
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #10,646 in Books