The Keeper

by S.L. Armstrong, K. Piet

Generation after generation, an unattached male is plucked from the same family line and sent to the home of the man they only know as Dhakir. It is a duty all men in the line are brought up knowing, but none can know which male will be called or when.

Twenty-six-year-old Hadi Rahal is plucked from his fast-paced life among the brilliant lights and shallow vanity of Milan's fashion world when he is told his uncle has passed on and he is the next Keeper. Knowing only vague legend, Hadi travels to Sétif, Algeria where his heritage waits in the form of an ancient name and sorrowful eyes he cannot turn from, even as he prays to God for the fortitude to resist.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Vampires, Romance, Novella, Audiobook

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Support S.L. Armstrong & K. Piet on Patreon!

S.L. Armstrong has been writing for as long as she can remember. Art and reading have played a large part in her life since young childhood, but around fourteen, writing became her passion. Voraciously consuming every book in front of her opened up hundreds of worlds in her head, and she soon wanted to create worlds for other people as well. She has a particular fondness for gothic horror, horror, high fantasy, urban fantasy, and romance novels. The authors she turns to time and again are Stephen King, L.J. Smith, V.C. Andrews, R.L. Stine, and Anne Rice, among others. She has no shame in picking up the young adult novels she loved as a child, and she will talk your ear off about grammar and punctuation.

After she married her husband over seventeen years ago, she began to truly delve into the world of writing for public consumption. It was sheer chance that she stumbled on M/M fanfiction, and she's not looked back. Though fanfiction will always have a fond place in her heart, she soon grew tired of playing in other people's sandboxes. When she discovered M/M romance, and how it was now a legitimate branch of romance writing, she knew her course. S.L. plans to release F/F, M/M, M/F, and multiple partner books as she continues her writing career. M/M romance is where her heart lies, no matter what else she may write or read, and it's where she keeps returning to. There is something about two men passionately in love that just makes her heart melt, and she has no intention of giving that up anytime soon.

S.L. Armstrong lives in Florida with her husband, partner, two dogs, and twelve cats. She hates the heat and longs for a northern, snowy climate. She writes with K. Piet on a number of projects, but she also writes her own solitary titles as well.

Reviews

[Kassa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Keeper is a very different and unique take on immortality with heavy religious themes. The writing is solid and the story itself is rather interesting, engaging the readers’ attention, although the serious religious elements may not be to all tastes. The story begins with young Hadi, living a full and busy life as a detailer in the fashion world of Italy. When he’s called to take care of a mysterious charge in Algeria, he balks. Hadi has no desire to leave his happy life to move to some strange land and take care of an elderly person he’s never known. However since the family honor is at stake, he reluctantly agrees. Yet when Hadi meets his charge, life and his new job are not what they seem.

The story takes on the idea of Jesus and the apostles but instead focuses on Judas, the betrayer. This clever and rather eye catching twist offers that Judas is immortal, suffering from a curse (he believes) that forces him to live forever. He sustains on the blood of his keeper, a family that is descendant from Jesus. There are numerous parallels to the Christian faith, most are blatant and obviously stated but there are a few subtle themes as well. Judas survives by drinking the sacrifice of Christ’s descendants, yet his sin was doing as Christ had asked.

The religious themes are somewhat heavy and definitely a main focus of the story, yet the introduction of the young Hadi, who cares little for religion and faith, helps alleviate the otherwise dark overtones. Hadi breathes life into the story and literally Judas as a young man not content to waste away his life in a foreign land. Hadi wants a full life and when his attraction to Judas slowly turns deeper, he’s not afraid to explore that. Judas of course with centuries of grief, loss, and new beginnings from keeper to keeper is reluctant to give his heart yet again to someone who will leave him.

The back and forth between the two men is slow, yet builds the tension and sensuality. Hadi once mentions that using hands and mouths is more intimate and intense for him as it builds the passion slowly and carefully to a more satisfying finish. This describes the story actually incredibly well as the two dance around each other in a careful, intricate choreography of love, fear, yearning, and hope. When they finally give into their feelings, there is a happy ending of sorts but as Hadi will eventually die, there is also the knowledge that their love is worth the later price. Perhaps Judas will choose to end his existence as well but the focus is on the present, not the past or the future.

The story is interesting to read and incorporates the themes very well. It feels slightly heavy and slow to read due to the more serious nature of the characters and the isolated venue. The two are the only characters of any substance and the others only have incredibly brief, forgettable mentions. The sole focus on their connection and the slow path to love creates a similar slow pace to the story. It’s not bad but I was glad the story was only novella length as I could feel my attention starting to wander near the end. The build of tension and sensuality is nice and combined with the themes of the story, offers something entirely new and refreshing. Also the cover art is wonderful.

[Bookwatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few remarks about this book... (some spoilers, but I will say where they are)

About the characters:
I think they were perfect to each other! It's a romantic story, so it's pleasure read about one men, absolutely certain about his homosexuality, and another that must learn a simple thing... love is love, and love has no boundaries... I like it... how the relationship slowly grows.

About the story (spoilers and probably I'll get insulted, but I'm used...)
I'm a catholic, but I'm an intelligent person and know how to use my brain, so I'm not a fanatic, and I really despised all catholics that use Jesus and the bible to justify hate and ignorance.
I'm a little crazy , and one of the crazes thing I done was read the bible... not to get outside with the bible in my hands, screaming that the God words are there (OMG I hate that kind of people! The streets are full of them!). Read it, just to read it, nothing more. I'm a curious person, and one time, flighting from Brazil to Italy I read the bible (11 hours of nothing to do ... great time to read). So, when I hear ignorants saying that the bible has messages of hate or racism I get piss off... a lot! All the stories has the same message: love, tolerance and fraternity.
The Keeper will show a Judas in love, so it's a controversy theme? Well, I don't thing so... it's a love story, and it's all I saw.
All the others fanatics and crazies catholics can think what they want... that's my personal opinion.

Last thing, and why I didn't gave 5 stars
Up to now I explain why I think it's a wonderful book... so the only motive that I take 1 star was all the crying
It's a personal opinion, and maybe you appreciate read a lot of crying scenes... me? No... sorry... In my view the main characters has a great love story, but all the crying... hugging each other, on the bed, and crying... well, that is something I don't like. Don't like it in M/F as I don't like in M/M books.

4 stars to this book, and well done. Thumbs up to the writers!

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

#Points! for incorporating Judas into a MM Romance story. I really loved the bits where he reminds Hadi (and the reader) that Jesus essentially picked him to be the bad guy for all eternity, to demonize him, as the Betrayer of Christ - that Jesus knew what was to come and chose who He thought was the strongest among them to set events in motion that would lead to a spiritual revolution.

(I am not in any way religious, so I have no dog in this fight, but I have read the Bible and several of the Apocryphal books and in evaluating them purely on their literary content I too also see an unjust blame game that has also led to horrific repercussions toward Jews throughout history.)

So, to fully embrace my heresy: I'm really hoping that one day someone will write me a Judas/Jesus story.

[Lena Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Traditional theology professes that Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ with a kiss and 30 coins of silver. But what if that wasn't the way it happened? What if, by identifying Jesus, Judas was an instrument of God, and was appointed to fulfill a predestined purpose? Would he not have a special place in Jesus's heart and wouldn't Jesus want to find a way to alleviate Judas's unjust suffering? In 'The Keeper' by S.L. Armstrong and K. Piet, Judas is portrayed not as a despicable villain, but a victim, in a way a sacrifice for the glory of God.

Hadi is a great young man with an impeccable sense of honor. When called upon to do so, he gives up his active life to fulfill his destiny as caregiver for someone his family has been in charge of for centuries. He's puzzled by the man in his care who does not seem ill or in need of assistance in any way. When Hadi discovers who this man is and why he is there, he's understandably overwhelmed, even frightened. Yet, he bravely accepts his role and accommodates his host as best he can. Falling in love with this man is totally unexpected considering the circumstances of their arrangement, but when it happens, Hadi accepts it. Unfortunately, his host does not.

Judas is, understandably, a very complex character. Explaining how he can still be alive after 2,000 years is difficult and involves denying traditional theology and Bible history, and what has come to be common knowledge. Still, Armstrong and Piet manage to do it. I felt a great deal of sympathy for a man cursed by everyone for doing something which was actually honorable in Jesus's sight. I was touched at his gratitude for the comfort and assistance that Jesus provided for him and the way their relationship was reflected, according to the story, as close friends. His hesitation to become involved with Hadi is admirable on one hand and selfish on the other. He's been hurt enough. He doesn’t want to endure any more pain. And, of course, there is the issue of not being gay while Hadi is. This isn't a love at first sight thing at all. Their relationship involves a lot of angst, conflict, and soul searching, as they tackle the obstacles which get in the way of their love.

This story is unique in its presentation and its characters and invites a lot of contemplation about what ifs. For those of you who are firm in your faith and feel uncomfortable about it being questioned, I don't believe that you would like this story. But, for those of you who are able to look beyond traditional religious beliefs and give alternative ideas a chance, you may appreciate the concept. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants a different kind of story which invites speculation, the 'The Keeper' may be one you will appreciate.

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/

For thousands of years the eldest son of the Rahal bloodline has been sent to Algeria to be the keeper of the mysterious Dhakir when the old keeper dies. This time it is Hadi Rahal's turn to leave behind his life in Milan as fashion assistant and take up the role of the keeper. Hadi does not want to go but the shame that he would bring upon his family overrides his own desires and life for Hadi will never be the same.
This story was good but it really did not ring any bells and whistles for me. The religious overtones did not bother me but I can see some bible thumpers having an aneurysm. I thought that the bloodline of Jesus' brother being the ones to service Judas was a nice twist. I found both Judas and Hadi to be fairly flat and mechanical. There was no heavy emotional upheaval or tension between the two men. Hadi just automatically accepted his role as keeper without any fight. I did feel sorry for Judas for having eternal life and having to watch everyone that he loved or cared for die. It would have been interesting if he and the female Rahal had a baby. The other thing that I found hard to swallow was that in two thousand years Judas had never fallen for a man. The odds are distinctly against that never happening but I guess then that Hadi would not have been special. The story flowed well and the writing was good. Perhaps other readers will enjoy the two men. Read this short novella with an open mind and you'll find that it was worth your time.

[Lipvixen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It would have been better if they both become immortal or both mortal. At least no one would be left behind or just be replaceable by another relative. The only reason I stopped this from getting 4 stars.

[Carole Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Stars. Judas

[Elisa Rolle]

The concept of this book was good and also original; I know that it’s not the first time someone suggests that the love between Jesus Christ and his apostles was maybe something more than only theory. Actually in this book, Jesus is not part of the theory, but it’s again highlighted that Jesus said nothing against homosexuality.

Hadi is the last in a long line of male members of his family who inherited the job of being the Keeper; since his great-uncle was the previous one, and Hadi has never met the man, he actually doesn’t know what it means to be a keeper, and he has built a life of his own in Milan, working in the fashion industry. But then suddenly Asif, his uncle, dies, and Hadi has to take his place. Even if a contemporary gay man living in a western modern society, Hadi is from a very traditional eastern family, and the honour of the family is more important than Hadi’s personal life. And then, it’s not like Hadi has some commitment aside his job to bound him to Milan.

When he arrives to Setif, Algeria, to start his job as a keeper, Hadi realizes that there are root in his family he was never aware of, and that the legends he was told when he was a child are truer than what he was thinking. He is the keeper not of a family, but of a man, the same man his family has “kept” for millennia; and the keeping is more than simply protect the man, he has also to feed him, in a very, very personal way.

This is probably the part of the story that I didn’t completely understand; the meaning of the blood exchanging, the turning of religion in myth, the vampirism side of the story. But then, if you dig well, the same Jesus said “Take and eat, this is my body, drink this is my blood ... my body is real food and my blood is true drink ... Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him ...”. So the “blood” is an important part of the Christian mythology, and the bond deriving from taking the blood is a bond that is impossible to break.

In the end, considering the two men, even if the man Hadi is asked to keep is older (way older), he is like an ascetic, like one of those prophets who prowl the earth but in the end they don’t dig in it, they are detached from ordinary things like sleep, eat, sex… Hadi undertakes the job of being a keeper with a whole new meaning, and maybe also since he is the younger of all who preceded him: Hadi doesn’t want to renounce to his life, to every aspect of his life, even falling in love and having sex, only since he has a higher task to complete; he thinks he can have both, the keeper job and also a normal relationship.

The novel doesn’t go in detail of what will be the outcome of this decision, what will happen in 30-40 years, maybe even 50 if they are lucky. In this moment the most important thing is exactly that, this moment.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YJEKVY/?...

[Stacey Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly short read, at just around seventy pages so it can be read in one sitting. I liked it. It was an engaging story that was intresting with likeable characters and had an original storyline, but it's not one that I'm dying to read again soon, although I do recommend it to others. It's not a vampire story, or at least, not your typical vampire story. Judas, yes, THE Judas, has been cursed to live forever and is required to live off the blood of a certain family for his existence.

Hadi, who is twenty-six, is called by his family to be the next Keeper when his great-uncle dies. Up until now, the Keeper has only been a vague legend to him so he goes to Algeria to start his duties even though he has established a somewhat successful life in the fashion world as a designer in Italy. He doesn't want to do it, but to be the Keeper is an honor, and he would shame the family if he refused, so off he goes.

The other characters in the book are very minimal and really only at the beginning of the book. Once he gets to the Keeper's residence, it's pretty much just them the rest of the book except one brief scene later in the book, so there are really no other characters to add much to the story. The Keeper explains to Hadi exactly who he is and what his role is. There is quite a bit of discussion of religion and homosexuality and religion. Because Judas was a disciple, he gives Hadi Jesus' view of homosexuality. So I found it to be fairly heavy on the religious aspects but not in an offensive way and not overwhelmingly so. I know there are a lot of themes and such that escaped me because my lack of knowledge of religion but I'm just fine with keeping it that way. But it's not required that you have a great deal of religious background anyway to enjoy the story. I'm sure those who are more philosophical or who have a great deal more knowledge about religion might get more out of the book than I did.

There is a good amount of angst and for that, I'd actually give the book another half star and say 3 1/2 stars if I was able. It's very understandable that since Judas can't die, that he would want to protect himself in not falling in love with someone who is only going to eventually die. But love proves to be too powerful to deny and after denying it for a short time, he gives in to Hadi. This is sort of a gay-for-you book and definitely a first-time as Hadi is gay but Judas has never been with a man. It has a sweet HEA.

[Charly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and very intriguing, but I was a little uneasy while reading it

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 8/10

PROS:
- The story is riveting. It combines elements of several storytelling legends in an unusual way.
- I felt sorry for Hadi at the beginning of the story, but the dramatic change in his circumstances shows some character traits that I admired right from the start. He’s determined and honorable and optimistic, even in the face of life-altering changes he didn’t ask for.
- The first mention of either man’s sexuality occurs 35% of the way through the story, and the first mention of even a sliver of desire between them occurs at almost 40%. (This occurs after a brief little “skipping ahead by this much time” interval after which the feelings of desire seemed rather sudden to me, but…) one thing I must say: the two men certainly are emotionally entwined by the time their relationship turns physical.
- Because the sex doesn’t occur until well into the story, it’s emotional and hot when it does happen. The scenes are intimate, very drawn out, and lovingly described.

CONS:
- As much as I found the story fascinating (and I did--as well as well-written), I couldn’t help feeling uneasy at the way Judas is portrayed as SUCH a sympathetic character. He certainly suffers in various ways, but I guess the thing that bothered me the most was the way he’s always talking about Christ so affectionately, not to mention praying to Him.
- Technically the ending is Happily Ever After. I didn’t see it as unequivocally happy, though. (To say more would give away part of the story.)
- There are quite a few ellipses throughout the story in dialogue. Enough that I started to find them annoying: “I… doubt the priest was… pleased to… hear that”; “I never knew… what it was to want someone… so much”; “What… does that… mean?” Etc.

Overall comments: I don’t recommend this for those who have traditional beliefs regarding Christianity; the ways in which the story twists Biblical stories might make you uncomfortable. If you’re open-minded in that regard, though, I do think the book has some interesting things to say about faith and organized religion. And the relationship is tender and contains some pretty hot sex.

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is going to be a short review, simply because I don’t want to spoil the plot (which, when you get right down to it, hinges on a single, interesting, controversial twist to the Christian faith). If you’re deeply religious, and don’t like to have your theology questioned, this is so very definitely not the book for you. Please turn around, walk away, and forget you ever heard of it. Trust me.

If you’re a little bit homophobic, and can’t appreciate the beauty of two men in love; if you’re at all uneasy at the thought of mixing a little horror with your eroticism; if you’re squeamish as the thought of mixing and consuming bodily fluids; once again, this is not the book for you. Put it back on the shelf and resist the temptation to peek inside.

If, however, you enjoy an intelligent story with a slow-burning romance; if you feel all warm and gooey at the thought of two men sharing their emotions; if you enjoy some creativity in your sexual encounters; this may just be the book you’ve been looking for. Grab yourself a copy, settle in somewhere comfortable, draw the blinds, close the door, and get reading.

Personally, I picked this one up specifically for the heretical twist, but was quite delighted to find it a strong enough read to keep me interested once the shock value wore off. There were a few unanswered questions at the end, and I’ll admit I got a little exasperated with all of the crying, but I also liked the fact that this was a story that was about more than just sex.

[Serith · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept behind this was rather original ...but the events and dynamics not so much. The unique elements are what essentially drew the characters together, and then it turns into a generic story about two guys falling in love. Which is all right if that is all you are looking for. Then again, I’m not really sure what I was even looking for myself. Actually –it’s going to sound odd– this was a little more biblical then I expected for a religion based story (if that makes any sense?). If you find sermons dry, then you might feel the same way I did reading this. All in all it didn’t seem like much happened and the drama was more frustrating than thrilling, though that could have been caused from this disconnect. It’s a case of the wrong book meeting the wrong reader.

[Paisley · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Audiobook Review**

I doubt I would have ever read this book if it had not been recommended as an audiobook. It was a really unusual story.

I enjoyed the narration very much. A good narrator can make or break the deal for me. In this case, since I had not read the book previously, I found the narration to be excellent. His voice enhanced the story. I was totally engrossed in the plot and really wanted to know how it would end. I am not sure if I would enjoy this narrartor in other stories or not. His voice just seemed right for the subject matter.

I am not going to say to much about the plot - I suggest you read some more reviews to get a better feeling for it. I will say though that it is very different and you have to be able to open your mind in order to accept it.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The Keeper is an interesting story with a very unusual protagonist. The writing is solid but for some reason I didn't connect with either of the main characters. The story felt a bit slow paced at times and the religious theme may not appeal to all readers. Personally I enjoyed the authors' other story, Rachmaninoff, much more.

[Helene · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea was original - a young man decended from the brother of Jesus has to leave hos life and job behind to care for Judas - Yes THE Judas. Judas needs blood once a week and company so he doesn't go mad from hos long life.
I was unable to connect to any of the mc and the story just seemed thin.

[CB · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author really takes some liberties with the fact that this is fiction in the context of religion. That is the only reason I did not give it 5 stars - the constant religious references slowed down the story for me. Otherwise, I thought the characters were sexy, the writing flowed and the love scenes were hot.

[ED · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give it a four star, but.... I do not like the religious theme. I is not that I found it offending, as I am not religious. It is just tacky.
It is extremely well written. It was a pleasure to read because of the literary quality.

[Sadonna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting story that has quite a surprising twist. I enjoyed the writing style and the complexity of the MCs that was was portrayed. My only complaint was that it was too short and I wanted to know more.

[Ayanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting take on the whole vampirism thing. However, the religious element was kind of random. Something else also bothered me about this, but it's been a few days, so I no longer remember what.

[Lexi Ander · Rating 3 out of 5]

It just stopped and I wasn't ready for the story to be over. There was so much that I wanted to know and it just stopped.

[Layla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I didn't hate it. My problem is I didn't think the characters really had a good chemistry together. Liked the writing style. Will try author out again.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Sandra]

$2.99 on Nook, 69 pages

[Angelia Sparrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solidly written, highly inventive tale. The premise is interesting, but the stilted language did it no favors. I liked the story, the authorial voice left me cold.

[Michael Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

My full review of The Keeper can be found on my blog.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think you have to be more religious (or formerly so) to truly be titillated by this one.

[Jack · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't finish. The ideas are nice, but the execution is not my cup of tea at all.

[Viki DP · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a very interesting story, with two wonderful men that fall in love. (Audio version)