Genre : Fantasy
Series : The Keepers
One benefit of starting my blog has been discovering new books on other book blogs like Soulkeeper. This fantasy with bold characters and vivid description of a land where magic and monsters have returned didn’t disappoint.
Devin is a Soulkeeper, a priest of sorts and a healer tending to the people in Londheim, a town in The Cradle. One day a surge of black water ravishes the Cradle leading to the return of magic and monsters. Devin and Adria must learn to deal with this new world, both the wonders and the dangers, while protecting other Keepers from a sadistic, magical serial killer.
The good
I read the review for the second book of this series on A Cat, A Book and a cup of Tea and knew I had to try this series out. The premise of the book isn’t original. Magic suddenly returns to the land after remaining dormant for many years but brings with it dangerous magical creatures hell-bent on destroying humanity. The premise of the God-like Sisters, to whom the keepers pray, are actual entities and people’s souls being actual physical objects, was intriguing and hope this is described in more detail in the next book. There are many magical creatures described, from the joyful fairies to the fire being that Devlin becomes friends with and the truly terrifying—I will never look at a gargoyle the same way again. Janus, a magical being, is a serial killer with a difference, an artist who takes pride in his work and was one of the most chilling villains I have come across recently. I found Adria’s ( Devin’s sister) arc the most interesting- from the hesitant healer to something more powerful and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Devlin starts off as a lonely, widowed Soulkeeper but ends his journey in this book with a house full of people and beings he cares for and loves. Tommy, his wise man brother-in-law who can perform magic Jarcanda the soulless person whose soul has been returned and fairy Tes, have their own stories.
Devlin, as a character, has shades of grey and some of his early interactions with Jarcanda show his harsher side, which makes him more human. In the world of the Soulkeeper, men and women are equal, so it isn’t a big deal that there are women healers, priests, soldiers and assassins which was refreshing to read.
The Bad
Jarcanda, at the start of the book, is one of the soulless, a person born without a soul and so she functions like a robot with no emotions or feelings. This makes it difficult to read, especially when she regains her soul and recalls the horrible things she had to do in the past through a new emotional filter.
Janus’s killing of the keepers is gruesomely described in graphic detail.
The ugly
Implied sexual abuse and rape (off page).
Romance
The romance between Devin and Jarcanda is realistically sweet, and I really liked there was no angst or drama.
Perfect for fans
Anyone who loves fantasy with a touch of darkness like the Mistborn series, Chorus of Dragons
Summary
5 stars.
Series Book Lover 