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The Keeper Origins #1
Dragon's Reach
The truth is neither plain, nor simple.
Sable, a reluctant thief from the slums, can feel truth when people speak. For years she’s been using that skill to try to break free from the vicious gang boss she's indebted to.
Escape comes in the form of an odd set of companions:
-a dwarf running from the past,
-an actor with a magical, glowing tree
-a too-helpful kobold,
-a playwright with a knack for getting stories out of people, and
-a man and woman with suspicious, magical powers.
But Sable’s freedom is short lived.
On the edges of civilization, they discover hidden, terrifying lies in the offers of peace from the brutal Kalesh Empire.
Now, she must return to the city she fled, and along with her companions, attempt an impossible task—convince everyone, including the powerful Dragon Prioress, of the truth.
Except the Kalesh web of lies has ensnared everyone.
With her land, her people, and everything she loves hanging in the balance, Sable is the only one standing between freedom, and certain death.
Pick up the first book of the Keeper Origins Trilogy today, and begin the tale of how an orphaned thief escaped the slums, united a nation, and brought a mighty Empire to its knees.
The Keeper Origins Trilogy, and the Keeper Chronicles Trilogy can be read in any order. They take place in the same world, but are standalone series.
Sable, a reluctant thief from the slums, can feel truth when people speak. For years she’s been using that skill to try to break free from the vicious gang boss she's indebted to.
Escape comes in the form of an odd set of companions:
-a dwarf running from the past,
-an actor with a magical, glowing tree
-a too-helpful kobold,
-a playwright with a knack for getting stories out of people, and
-a man and woman with suspicious, magical powers.
But Sable’s freedom is short lived.
On the edges of civilization, they discover hidden, terrifying lies in the offers of peace from the brutal Kalesh Empire.
Now, she must return to the city she fled, and along with her companions, attempt an impossible task—convince everyone, including the powerful Dragon Prioress, of the truth.
Except the Kalesh web of lies has ensnared everyone.
With her land, her people, and everything she loves hanging in the balance, Sable is the only one standing between freedom, and certain death.
Pick up the first book of the Keeper Origins Trilogy today, and begin the tale of how an orphaned thief escaped the slums, united a nation, and brought a mighty Empire to its knees.
The Keeper Origins Trilogy, and the Keeper Chronicles Trilogy can be read in any order. They take place in the same world, but are standalone series.
614 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
February 5, 2021
What an amazing ride of a story.
I was hooked right from the start, because I simply love the capable, but yet far from perfect main character. Seeing a young woman go her way, and do all she can to keep her younger sisters save, and inadvertently landing in the middle of a big adventure is something I sadly rarely see without a major romance factor in the book. Sable however is way too busy with staying save, alive and kicking, to be pining after men, and there is only the tiniest ever hint of some possible romance, and even that late in the book. For that alone I'd like to give 5* and some extra!
In accordance to this, one of the things I love about Andrews' writing is that she writes for an adult audience, with adult themes and deep characters, but she doesn't have overly graphic violence on the page. There is death (actually quite some in this book!) and it isn't glossed over. But instead of focussing on "what inner organs falls out of a body in what way", it focuses on the repercussions, and how it affects the world and characters. How they deal with it, and get on with things. While I do like to read grimdark with gore aplenty, I definitely enjoy this style of books as a breather between a all the bloodbaths, and I find them rather rarely. Books are often either gorey, or "cute" and avoiding problematic topics all around. Sullivan's Riyria is the best comparison I can think of.
Aside from the main character, I also enjoyed all the side characters, who grew fully into their skin throughout the story and felt unique and real to me to a point that made me sad to leave them at the end of the story. There were some nice twists along the way that I really didn't see coming, but in hindsight they felt very organic and realistic...
The story itself also progresses a lot. While it isn't like any of these books, it still reminded me of Lies of Locke Lamora first, with a city full of gangs, then of Rothfuss while we travel with a troupe of actors, and later we get to see there's a way bigger problem showing just beyond the horizon, that sets sequels up nicely.
It ends not so much on a cliffhanger, but at a point where you so dearly want to read the next part, because you get a glimpse of what's up next, and I can't wait to read more. There's a whole new ... collaboration, if not voluntary, coming up, and I can't wait to see that play out!
I was hooked right from the start, because I simply love the capable, but yet far from perfect main character. Seeing a young woman go her way, and do all she can to keep her younger sisters save, and inadvertently landing in the middle of a big adventure is something I sadly rarely see without a major romance factor in the book. Sable however is way too busy with staying save, alive and kicking, to be pining after men, and there is only the tiniest ever hint of some possible romance, and even that late in the book. For that alone I'd like to give 5* and some extra!
In accordance to this, one of the things I love about Andrews' writing is that she writes for an adult audience, with adult themes and deep characters, but she doesn't have overly graphic violence on the page. There is death (actually quite some in this book!) and it isn't glossed over. But instead of focussing on "what inner organs falls out of a body in what way", it focuses on the repercussions, and how it affects the world and characters. How they deal with it, and get on with things. While I do like to read grimdark with gore aplenty, I definitely enjoy this style of books as a breather between a all the bloodbaths, and I find them rather rarely. Books are often either gorey, or "cute" and avoiding problematic topics all around. Sullivan's Riyria is the best comparison I can think of.
Aside from the main character, I also enjoyed all the side characters, who grew fully into their skin throughout the story and felt unique and real to me to a point that made me sad to leave them at the end of the story. There were some nice twists along the way that I really didn't see coming, but in hindsight they felt very organic and realistic...
The story itself also progresses a lot. While it isn't like any of these books, it still reminded me of Lies of Locke Lamora first, with a city full of gangs, then of Rothfuss while we travel with a troupe of actors, and later we get to see there's a way bigger problem showing just beyond the horizon, that sets sequels up nicely.
It ends not so much on a cliffhanger, but at a point where you so dearly want to read the next part, because you get a glimpse of what's up next, and I can't wait to read more. There's a whole new ... collaboration, if not voluntary, coming up, and I can't wait to see that play out!
October 14, 2021
Oh man! I don’t even know where to start! Definitely going in my top 10 new fave books/series!
I… just realized.. and I haven’t said this about something as new as this is before but, I do think I’ll buy this for my kids to read when they’re old enough to understand it. I want to share this with them. It’s that good.
It’s clean. The world building was lovely. I enjoyed all the fantasy elements and how the author wove them together! The damsel is in distress but she’s her own hero(though not obnoxiously so, she’s doing the best she can), as well as fighting for her sisters. I loved the themes about the power of words and truth and finding friendship/community in unexpected places and emphasis on the things that SHOULD be fought for. As well as exposing lies and those who would use hope against others to fuel their own gain.
I highlighted so many things on my kindle but these are my favorite quotes
“Bells of truth ring like cries in the night,” he called out. “If only the world would listen.”
“And that is where the deep goodness lies.” Atticus knelt and placed his hand on Epophus’s head. “Not in life or in death, but in love that redeems the broken, transforming the common, human soul into a stunning being of light and wonder.”
Yay for Prime Reading that it’s free right now!
I… just realized.. and I haven’t said this about something as new as this is before but, I do think I’ll buy this for my kids to read when they’re old enough to understand it. I want to share this with them. It’s that good.
It’s clean. The world building was lovely. I enjoyed all the fantasy elements and how the author wove them together! The damsel is in distress but she’s her own hero(though not obnoxiously so, she’s doing the best she can), as well as fighting for her sisters. I loved the themes about the power of words and truth and finding friendship/community in unexpected places and emphasis on the things that SHOULD be fought for. As well as exposing lies and those who would use hope against others to fuel their own gain.
I highlighted so many things on my kindle but these are my favorite quotes
“Bells of truth ring like cries in the night,” he called out. “If only the world would listen.”
“And that is where the deep goodness lies.” Atticus knelt and placed his hand on Epophus’s head. “Not in life or in death, but in love that redeems the broken, transforming the common, human soul into a stunning being of light and wonder.”
Yay for Prime Reading that it’s free right now!
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November 16, 2023A really well done epic fantasy with a slow burn and a heavy focus on characters and relationships and intrigue over action. I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to getting into book 2.
June 26, 2023
Re-read via Audible: The narration was clear and expressive. Anything coming after the stunning voice acting of A Bond of Thread was going to struggle, I'll admit but there were certainly no complaints and I had no issue in distinguishing between characters. The further I got into it, the more engaged I became and the characterisations did start to come to life. I was particularly enamoured with the kobold.
It's been a while since I have been quite so caught up in a story as this one and there isn't a shadow of doubt in my mind that this novel deserves all the five stars I can give it and then some more. I am feeling rather devastated that the second in this series isn't out yet if I'm honest, and have instead immediately found the The Keeper Chronicles to assuage my hunger! Hopefully the second book to this series won't be far off, as I will be waiting impatiently!
J.A. Andrews has a way with words and a knack for breathing life into her characters as she captures a true sense of humanity at its lowest and its best. What I think I liked most about the novel though is that it doesn't start as an epic quest to save the world, although the world is surely threatened by the end. Instead it begins, and ends, as a very personal story. You meet Sable, bound to a Gang for her livelihood and her safety and everything hinges on her own personal quest to make a better life for herself and her sisters. Even when the plot begins to spiral into far wider concerns and consequences, that individual narrative is what everything else hangs on.
I also admit that I adored the characters, more or less each and every one of them. There is a real sense of humanity here, with no character being perfect but all of them having flaws and hang ups that make them feel completely and utterly real. I was a little sceptical at first when Sable joined a troupe of wandering actors, but Andews pulls everything off perfectly. The group are idiosyncratic and absolutely fantastic and even characters that I struggled with to begin with had grown on me and then some by the concluding chapters. When combined with how well drawn the world felt, everything seemed to come to life around me as I read.
All in all, J.A. Andrews is an author I will certainly be following with interest and I look forward to reading more of her existing works. If they are anywhere near as good as this one, I will be in for a treat.
It's been a while since I have been quite so caught up in a story as this one and there isn't a shadow of doubt in my mind that this novel deserves all the five stars I can give it and then some more. I am feeling rather devastated that the second in this series isn't out yet if I'm honest, and have instead immediately found the The Keeper Chronicles to assuage my hunger! Hopefully the second book to this series won't be far off, as I will be waiting impatiently!
J.A. Andrews has a way with words and a knack for breathing life into her characters as she captures a true sense of humanity at its lowest and its best. What I think I liked most about the novel though is that it doesn't start as an epic quest to save the world, although the world is surely threatened by the end. Instead it begins, and ends, as a very personal story. You meet Sable, bound to a Gang for her livelihood and her safety and everything hinges on her own personal quest to make a better life for herself and her sisters. Even when the plot begins to spiral into far wider concerns and consequences, that individual narrative is what everything else hangs on.
I also admit that I adored the characters, more or less each and every one of them. There is a real sense of humanity here, with no character being perfect but all of them having flaws and hang ups that make them feel completely and utterly real. I was a little sceptical at first when Sable joined a troupe of wandering actors, but Andews pulls everything off perfectly. The group are idiosyncratic and absolutely fantastic and even characters that I struggled with to begin with had grown on me and then some by the concluding chapters. When combined with how well drawn the world felt, everything seemed to come to life around me as I read.
All in all, J.A. Andrews is an author I will certainly be following with interest and I look forward to reading more of her existing works. If they are anywhere near as good as this one, I will be in for a treat.
August 15, 2023
What an incredible book! It has everything a classic fantasy should have. Courageous yet flawed characters, found family, magic, creatures, and an epic journey.
Orphaned and now a thief for a gang boss, Sable wants nothing more than freedom for herself and her sisters. One day she finds a chance for escape in a traveling acting troupe. But Sable soon realizes that freedom is not easily won and sacrifices must be made.
There is a strong theme of family and loyalty in this book. I enjoyed Sable's character. She is protective and willing to do almost anything for those she loves. She finds unlikely friends among dwarves and elves, and one tall, brooding soldier.
The writing was beautiful and I enjoyed the surprises. Can't wait to start the next one!
Orphaned and now a thief for a gang boss, Sable wants nothing more than freedom for herself and her sisters. One day she finds a chance for escape in a traveling acting troupe. But Sable soon realizes that freedom is not easily won and sacrifices must be made.
There is a strong theme of family and loyalty in this book. I enjoyed Sable's character. She is protective and willing to do almost anything for those she loves. She finds unlikely friends among dwarves and elves, and one tall, brooding soldier.
The writing was beautiful and I enjoyed the surprises. Can't wait to start the next one!
June 11, 2021
4.5 Stars
Wow! I was so surprised with how much I loved this book! It was just an off chance that this book popped up and I was at first hesitant to start reading...but, boy oh boy, immediately I was sucked into Dockside and Sable's life. And...it just kept getting better and better with her troupe she travelled with...elves, dwarves, magic users etc.
Just...WOW!
Wow! I was so surprised with how much I loved this book! It was just an off chance that this book popped up and I was at first hesitant to start reading...but, boy oh boy, immediately I was sucked into Dockside and Sable's life. And...it just kept getting better and better with her troupe she travelled with...elves, dwarves, magic users etc.
Just...WOW!
April 26, 2021
Epic, unpredictable fantasy at its most original. Highly recommend!
September 16, 2024
Wow - what a great start to a fantasy trilogy. I adore the found family trope and it really shines through in this with the quirky troupe of characters. They're all fascinating, each with their own secrets and pasts. I love the set-up and that these fairly normal people are thrown into world-changing circumstances.
Sable’s ability to sense the truth in others is such a unique twist and it serves her well in a world so tangled with lies and deception. I adored watching her navigate not only the conflicts but also her relationships with her companions and her sister. And her relationship with Kiva is incredibly fascinating.
The world-building is immersive and well thought out, and the concept of the priories (and their creatures) and the Empire is rich with potential. This is the perfect start to an epic series, with the promise of more adventures, deeper character development, and rising stakes.
Sable’s ability to sense the truth in others is such a unique twist and it serves her well in a world so tangled with lies and deception. I adored watching her navigate not only the conflicts but also her relationships with her companions and her sister. And her relationship with Kiva is incredibly fascinating.
The world-building is immersive and well thought out, and the concept of the priories (and their creatures) and the Empire is rich with potential. This is the perfect start to an epic series, with the promise of more adventures, deeper character development, and rising stakes.
July 25, 2021
Praise Amah, this was a breath of fresh air. The tone was light, the dialog was an absolute standout, and the characters were a delight (#TeamPurn). The fact that I read 80% of this in like 5 days is a HUGE deal for me, and attests to the strength of the writing and the pacing. Maybe part of it is because I've done a fair amount of acting and theater, and the story of this acting troupe was just so dang fun to read.
I have to mention that I generally hate romance in my fantasy, but the romance in this book was so subtly played—little bits of flirtation here and there—that I actually really liked it.
I know this was a semi-finalist in SPFBO last year (losing the finalist slot to the book that won the whole thing), and it easily could have placed in the top amongst the other finalists. Can't say enough good things about this one.
I have to mention that I generally hate romance in my fantasy, but the romance in this book was so subtly played—little bits of flirtation here and there—that I actually really liked it.
I know this was a semi-finalist in SPFBO last year (losing the finalist slot to the book that won the whole thing), and it easily could have placed in the top amongst the other finalists. Can't say enough good things about this one.
October 17, 2024
Excellent! It's a perfect mix of The Shadow Gypsy and Morgan LeFay series. Author does a perfect job in opening up characters at a right time in right amounts for you to relate to them in each part of the story.
July 5, 2022
“Words are the only weapons I have.”
Sable’s gifted with the ability to hear the truth when people speak but is trapped working for a powerful gang boss and desperate to get herself and her sister to a better life. Freedom comes unexpectedly from Atticus, who has a secret play to that will give them the platform they need to tell the truth and hopefully save their land.
This is a story of sisters, a traveling acting troupe, and the growing threat of invasion from the nearby Empire.
The magic in this world was subtle and not widespread, adding to the general air of mystery. I enjoyed when Sable and fellow actor Leonis bantered. And Andreese really grew on me, his surly attitude slowly revealing an honorable heart within.
This story was a little slow to develop for the first third of the book but I found I didn’t really mind; memories of my own theater days kept me engaged as the troupe traveled from town to town and prepared their new play.
The book was a little slow overall though (and long) and the ending was not as satisfying as I’d hoped. I feel like I have to finish the trilogy to have more sense of closure but I’m not sure I’m excited enough about the story to continue when I have such a huge list of books I want to read. This one was just “ok” to me. If down the road I find I’m still curious about Sable, Reese, and all the other great characters, I’ll grab book two.
(Also my expectations were off. As a lover of dragons, with “dragon” right there in the title, there weren’t enough cool dragon things in this book for me.)
Sable’s gifted with the ability to hear the truth when people speak but is trapped working for a powerful gang boss and desperate to get herself and her sister to a better life. Freedom comes unexpectedly from Atticus, who has a secret play to that will give them the platform they need to tell the truth and hopefully save their land.
This is a story of sisters, a traveling acting troupe, and the growing threat of invasion from the nearby Empire.
The magic in this world was subtle and not widespread, adding to the general air of mystery. I enjoyed when Sable and fellow actor Leonis bantered. And Andreese really grew on me, his surly attitude slowly revealing an honorable heart within.
This story was a little slow to develop for the first third of the book but I found I didn’t really mind; memories of my own theater days kept me engaged as the troupe traveled from town to town and prepared their new play.
The book was a little slow overall though (and long) and the ending was not as satisfying as I’d hoped. I feel like I have to finish the trilogy to have more sense of closure but I’m not sure I’m excited enough about the story to continue when I have such a huge list of books I want to read. This one was just “ok” to me. If down the road I find I’m still curious about Sable, Reese, and all the other great characters, I’ll grab book two.
(Also my expectations were off. As a lover of dragons, with “dragon” right there in the title, there weren’t enough cool dragon things in this book for me.)
October 15, 2020
Wow. I’ve read 2 great books in 5 days and they’ve both left me hungover!!! I started this book to get over my heartache of SotLB(Chris R Underwood) but this just devastated me more🥺 but in an utterly amazing way I assure you!
I loved this whole entire cast of characters(I adore Pernicious💜)
each of them are so very different that I can’t help but be enthralled by their backgrounds and storyline. It’s an awesome band of misfits just trying to save the world from the biggest threat they’ve ever received. But they seem to be too late, the Kalesh empire is everywhere, right under everyone’s noses.
The ending once again blew me away and I’m left bereft with so many questions, and emotions(mainly heartache-sans beginning) Don’t read on if you want to avoid spoilers!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ why did Sables mom have an elven bow & parents speak Kalesh????? Can Sable stop being such a dumb bitch when it comes to keeping stuff from her sisters and running back into danger??? What happened to Thulans dwarves in the mountain caves??? And you really gonna end the book with my baby Andreese in handcuffs and banished from the city????????
FREE SABLE
I loved this whole entire cast of characters(I adore Pernicious💜)
each of them are so very different that I can’t help but be enthralled by their backgrounds and storyline. It’s an awesome band of misfits just trying to save the world from the biggest threat they’ve ever received. But they seem to be too late, the Kalesh empire is everywhere, right under everyone’s noses.
The ending once again blew me away and I’m left bereft with so many questions, and emotions(mainly heartache-sans beginning) Don’t read on if you want to avoid spoilers!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ why did Sables mom have an elven bow & parents speak Kalesh????? Can Sable stop being such a dumb bitch when it comes to keeping stuff from her sisters and running back into danger??? What happened to Thulans dwarves in the mountain caves??? And you really gonna end the book with my baby Andreese in handcuffs and banished from the city????????
FREE SABLE
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
I knew I shouldn’t start this book. I knew it would end only in heartbreak for me. I told myself nice little lies like “I’ll just read a few chapters while I find a different book to read”. After 10 percent of the book I couldn’t put it down and over the next two days I read every second I could (even reading on my phone while I took walks). Now I’ll pay for that by grieving the loss of one of the best books (if not the very best) I’ve read in a very long time. I’ve already read all the rest of her books (love love them all) so the only thing I could do was write the first review I’ve ever written in a attempt to encourage JA Andrews to keep writing so I could keep reading. Book 2 cannot come fast enough!! Thank you JA Andrews (but also I hate you just a little bit and you know why 😉).
If anyone has any advice for me on my next book, I would be grateful. I’m new to fantasy and have been enjoying the genre quite a bit. Plus, my boyfriend said (while I sobbed uncontrollably) that the only way to get over a good book was to get back in a new one lol.
If anyone has any advice for me on my next book, I would be grateful. I’m new to fantasy and have been enjoying the genre quite a bit. Plus, my boyfriend said (while I sobbed uncontrollably) that the only way to get over a good book was to get back in a new one lol.
October 27, 2022
Kind of slow, a little unbelievable…
A little unbelievable that Sable never suspected her ability to sense the truth was a kind of magic. And a little unbelievable that a world with so MUCH magic (or energy manipulation, whatever you call it) would ignore it so completely. Even a little unbelievable that Talia could be so completely selfish and shallow with literally no redeeming qualities.
If you can overlook the faults, it’s a good story, with good potential, but I don’t think I’ll read the rest.
A little unbelievable that Sable never suspected her ability to sense the truth was a kind of magic. And a little unbelievable that a world with so MUCH magic (or energy manipulation, whatever you call it) would ignore it so completely. Even a little unbelievable that Talia could be so completely selfish and shallow with literally no redeeming qualities.
If you can overlook the faults, it’s a good story, with good potential, but I don’t think I’ll read the rest.
June 30, 2020
Excellent
I loved everything about this book. I was slightly worried in the beginning, but once everything started coming together I couldn't stop reading. The end frustrated me, but that's a sign of a good book. There aren't always happy endings. I can't wait for the next one!
I loved everything about this book. I was slightly worried in the beginning, but once everything started coming together I couldn't stop reading. The end frustrated me, but that's a sign of a good book. There aren't always happy endings. I can't wait for the next one!
December 17, 2021
Wow. How did this mediocre book get such a high review? What a waste of my time. I kept expecting it to get better but it doesn't.
August 16, 2022
Absolutely fantastic fantasy
This was freaking amazing. Dragon's Reach has everything. Dwarves, elves, magic, religion and politics, found family and internal and external threats abound.
Sable is a thief, stuck in dockside stealing for a gang boss, trying to find a way to freedom for herself and her sisters. One day she sneaks into the side stage of a travelling acting troupe and has a chance of freedom.
Family and sacrifice are strong themes in this book and made each and every sacrifice, win and loss so powerful. Sable's efforts to save her family were realistic and raw even if flawed at times. The consequences of each of her actions just HIT
I enjoyed her powers and look forward to seeing how they grow as she learns to understand them as the series continues.
Sable is not 'the chosen one' she is just a young woman trying to secure safety and freedom for her family. She cannot fight with a sword or really anything. She has survived on her wit and pure survival mode for so long and that made her a truly unique and fascinating character to follow.
This has to be the most under rated book I have read all year. It is fantastic. It follows what seems like a basic plot line on the surface but it is much more. Andrews manages to broach dark topics without the book feeling too dark amd can be read and enjoyed by everyone.
I can't wait for the next instalment. So happy I discovered this book
This was freaking amazing. Dragon's Reach has everything. Dwarves, elves, magic, religion and politics, found family and internal and external threats abound.
Sable is a thief, stuck in dockside stealing for a gang boss, trying to find a way to freedom for herself and her sisters. One day she sneaks into the side stage of a travelling acting troupe and has a chance of freedom.
Family and sacrifice are strong themes in this book and made each and every sacrifice, win and loss so powerful. Sable's efforts to save her family were realistic and raw even if flawed at times. The consequences of each of her actions just HIT
I enjoyed her powers and look forward to seeing how they grow as she learns to understand them as the series continues.
Sable is not 'the chosen one' she is just a young woman trying to secure safety and freedom for her family. She cannot fight with a sword or really anything. She has survived on her wit and pure survival mode for so long and that made her a truly unique and fascinating character to follow.
This has to be the most under rated book I have read all year. It is fantastic. It follows what seems like a basic plot line on the surface but it is much more. Andrews manages to broach dark topics without the book feeling too dark amd can be read and enjoyed by everyone.
I can't wait for the next instalment. So happy I discovered this book
July 10, 2020
First time reading J.A.Andrews. WOW! Absolutely loved this book. The intricate world the author bright is into is quite lovely. The world building is just enough to keep me interested but not too much to bore me.
The Merry band of misfits that make up the traveling Theater group brings many smiles to your face as you read.
So happy this book was featured in a reading challenge i was participating in. Now i have a new author to add to my long list of favorites!
Can’t wait for the next book!!
The Merry band of misfits that make up the traveling Theater group brings many smiles to your face as you read.
So happy this book was featured in a reading challenge i was participating in. Now i have a new author to add to my long list of favorites!
Can’t wait for the next book!!
July 6, 2020
Epic and subtle all at the same time
The story was straight forward, a foreign power is coming and not for dinner. The characters had great and organic back stories. The plot was fluid and easily followed. The twists were there and ready but not over powering or forced. The family tie that was used to motivate the lead felt right and correct and even in the worst part felt justified and horrific. Can’t wait for the next book.
The story was straight forward, a foreign power is coming and not for dinner. The characters had great and organic back stories. The plot was fluid and easily followed. The twists were there and ready but not over powering or forced. The family tie that was used to motivate the lead felt right and correct and even in the worst part felt justified and horrific. Can’t wait for the next book.
July 2, 2020
I enjoyed reading this first book in the Keeper series
Three young girls see their parents murdered by raiders who speak a foreign language. They go through many heartaches along the way to understanding what really happened.
Three young girls see their parents murdered by raiders who speak a foreign language. They go through many heartaches along the way to understanding what really happened.
June 28, 2020
This is a really good book and JA has become my current favorite author, but I just couldn't connect with the main character like I did others from the other trilogy. All of them were likeable and were well developed, but something about Sable just didn't click with me. That being said, it was just so different than anything I might be expecting and I can't wait to see how the next one unfolds.
June 17, 2020
Wow, it’s so unexpected and amazing I’m still catching my breath!
It’s Delicious, amazing, intricate and I just loved it!!! I’m just sad I’ll have to wait until May 2021 for the next book in the series! What a great read!! Love the characters, love the setting and like the Keepers Chronicles... I just loved it!
And how great it is that there are theater troupes in the plot?! Seriously... I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds!
It’s Delicious, amazing, intricate and I just loved it!!! I’m just sad I’ll have to wait until May 2021 for the next book in the series! What a great read!! Love the characters, love the setting and like the Keepers Chronicles... I just loved it!
And how great it is that there are theater troupes in the plot?! Seriously... I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds!
June 19, 2020
A huge fan
J A Andrews is a master story teller. I first read her Keeper Chronicles and I was hooked. Her stories flow effortlessly. I have already placed my pre order for the next book
J A Andrews is a master story teller. I first read her Keeper Chronicles and I was hooked. Her stories flow effortlessly. I have already placed my pre order for the next book
June 2, 2020
The story grips from its beginning as fifteen year old Sable and her much younger sisters are orphaned in an horrific attack that burns her village to the ground and kills all of its other inhabitants. Sable takes on the responsibility of protecting her sisters and this remains the case throughout the book as it moves on 10 years to find her living in a city slum in debt to a vicious gang leader and forced to steal for him, escaping to travel through the country with a disparate group of individuals with a common purpose and discovering that the destroyers of her village are part of a major threat to the whole country, forcing her to return to the town for a major confrontation. The characters are realistic and well developed and it is easy to suspend your disbelief at the magical abilities of some. Although the first of a trilogy, the story does have an ending but one that leaves you waiting for it to continue. I hope that the next book is ready soon.
June 6, 2020
Absolutely fabulous story that has you lost in this fantasy world. Loved the characters and the plot.
June 3, 2020
Oh my!
What a complete and surprise turn out in this story. Twists and turns were throughout. I was enjoying all the craziness and now need book two.
What a complete and surprise turn out in this story. Twists and turns were throughout. I was enjoying all the craziness and now need book two.
February 8, 2021
My rating 4.5 stars
I read the 3 books of The Keeper Chronicles last year and was duly impressed how well JA Andrews has revitalised some of the usual tropes - I had the Omnibus and I was so enthralled I read the 3 novels in a weekend. In Dragon's Reach Andrews has reached more maturity and skill as a writer and this is her best book to date. (2 days in a row I missed my bus to work as I just needed to know what happened next)
That ending!! Aaaaargggh - it's going to feel like forever until the next arrives.
I read the 3 books of The Keeper Chronicles last year and was duly impressed how well JA Andrews has revitalised some of the usual tropes - I had the Omnibus and I was so enthralled I read the 3 novels in a weekend. In Dragon's Reach Andrews has reached more maturity and skill as a writer and this is her best book to date. (2 days in a row I missed my bus to work as I just needed to know what happened next)
That ending!! Aaaaargggh - it's going to feel like forever until the next arrives.
May 21, 2020
I love Andrews books and her characters are always so complex and compelling. This book is no exception. Sable is the perfect heroine and I felt deeply for all her troubles and trials. The book moves along at a good pace and kept me reading through the night till I was done. I hesitate to call the ending a cliff hanger, but it is clear this will be an epic series. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
July 24, 2020
Dragon's Reach is Epic Fantasy with a hint of romance. It's a page-turner of a story that's unique and unpredictable. There's danger at every turn. J.A. Andrews creates colorful characters, brilliant world building, and witty dialogue. This is the first book in a new series and will leave you hanging. I can’t wait to find out what happens to Sable and the others!
September 8, 2021
I struggled with this one a bit, took a while to get going, then sort of trundled along before petering out.
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