19 July 2013

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Keeper Of Reign by Emma Right


 
 
Young Adult Fantasy
Date Published: 5/19/2013

 

 
Books written in blood. Most are lost, their Keepers with them. A curse that befell a people. A Kingdom with no King. Life couldn’t get more harrowing for the Elfies, a blend of Elves and Fairies. Or for sixteen-year-old Jules Blaze. Or could it? 

For Jules, the heir of a Keeper, no less, suspects his family hides a forgotten secret. It was bad enough that his people, the Elfies of Reign, triggered a curse which reduced the entire inhabitants to a mere inch centuries ago. All because of one Keeper who failed his purpose. Even the King’s Ancient Books, did not help ward off that anathema. 

Now, Gehzurolle, the evil lord, and his armies of Scorpents, seem bent on destroying Jules and his family. Why? Gehzurolle’s agents hunt for Jules as he journeys into enemy land to find the truth. Truth that could save him and his family, and possibly even reverse the age-long curse. Provided Jules doesn't get himself killed first.
 
Excerpt:

A blood-curdling scream pierced through the cold evening air and all five children jerked and stared at each other. The scream appeared to have come from the dark forest. Was someone in trouble? Or was it just some- one trying to scare them?
“Wh-–at was that?” Bitha grabbed Tippy’s hand and tugged at her, but the little girl, her face indignant, squirmed and pulled away.
“No–o!” A series of ear splitting protests came from Tippy and she shook her head vigorously. Her eyes, the rims red, locked with Jules. “I want the gem! It’s mine!”
Arms on her hips, Tst Tst said, in a sinister whisper, “If we don’t leave now, Gehzurolle will kill us!”
 
Tippy slumped her shoulders, let out a sob and opened her mouth as if wanting to protest but at the last minute she only stepped aside. “All wight!”
“We’ll give the stone another try. Ralston, you wedge it with that stick and I’ll pull.” Jules glanced at the sky and thought he saw a dark blob in the blue far away. Must get away quickly. The meadow is too bare for a good hiding spot.
Nausea swelled up from the pit of his stomach and a shiver crept up his back. The last time he had such a feeling was right before his grandpa left on that trip. “Rals, hurry! Pull!”
 
What I Say (Review): CUTE is the first word which comes to mind when describing Keeper of Reign. Emma Right has written a sweet story about a Kingless Kingdom, where a race of creatures called Elfies live (think Elves and Fairies combined). The Elfies are plagued by an ancient curse. The ancient curse means that the Elfies have been shrink to Tom thumb size, which is particularly harrowing for Jules Blaze and his family who are being hunted by terrifying baddies (Scorpents) under the control of the evil Gehzurolle. I did have problems getting my head around the names (although Jules' little sister Tippy had the cutest name).

Anyway back to the story... Most of the plot revolves around finding an ancient book, first seen in the prologue (being written by the King). The Keepers hold the answer and as the heir Jules needs to find a way to save Reign and his family.

I should point out here that although Keeper of Reign has been marketed as a YA series (this is book #1), I felt it was really more suitable for slightly younger kids. Mainly because the language is probably better suited for a younger age group. That said I did still enjoy the story and loved how adorable the Blaze siblings were.

I enjoyed the story but found Jules a little annoying, but I put it down to all the responsibility placed on him (or he places on himself). Their small stature also had a large influence on the story. The mentions of giant fish and huge plants reminded me of The Borrowers. Every time Jules was betrayed or mislead (ahem this means you Miranda), I really felt for him. He was just so trusting and naïve. I would have appreciated more on Miranda, the resident baddie with a heart.

Keeper of Reign is a sweet fantasy adventure which kids  and older readers will enjoy, and is defo worth a read if you like good, clean stories.

3.5 Stars in my Sky!
 
Author Bio: Emma Right is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, two bunnies and a Long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. When she doesn't have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one.
 
Right worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won several awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before she settled down to have children. 
 
Visit Emma Right at her home site and blog for tips and ideas about books, homeschooling, bible devotions, and author helps of various sorts: www.emmaright.com and follow her on facebook emma.right.author




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