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laurajaylive's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great start to The Eden East series! The character development was exceptional, especially the extent of the side characters involved. I feel like Sacha Black has a way of making you engaged in every person involved, not just the main character. I am excited to dive into book two in time for book three's release next year!
marawii's review against another edition
5.0
I consider myself lucky to have been given the opportunity to review this book by the author Sacha Black. Why? Because this book ended up being one of my 2018 favorites!
The book started out with a really good introduction to the story. The world building is fantastic and you do not get bored while reading about a new fantasy and somewhat dystopian world. The concept of the book is about people with special abilities (ex: sirens, elementals, shapeshifters etc.) who try to keep the balance in life on earth. They are all bound to potential partners for their lifetime once they complete their academy acceptance exam. It feels kind of like the concept of arranged marriage but without the consent of the children involved.
This book had an amazing glossary (which I really appreciated) that allowed me to go back and forth to read about and understand the elements in this world. In addition, each chapter starts with the definition of an important concept that will be introduced to the story, which means you don't have to go back and forth to the glossary section to understand the story as it unfolds.
And a HUGE shout out to the author (Sacha Black's) mom who illustrated the beautiful map of this world!
Some elements of this book reminded me of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. So if you're a fan to either series, you should definitely read this one because you'll probably enjoy it.
This book features complex character and backstories. You'll love this strong heroine and you'll sympathize with her. You wouldn't know who to trust, and who is the villain of the story. I kind of disliked the name of one of the characters but I guess it's ok because I also disliked the character himself. 🤭
Even though I was supposed to read this book months ago, I am actually quite happy that I was only able to read this book in July because the second book (Victor) already came out this MONTH!!! Which means I don't have to wait for it because that book ended on a HUGE cliffhanger and I cannot wait to know what happens. 😏
And great news for fans of this series. I originally thought this was going to be a trilogy but the author told me that it is going to have SIX books and a prequel novella!!! Consider me a happy reader!
emlove's review against another edition
1.0
Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
DNF at 41%
This won’t be a long review because Keepers was just intensely bad. I refuse to waste much more time on it, but I do want to share my thoughts and hopefully no one else will waste their time either. I am baffled by all the glowing reviews...like….did I get a different book???
For one thing, I am always wary when the first pages of a book are the glossary. If you can’t introduce these terms in your writing and make me understand them as part of your world-building process, then we have a problem. THIRTY-TWO TERMS, YOU GUYS. Thirty-two. And the brief definition in the glossary is not enough for them to actually make sense in the world. More explanation was needed and never given. Just these terms thrown around. And also WHY THE FUCK is one of those terms “Steampunk Transporter” when there is no reason for this society to call anything “Steampunk.” The person with this title is a fucking bodyguard. There is nothing “Steampunk” about him. This society is run by magic. If there was supposed to be a Steampunk vibe, it did not come across. And even if it did this term would still be stupid af.
The writing was bad. Very bad. I understand that I was given an ARC, and that the final polishing is still to come, but even beyond the blatant misuse of commas on almost every page, the writing was just amateurish. Too many sentences just made me cringe because there was no subtlety, no sophistication. Too many times the characters would be referring to something that happened in a scene that we just saw...except what they are talking about didn’t happen. The explanation is that our MC blacked out….except she didn’t black out in the scene? She went all rage monster, but never blacked out as far as I can tell. It’s just poor editing, and I wish it had been gone over more thoroughly before being released, even as an ARC.
While the idea is initially interesting, it just wasn’t written well enough to keep my interest.
DNF at 41%
This won’t be a long review because Keepers was just intensely bad. I refuse to waste much more time on it, but I do want to share my thoughts and hopefully no one else will waste their time either. I am baffled by all the glowing reviews...like….did I get a different book???
For one thing, I am always wary when the first pages of a book are the glossary. If you can’t introduce these terms in your writing and make me understand them as part of your world-building process, then we have a problem. THIRTY-TWO TERMS, YOU GUYS. Thirty-two. And the brief definition in the glossary is not enough for them to actually make sense in the world. More explanation was needed and never given. Just these terms thrown around. And also WHY THE FUCK is one of those terms “Steampunk Transporter” when there is no reason for this society to call anything “Steampunk.” The person with this title is a fucking bodyguard. There is nothing “Steampunk” about him. This society is run by magic. If there was supposed to be a Steampunk vibe, it did not come across. And even if it did this term would still be stupid af.
The writing was bad. Very bad. I understand that I was given an ARC, and that the final polishing is still to come, but even beyond the blatant misuse of commas on almost every page, the writing was just amateurish. Too many sentences just made me cringe because there was no subtlety, no sophistication. Too many times the characters would be referring to something that happened in a scene that we just saw...except what they are talking about didn’t happen. The explanation is that our MC blacked out….except she didn’t black out in the scene? She went all rage monster, but never blacked out as far as I can tell. It’s just poor editing, and I wish it had been gone over more thoroughly before being released, even as an ARC.
While the idea is initially interesting, it just wasn’t written well enough to keep my interest.
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
4.0
I went into this one without knowing too much about it. Was confused for a bit but really enjoyed it! I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the series! So glad my friend recommended it to me.
cnewby927's review against another edition
4.0
Keepers is about a girl named Eden East and her role in keeping Balance for her world and Earth. This story is about Eden trying to find out what happened to her parents while also dealing with being bound to her potential soul mate Victor, who she hates, But, don't worry because she also has Trey, he childhood friend who may also be more. Time and some help from Eden's friends will help her discover what is really going on.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The world building is interesting and different. This idea that there is another place where people help Earth find balance is neat. I also like the magical aspect with the different sections of magic. The characters were interesting but I would like to see more development in the next book. I enjoyed reading about them but I would like to get to know them better, There is a lot of room for details about certain characters. I hope Sacha brings more of them to life in the next book. Overall an enjoyable book that I would recommend to others.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The world building is interesting and different. This idea that there is another place where people help Earth find balance is neat. I also like the magical aspect with the different sections of magic. The characters were interesting but I would like to see more development in the next book. I enjoyed reading about them but I would like to get to know them better, There is a lot of room for details about certain characters. I hope Sacha brings more of them to life in the next book. Overall an enjoyable book that I would recommend to others.
darquedreamer's review against another edition
5.0
Keepers is intensely intriguing! Full of fantasy and originality, this one is sure to impress. For YA lovers who enjoy magical worlds and stories about balance, this one is for you.
I was truly impressed by how much I enjoyed this one. I was attracted by the synopsis, and knew I would like it, but man did I love it! It was unique and exciting, and the writing was vivid and detailed!
I was introduced to a highly complex, well developed world where sirens, shape-shifters, and elementals exist. Sacha did an incredible job with weaving in intricate details that made the world feel alive without being overwhelming to the reader. I could see everything so clearly, and I felt like the history of the world and story was explained so well. There was never a dull moment, but everything fit and felt unique.
I really loved the dynamic characters too. On the surface, they seemed like typical YA characters, but they had intense obstacles to face, and I felt like I really became invested in them. I loved Eden and her strength. I loved Bo's loyalty. I enjoyed seeing the jealousy and desire for darkness come from Victor. I felt Trey's emotional pull, and I admired Kato and his desire to be there for everyone he cared about. Each character was unique, relatable, and well developed.
As I read, I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen, but here were tiny bits of predictability thrown in that had me in complete shock when I hit a surprising twist! I could not have predicted the most shocking moments that kept me on the edge of my seat! This story was creative and refreshing and I am dying to read the next book! 4.5 stars (or 5 faeries since half a faerie would throw off the balance)!
I was truly impressed by how much I enjoyed this one. I was attracted by the synopsis, and knew I would like it, but man did I love it! It was unique and exciting, and the writing was vivid and detailed!
I was introduced to a highly complex, well developed world where sirens, shape-shifters, and elementals exist. Sacha did an incredible job with weaving in intricate details that made the world feel alive without being overwhelming to the reader. I could see everything so clearly, and I felt like the history of the world and story was explained so well. There was never a dull moment, but everything fit and felt unique.
I really loved the dynamic characters too. On the surface, they seemed like typical YA characters, but they had intense obstacles to face, and I felt like I really became invested in them. I loved Eden and her strength. I loved Bo's loyalty. I enjoyed seeing the jealousy and desire for darkness come from Victor. I felt Trey's emotional pull, and I admired Kato and his desire to be there for everyone he cared about. Each character was unique, relatable, and well developed.
As I read, I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen, but here were tiny bits of predictability thrown in that had me in complete shock when I hit a surprising twist! I could not have predicted the most shocking moments that kept me on the edge of my seat! This story was creative and refreshing and I am dying to read the next book! 4.5 stars (or 5 faeries since half a faerie would throw off the balance)!
I had the opportunity to read this e-book for free, in exchange for my honest review, after connecting with the author through The Book Robin Hoods site. If you are an author looking for more reviews, or a reviewer looking to help out Indie/Self Published and Lesser Known Authors, make sure to click the link below and join us!
clkipp103's review
The world doesn't feel well fleshed out making the whole setting/what's-at-stake confusing. New elements added at the mid-point really sent it over the top for me.
septemberr's review
3.0
My main critique is that the only color the author seems to know is maroon.
The first half of the book was fun and fast-paced. I like being drawn into the world immediately without too much exposition. The second half of the book dragged for me because there was no internal conflict for the characters. It was clear by that point that the mc would end up with the love interest and everything would turn out honky dory.
The main thing I would have liked to see to address above is to have a more nuanced villain. The author gave him a few moments of fleeting relatability/sympathy but each time it was immediately undercut by his next action. I wish the author had gone further in making the villain a possible love interest, giving the mc some conflict about her path. The author got really close to doing it right, but seemed unable to give up the perfect love story of the main couple.
The first half of the book was fun and fast-paced. I like being drawn into the world immediately without too much exposition. The second half of the book dragged for me because there was no internal conflict for the characters. It was clear by that point that the mc would end up with the love interest and everything would turn out honky dory.
The main thing I would have liked to see to address above is to have a more nuanced villain. The author gave him a few moments of fleeting relatability/sympathy but each time it was immediately undercut by his next action. I wish the author had gone further in making the villain a possible love interest, giving the mc some conflict about her path. The author got really close to doing it right, but seemed unable to give up the perfect love story of the main couple.
henley's review against another edition
1.0
Written in 22 August 2018
*WARNING:THIS IS A PRETENTIOUSLY-WRITTEN BOOK REVIEW
I'm sorry, I try to like this book in the first place.
1. The plot is so confusing and there are too many characters
It really is so fuck-up when you turn a page, and started to ask yourself 'who the bloody hell is this'? Seems this happens a lot when I read this book.
2. The world is also way too complex
Reading this gives me a fake-Harry-Potter vibe and try-to-emulate-Star-Wars-but-screw-it-dunno-think-I-nailed-it feels. Like, characters could disappear without a crack. And not always do we need wand magic, duh.
3. Plots are predictable
i. Both Victor and Evelyn are so detestably pugnacious. Okay I get it we need some not-so-beloved characters, but then let's examine Victor. He's sort of like a rapist, and he seems so okay with it. You can't hate one person all along and then sees her in a sexual way. Like, how?
ii. Oh c'mon always this orphan thing again and again. Cliché-ridden. Redundant in terms of 'something is wrong' vibe. I hate it. If something is not wrong, I'm not reading it. That's why how drama exists, if you have troubles then go for it. Bloody annoying when main characters keep saying 'ahhhh something is not right we need to correct this'.
iii. This prophecy thing, I'm not buying it.
iv. Also, the idea of two enemies bound to each other of a lifetime is quite nice. But then look what we got here. An attempting-to-rape-an-'enemy' Victor.
Trey is great, but then Eden keeps reminding herself she needs to hate him. *okay... sod off, she's annoying also.
81% through this, but bye I don't want to continue. I would rather put my5.99 AUD in McDonald's.
*WARNING:THIS IS A PRETENTIOUSLY-WRITTEN BOOK REVIEW
I'm sorry, I try to like this book in the first place.
1. The plot is so confusing and there are too many characters
It really is so fuck-up when you turn a page, and started to ask yourself 'who the bloody hell is this'? Seems this happens a lot when I read this book.
2. The world is also way too complex
Reading this gives me a fake-Harry-Potter vibe and try-to-emulate-Star-Wars-but-screw-it-dunno-think-I-nailed-it feels. Like, characters could disappear without a crack. And not always do we need wand magic, duh.
3. Plots are predictable
i. Both Victor and Evelyn are so detestably pugnacious. Okay I get it we need some not-so-beloved characters, but then let's examine Victor. He's sort of like a rapist, and he seems so okay with it. You can't hate one person all along and then sees her in a sexual way. Like, how?
ii. Oh c'mon always this orphan thing again and again. Cliché-ridden. Redundant in terms of 'something is wrong' vibe. I hate it. If something is not wrong, I'm not reading it. That's why how drama exists, if you have troubles then go for it. Bloody annoying when main characters keep saying 'ahhhh something is not right we need to correct this'.
iii. This prophecy thing, I'm not buying it.
iv. Also, the idea of two enemies bound to each other of a lifetime is quite nice. But then look what we got here. An attempting-to-rape-an-'enemy' Victor.
Trey is great, but then Eden keeps reminding herself she needs to hate him. *okay... sod off, she's annoying also.
81% through this, but bye I don't want to continue. I would rather put my5.99 AUD in McDonald's.
sarahs_bookish_life's review against another edition
4.0
What a great start to a new series!
Keepers is a book that can certainly be enjoyed by young adults and adults alike. It actually transported me back in time making me feel like a teenager again. Sadly that is some years ago now!
Eden is a character that really grabbed me. Through her I felt like I was going through everything she was going through, which was quite a lot. To lose her parents whilst trying to find her feet in the world she lives in, I certainly didn’t envy her. She has a good friend in Bo, who is a bit of an under dog yet really stood out to me throughout the book and would love to see more of her. Eden certainly has to grow up quite quickly and has some very hard decisions to make.
I have to admit that I don’t read many books in this genre but I do know that it would certainly appeal to readers of the Percy Jackson series and Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. It transports you to a different world whilst having a lot of elements of the real world that we do live in.
Keepers is a strong and solid start from a very promising author. It was a relatively quick read due to the tension and steady speed at which the story is set. Having left me wanting more, I can not wait to read the next one to see where things go after that ending, of which I loved by the way.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Keepers is a book that can certainly be enjoyed by young adults and adults alike. It actually transported me back in time making me feel like a teenager again. Sadly that is some years ago now!
Eden is a character that really grabbed me. Through her I felt like I was going through everything she was going through, which was quite a lot. To lose her parents whilst trying to find her feet in the world she lives in, I certainly didn’t envy her. She has a good friend in Bo, who is a bit of an under dog yet really stood out to me throughout the book and would love to see more of her. Eden certainly has to grow up quite quickly and has some very hard decisions to make.
I have to admit that I don’t read many books in this genre but I do know that it would certainly appeal to readers of the Percy Jackson series and Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. It transports you to a different world whilst having a lot of elements of the real world that we do live in.
Keepers is a strong and solid start from a very promising author. It was a relatively quick read due to the tension and steady speed at which the story is set. Having left me wanting more, I can not wait to read the next one to see where things go after that ending, of which I loved by the way.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.