Title: The Keeper
Author: Natalie Star
Book Summary:
“The morning of her sixteenth birthday, Billie feels blessed despite the reoccurring nightmare that wakes her. Loving parents, a caring boyfriend, and great friends surround her until an heirloom necklace throws her into a world she never imagined.
“Gifted” with supernatural powers and an unexpected destiny as the Keeper, Billie and a mysterious boy from her past must work together to find answers. But, as they begin to discover feelings for one another, he disappears leaving her to fight evil alone. Her life spirals out of control. She breaks up with her boyfriend, Tony, and alienates her best friends Arianna and Jocelyn to protect them from the truth.
As dark forces pursue her, Billie longs to run away from it all, yet a need to do what’s right compels her to face the future as the keeper of more than her own fortune.”
When I think of the name “Billie”, like many people I picture a boy. Well, this Billie is as feminine as they come, and she tries to make up for her more masculine name. When Billie is in kindergarten she has a strange occurrence. A man who no one else can see appears and gives her a “gift”. Then at 16, Billie is tossed into a world full of mystery and magic, where love is found only to be lost again. Billie must work quickly to learn about her gift and to discover the true meaning of being the Keeper…
Billie starts out as this stuck up girl who degrades people and constantly worries about her appearance. Over the course of The Keeper, I see Billie start to change. She reveals her inner thoughts and feelings and starts to act on them. Her life quickly spirals out of orbit, and she has to adjust quickly. Now, Billie has to juggle her newfound powers, a budding romance, and dark things trying to kill her. No big deal. Throughout all of these, Billie proves her strength and determination. Yeah, she has some “why me?” moments, but really who wouldn’t? Overall, I really like her character.
Star does a fantastic job of weaving a fresh, new paranormal story. Instead of werewolves, vampires or witches, she creates her own brand of paranormal. This adds a lot to the story, since it’s a new concept it doesn’t rely on clichés to make it a compelling and captivating read. Star also does a wonderful job tying all the subplots together. Many different things happen in Billie’s life: romance, heartbreak, creating new friendships and losing others. All of these events come into play in a timely manner. I don’t find them overly rushed or unbelievable… though I wonder at the abnormal number of people who randomly walk into Billie’s house without calling first…
Overall this is a story I really enjoy. I think a few of the concepts are hard to grasp, especially concerning Billie’s destiny, but in the end it’s not too confusing. I do like where the book ends. It is open for a sequel, and I am very happy with the characters. Many of my questions are answered… but many new ones have arisen. Hopefully, a second book will answer them all!!
The Cover:
I give The Keeper 4 out of 5 hearts: Great Book
Find out more about Natalie Star at her website here: http://www.authornataliestar.com/
Buy The Keeper here:
Good review! I'll have to check this book out :)
ReplyDeleteGood :) You would like it!
DeleteThanks for the honest review. I haven't heard of this book but I think I might like it. I'll put it on my list. It sounds like a new take on paranormal, I'm always looking for something different.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Linda! :) I hope you enjoy it if you get the chance to read it. It is definitely a fresh spin on paranormal!
DeleteGreat Review!!! I haven't heard of this book before ,,, I will make sure to check it out :)
ReplyDeleteYay! It was fantastic :)
DeleteI'm not sure if I'd like this one.
ReplyDelete:/ supernatural isn't for everyone! Thanks for reading my review!
DeleteThis is the first I've heard of this book and I must admit that the name Billie sounds a little too masculine for a girl. Your review makes me think I might just enjoy this read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts:)
ReplyDeleteSarah Bibi Setar
Yeah it is a little masculine, but I think you would enjoy the book anyway :P
DeleteI actually haven't heard of this one... well...ever...
ReplyDeleteThe idea sounds interesting but I'm not too sure ... I'll put in onto my to-read list I think... and well, i'll get to it eventually :)
Ro,
http://far-past-midnight.blogspot.com.au/
This is on my tbr list and I think you may have just swayed to push it up a few places.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong, I love my werewolves and vampires, but sometimes I find that I need a break from the cliche, from the norm.
It was refreshing to see that in your review, you extend your response to include the craft, structure and occassionally those confusions that as readers we regularly find - a good heads up thank you!
+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about Natalie Star's "own brand of paranormal" you mention, but I hope it's not just vampires/werewolves/etc by a new, fancy name.
And I have to ask . . . When you say that you wonder about some plot points, like the "abnormal number of people who randomly walk into Billie's house without calling first," do you mean that the story is very coincidence driven? =(
I just thought I would visit old blogs and check out readers comments. *waves* I don't know if anyone else ever checks back, but here I am anyway LOL.
ReplyDeleteEnbrethiliel - It's none of the above by fancy names, I promise :) & it's not coincidence driven, she actually does have people come to the house often.