The Books of the Keepers

by Ann Downer-Hazell

Book Overview

Bram, kidnapped to an underground kingdom to be consort to the Elf Queen, escapes with the help of the Goblin Pretender and returns to his mother Caitlin, who is seeking the Books of ancient magic from the Elder Age. Sequel to The Spellkey and The Glass Salamander..

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689315198
• ISBN13: 9780689315190
• Release Date: April 1993
• Publisher: Atheneum Books
• Length: 245 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.8" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Believe the editorial reviews!!!

I can't believe that: 1. this book hasn't had any reader reviews yet 2. Ann Downer seems not to have written any more fantasy, considering that she started this trilogy when she was 13. I actually read the omnibus edition and if you can find it, you should buy that since all three books are interwoven on several story-strands (although you can easily enjoy them on their own). That's one of the joys of the series. Interesting characters constantly show up for a while and others pop-up and their stories take on a bigger dimension. The whole series is RICH in imagery and description. It moves from the forest, to the tailor's shop, to the world of elves and goblin miners, to the royal court and the bawdy theatre. The plot (for the whole trilogy) is always heading somewhere and even in the intricate detail and jumps from one scene to another, it still manages to stay on track and hang toether in the end. 'The Books of the Keepers' sees Caitlin and the Badger living in the Weird Wood with their goblin changeling, Grimauld. Their relationship continues on a rather prosaic level after the young love in the first book and the wild but forbidden love in the second but I suppose Downer decided to take on the more realistic view on relationships. It also continues the story of the wolf girl, Ulfra and her sidekick, Nix and brings back the Panther woman who was only given a glancing mention in the 'Glass Salamander.' Of course, Bran plays a big role and we see more of the fascinating underground world, history and lore of the elves. It's definitely a book calling out for a sequel. Ann Downer, Please write more!! What happened to Elric and the disfigured girl? Is that all we are to know about Longaevi (people with wings- like the way we picture angels)? What's the effect of Drusian's going-off and leaving the elves? To conclude, I must say I haven't read any fantasy like this one (and boy, have I read a lot!). It's as quirky as Jack Vance's Lyonesse books with even more charm. It will always remain among my top favorites.