The Keeper
Ellen Jensen Abbott
language
(Skyscape, Nov. 5, 2013)
Abisina is ready to assume the role of Keeper that has been her destiny, leading the future of the Watersmeet community. But the survival of the land depends on the north and south—the centaurs, dwarves, fairies, humans, and fauns—joining together to confront a gathering evil. The rift that opened in the Mountains Eternal has continued to spew forth terrible creatures: überwolves, leviathan-birds, minotaurs. Abisina knows that the most challenging creature of all has arrived—though what shape it will take is still a mystery. She sets out to bring the folk together to confront this unknown evil, but the land has never been more divided. As she faces hostile centaurs, ambitious fairies, the destruction of the only home she’s ever known, and separation from those who love her, Abisina doubts if she has the strength to be the leader that everyone needs. Even the power of the Keeper’s necklace doesn’t seem to be enough—and when that is taken from her, she’s left on the brink of hopelessness. Can Abisina’s faith in the power of love, acceptance, and unity that she’s learned from her friends and family survive this final test?