13+B
The Twelfth Keeper is another example of dystopian fantasy, but the opposite of Red Queen. A world that is perhaps only 500 to 1,000 years in the future. This means we still have recognisable government structures but Earth is at a tipping point in its history. Because of interactions with other planets, Earth has been told that they have ‘keepers’ twelve destined children who are all born within four years of each other who will protect earth. Seen as essentially military celebrities housed up in a military space station the people of Earth have no idea of the powers that both the keepers have and that are threatening earth.
We get introduced to Kennedy who is trying on her sisters clothes and makeup, something which marks her personal progress as later on in the novel and then the series, we see her become her own person. She is personable from the start as we go with her for the mandatory vaccinations, and her fear of needles. She doesn’t believe that she is the Twelfth Keeper, a protector of the earth, and is stubborn to the point of near death in holding her own opinions. She does not want to be a hero but everyone around her expects her to be the most powerful of them all, the other keepers have been waiting for years for her to arrive. She holds her family close (and they have a really sweet relationship which is always rare in fiction) and only goes to train because her family are paid for it.
Characters – 5/5 stars – Kennedy is so personable, I think I already used this word, but she just brings such a realism to an otherwise other world. Phoenix I took a bit longer to grasp but I do love him.
World – 5/5 stars – I just love it we have a mix of sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian that combines into a world I will always remember. With new technology and yet still similar world structures as to now it really highlights just how much dystopian is the way of commenting on corruption.
Romance – 4/5 stars – Sweet Romance – Phoenix and Kennedy have a rocky beginning, but it is explained and makes you understand more about how growing up in a government department in space has formed his character. The romance is slightly more prominent in this than some other reviews i have given but nothing out there, just a few kisses and cuddling. My one peeve with the romance is the age gap, Kennedy is sixteen and Phoenix is twenty and this is just pushing it a bit far for me but I can overlook it because everything else is so good.
Plot – 5/5 stars – because we are launched into this world alongside Kennedy who doesn’t know what is going on but knows what she believes we get a really lovely viewpoint on the plot. Clues are constantly going on around her, but they are often for books far later along and also Kennedy isn’t sure what is important. This is a new world to her and people expect her to do things that she doesn’t think is possible. The plot is fast paced with lulls letting us absorb more of this gorgeous world.
Things to be aware of: There is violence, and threat throughout 3.5/5. there is a lot surrounding drowning and how Kennedy is triggered heavily by that and how she suffers after. Genocide. A little bit of subtle racism in places.
Damsel in Delight 