Review: The Queen's Keeper by J.L. Vampa

THE QUEEN'S KEEPER

by J.L. Vampa

Vampa Production

YA Fantasy

309 pages

What if I told you that everything you knew about your life was a lie and that you’re being hunted? What if I told you that you were prey? 
This is the reality for Luvenia Rousseau. 
Amidst the struggle to survive in a famished, war-torn country and the fight against the phantoms of her past, her family is brutally ripped apart by a tyrant queen’s venomous army. Just when all hope seems lost, she stumbles upon an enchanted realm while the queen hunts for the one who got away.

MY TIDBITS

Powerful messages are cloaked in the shadows of intrigue and tension of a interesting, fantasy world.

Luvenia lives in a world torn apart by war. When she discovers that everything she believed herself is only a lie, and that she has much to fear, her life becomes harder than before. She must fight not only for survival and to discover the truth, but also to overcome the darkness inside of her.

It took me a bit to get into this novel. There are intriguing characters which draw in and offer all sorts of secret twists and turns. The world is inviting and easy to fall into...so magical and exciting! Even Luvenia carries the perfect amount of common, while making mistakes and learning from them. She's up against quite a bit, and it's fun to cheer her on and get to know her. As for the evil queen—well, that side is dark and I loved every moment with her.

There are tons of important messages wrapped up in this rich fantasy, which will leave readers with food for thought about themselves and the world around them. Some even encourage and inspire, and offer hope as a good ending should.

While there is much to love in these pages (especially for fantasy friends and fans of heroines who struggle and grow stronger with every page), the editing and polishing was weak. While the POV changes allowed new angles and important insights, some happened without warning. And often I felt like I was being told things, when I would have loved to experience or see them. Still, it's a grabbing read with much to enjoy. As said, fantasy friends who love strong heroines who have much to learn are sure to enjoy this one.