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A Pandoran Novel #2
The Keeper's Flame
Winter has fallen upon Valdon.
It's been five months since Daria Regius arrived at the castle, and her grandfather, the king, has stripped her of all freedoms, building even more barriers around her lonely life.
But darkness moves. Rumors abound about a dark rider, sending ancient and unspeakable horrors to the territories, and the citizens of Gaia are filled with fear. And fear blurs the lines of loyalty and trust, honor and allegiance, and cultivates dissonance throughout the kingdom. The people are anxious for this year's games, because this year, according to prophecy, selecting a champion means a true king can be chosen, and only once that true king is chosen can the people have any hopes of defeating the evil amassing around them.
Propelled by fear for those she loves, unexpected friendships, and harrowing betrayal, Daria must gain the courage to escape the barriers set around her life and confront the evil that threatens to destroy Gaia—before it finds her and takes her life first.
It's been five months since Daria Regius arrived at the castle, and her grandfather, the king, has stripped her of all freedoms, building even more barriers around her lonely life.
But darkness moves. Rumors abound about a dark rider, sending ancient and unspeakable horrors to the territories, and the citizens of Gaia are filled with fear. And fear blurs the lines of loyalty and trust, honor and allegiance, and cultivates dissonance throughout the kingdom. The people are anxious for this year's games, because this year, according to prophecy, selecting a champion means a true king can be chosen, and only once that true king is chosen can the people have any hopes of defeating the evil amassing around them.
Propelled by fear for those she loves, unexpected friendships, and harrowing betrayal, Daria must gain the courage to escape the barriers set around her life and confront the evil that threatens to destroy Gaia—before it finds her and takes her life first.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2012
43 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Kloss
10 books590 followersBarbara Kloss loves adventures, and finds them through reading, writing, trekking through the wilderness, and gaming—though she doesn't consider herself a gamer. She just happens to like video games. RPGs, specifically. She’s also a classically-trained pianist, and so you'll often fined music referenced in her stories.
Barbara studied biochemistry at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA, and worked for years as a clinical laboratory scientist. She was lured there by mental images of colorful bubbling liquids in glass beakers. She was deceived.
She currently lives in northern California, with her gorgeous husband, three babies, and cat, Mr. Darcy, who finds them all barely tolerable. Author of the award-winning Gaia’s Secret Series, and international bestseller, The Gods of Men.
Sign up for Barbara's Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/barbara...
www.barbarakloss.com
contact@barbarakloss.com
Barbara studied biochemistry at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA, and worked for years as a clinical laboratory scientist. She was lured there by mental images of colorful bubbling liquids in glass beakers. She was deceived.
She currently lives in northern California, with her gorgeous husband, three babies, and cat, Mr. Darcy, who finds them all barely tolerable. Author of the award-winning Gaia’s Secret Series, and international bestseller, The Gods of Men.
Sign up for Barbara's Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/barbara...
www.barbarakloss.com
contact@barbarakloss.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 1, 2015
Oh Wow, how is it possible that this one was even better than the first? I absolutely loved Gaia's Secret and didn't know that this world could pull me in any farther. I just couldn't stop. I read a lot when I'm on my exercise bike and stay on until I can stop whatever book I'm in, so let's just say my legs are looking better this week. Haha.
Daria is an awesome character. We're able to feel her struggles adapting to this new and challenging world without her having to be mopey or insolent. And things are not easy for her. Alexander has left her heartbroken and she still can't trust her newfound brother. The only person she can trust, her father, has his own duties that take him away from the castle. Add in a grumpy, power hungry grandfather that just happens to be king and you've got a family that takes disfunction to whole new levels.
The realm is preparing for a festival which will include a competition featuring a representative from each area. Stefan is set to do it for his family when he pulls a stunt that could take him out of the running. This is no ordinary competition, thought. The stakes are high and the fate of the world might depend on who wins.
This book has surprise after surprise and I loved it. Beloved characters were betraying each other while others died as a result. I couldn't stop smiling during every scene between Alex and Daria. I am soooo glad no one was around to see me looking like an idiot. I bawled at one point right along with Daria. There is so much more I could say about this book but you'll just have to read it for yourself.
Just a word of caution: No man in real life will live up to Alexander Del Conte so this book may skew your view of the world.
Daria is an awesome character. We're able to feel her struggles adapting to this new and challenging world without her having to be mopey or insolent. And things are not easy for her. Alexander has left her heartbroken and she still can't trust her newfound brother. The only person she can trust, her father, has his own duties that take him away from the castle. Add in a grumpy, power hungry grandfather that just happens to be king and you've got a family that takes disfunction to whole new levels.
The realm is preparing for a festival which will include a competition featuring a representative from each area. Stefan is set to do it for his family when he pulls a stunt that could take him out of the running. This is no ordinary competition, thought. The stakes are high and the fate of the world might depend on who wins.
This book has surprise after surprise and I loved it. Beloved characters were betraying each other while others died as a result. I couldn't stop smiling during every scene between Alex and Daria. I am soooo glad no one was around to see me looking like an idiot. I bawled at one point right along with Daria. There is so much more I could say about this book but you'll just have to read it for yourself.
Just a word of caution: No man in real life will live up to Alexander Del Conte so this book may skew your view of the world.
January 18, 2016
Poor Daria.
In Gaia's Secret, young Daria finds out that not only is she not of Earth, but she is the granddaughter of a (tyrannical) king who is not all that happy to see her return. Now she must find her place in a world where she is apparently the only one who is unable to use magic. When a dark threat looms to shatter the fragile peace, a contest his held to determine a new ruler for a region that has been missing one for years, and Daria finds herself thrust right into the middle of it.
Full of shifting alliances, shocking betrayals, and a gut-wrenching ending that'll have you reaching for your Kleenex, The Keeper's Flame is an excellent read, showcasing Ms. Kloss's terrific writing style. It pulls you right in and does not let go. I will be moving right on to the next chapter in Daria's epic saga!
In Gaia's Secret, young Daria finds out that not only is she not of Earth, but she is the granddaughter of a (tyrannical) king who is not all that happy to see her return. Now she must find her place in a world where she is apparently the only one who is unable to use magic. When a dark threat looms to shatter the fragile peace, a contest his held to determine a new ruler for a region that has been missing one for years, and Daria finds herself thrust right into the middle of it.
Full of shifting alliances, shocking betrayals, and a gut-wrenching ending that'll have you reaching for your Kleenex, The Keeper's Flame is an excellent read, showcasing Ms. Kloss's terrific writing style. It pulls you right in and does not let go. I will be moving right on to the next chapter in Daria's epic saga!
July 13, 2017
I've read this book before... it was The Goblet of Fire...
(It was still really good though!)
(It was still really good though!)
March 1, 2013
Some time ago, I reviewed Gaia's Secret--the first in this series. I liked it (as in REALLY liked it), but I also posed the question of whether Kloss would be able to maintain the momentum of her first novel in its sequel. Too often, sequels in a series fall flat, and I wondered whether Daria's adventures would stale once her initial journey into Gaia ended. Happily, this is not the case. The Keeper's Flame is a wonderful read (arguably, better than the first book) that delves more deeply into Daria's character as well as the political tensions that will set in motion the conflicts of subsequent novel(s?) in this series.
Daria is once again a delightful and believable heroine, and she makes a perfectly imperfect princess. She is decidedly feminine without succumbing to the wishy-washy lovestruck caricature, and she possesses strength and intellect without overcompensating as a bad-ass bully. And, despite a few choice steamy scenes, her role in this novel is not defined by her relationships. She battles insecurities and feelings of futility, sibling and family rivalries, and personal outrage over social injustice in a manner that is refreshing and rare in a fantasy novel.
That said, The Keeper's Flame IS a fantasy, and it maintains even less connection with the real world than its prequel. Kloss does a fair job capturing the pageantry and decadent imagery of the castle environment, though I missed the rich nature imagery from the first book. The heart of this story is Daria's "real-girl" reactions to a series of fantastical and magical situations, which results in an episodic and often humorous narrative--think Jo Rowling meets Juliet Marillier, with a twist Meg Cabot.
In any case, I highly recommend picking up Gaia's Secret first, but don't hesitate continuing the series with The Keeper's Flame. Personally, I intend to see this imaginative and entertaining series through to the end. :)
Daria is once again a delightful and believable heroine, and she makes a perfectly imperfect princess. She is decidedly feminine without succumbing to the wishy-washy lovestruck caricature, and she possesses strength and intellect without overcompensating as a bad-ass bully. And, despite a few choice steamy scenes, her role in this novel is not defined by her relationships. She battles insecurities and feelings of futility, sibling and family rivalries, and personal outrage over social injustice in a manner that is refreshing and rare in a fantasy novel.
That said, The Keeper's Flame IS a fantasy, and it maintains even less connection with the real world than its prequel. Kloss does a fair job capturing the pageantry and decadent imagery of the castle environment, though I missed the rich nature imagery from the first book. The heart of this story is Daria's "real-girl" reactions to a series of fantastical and magical situations, which results in an episodic and often humorous narrative--think Jo Rowling meets Juliet Marillier, with a twist Meg Cabot.
In any case, I highly recommend picking up Gaia's Secret first, but don't hesitate continuing the series with The Keeper's Flame. Personally, I intend to see this imaginative and entertaining series through to the end. :)
September 1, 2016
Having just finished Gaia's Secret (the day before I finished this book, hah), I couldn't wait to get my grubby e-book loving hands on The Keeper's Flame... which I then proceeded to plow through in about 7 hours.
I have some mixed feeling on this installment - mixed because even though I still loved it, of course (like, a lot a lot), I was still a bit disappointed because it didn't hit on all cylinders like Gaia's Secret.
My biggest issue with the book was Daria's complete lack of confidence in herself. Essentially, for reasons unknown (until later on), Daria has lost her magical abilities. Because of this, her confidence takes a major hit, to say the least, and there's tons of self-deprecation to be had. I wish there had been a, "Hey, I don't need magic to be awesome!" realization moment, especially considering that Daria has a lot of physical skills and good instincts - but, nope.
Everything else, though? I'd say it was all great, for the most part. The story switches gears in The Keeper's Flame, so whereas Gaia's Secret was fast-paced and full of adventures, this book slowed things down as it explored Daria's adjustment to her new life. Nonetheless, Daria manages to find herself in more than a few scrapes along the way, and events are constantly in motion.
As a side note, I think that the romance aspect became a bit more pronounced in The Keeper's Flame - it was still not quite front-and-center, but was almost there - so be careful if you don't like that kind of stuff. In this book, too, there were times when the romance teetered on too-angsty or too-mushy, but in the times that it was on point, it was just oh-so-squee.
So, this is the part that now sucks - having to wait for the next (and last, I believe) book in the series! I'm lucky enough with the timing since Breath of Dragons comes out next week (yay!), but even that is going to feel like an excruciating wait right now.
I have some mixed feeling on this installment - mixed because even though I still loved it, of course (like, a lot a lot), I was still a bit disappointed because it didn't hit on all cylinders like Gaia's Secret.
My biggest issue with the book was Daria's complete lack of confidence in herself. Essentially, for reasons unknown (until later on), Daria has lost her magical abilities. Because of this, her confidence takes a major hit, to say the least, and there's tons of self-deprecation to be had. I wish there had been a, "Hey, I don't need magic to be awesome!" realization moment, especially considering that Daria has a lot of physical skills and good instincts - but, nope.
Everything else, though? I'd say it was all great, for the most part. The story switches gears in The Keeper's Flame, so whereas Gaia's Secret was fast-paced and full of adventures, this book slowed things down as it explored Daria's adjustment to her new life. Nonetheless, Daria manages to find herself in more than a few scrapes along the way, and events are constantly in motion.
As a side note, I think that the romance aspect became a bit more pronounced in The Keeper's Flame - it was still not quite front-and-center, but was almost there - so be careful if you don't like that kind of stuff. In this book, too, there were times when the romance teetered on too-angsty or too-mushy, but in the times that it was on point, it was just oh-so-squee.
So, this is the part that now sucks - having to wait for the next (and last, I believe) book in the series! I'm lucky enough with the timing since Breath of Dragons comes out next week (yay!), but even that is going to feel like an excruciating wait right now.
July 1, 2012
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one blew me out of the water. I LOVED it. The character developments were fantastic and the plot twists kept me guessing or downright shocked me. There were times I was yelling at the characters--the kind of yelling that comes from an intense emotional ride of the best, most satisfying storytelling. I've always loved Barbara Kloss's way of painting pictures with her words and making me see the world so clearly and vividly, and she didn't disappoint with this book. The story left me wanting more (seriously, I'm chomping at the bit for the third book!) but it didn't leave me hanging with no resolution. It's a wonderful experience to get to the end of the book and have closure while still desperately wanting to know what happens next!
July 9, 2012
I liked this sequel and it was a good read. I was disappointed with the main character, Daria, however. In the first book she felt much stronger and confident. I didn't like that she questioned herself so much in this book. I also got really tired of the hyperbole in Daria's inner dialogue--the only one who has EVER loved me, my ONLY friend, ALL my fault, etc. SPOILER ALERT: I also didn't like the way that Daria and Alex came back together. It felt too sudden and underdeveloped. Overall, a good read and I look forward to the next book.
July 19, 2012
Can a sequel be better than it's predecessor? Well, Barbara Kloss proved it! Keeper's Flame was amazing. I couldn't put it down. It enticed me with the turn of every page. I am looking forward to the next installment of the Pandoran books.
July 7, 2012
Great sequel to Gaia's Secret. I thoroughly enjoyed the character and story development in this second book, and could not put it down. Finished it in two days and am anxious for the last book in the series.
November 25, 2022
Screaming. Crying. Shaking.
*Throws self off bridge*
OK OK BRB WHILE I CALM MYSELF. Barb put her whole klussy into this one, and boy does it DELIVER!! This book had me squealing, gasping, and breaking my fuckin NECK over the twists and turns.
THE BETRAYAL. THE JEALOUSY. THE ROMANCE/PINING. 😩😩😏😏
Our girl Daria is in a bit of a shit situation at the start of this. She’s lost her powers for mysterious reasons, and she is being kept under pretty tight control under the king. Alex left her at the end of the first book, and she is devastated by his abandonment (even if he had good intentions for it), so she is still dealing with her feelings for him.
Evidence comes to light that Fleck is in danger at the castle, and she realizes she has to get him out of there ASAP. Meanwhile, the Gaian realm is hosting what I will only refer to as the Triwizard tournament, with the champion gaining lordship over one of the territories as the prize. The Gaian prophecy states that once all the territories have a lord, only then can Gaia have a true king again (not that douche-canoe King Darius) 😤 who has been a steward king while the realm waits for the prophecy to be fulfilled. To successfully protect Fleck from danger, she decides that she must enter into the Triwizard tournament to become a lord, gain freedom and power, and protect Fleck. The story goes from there.
The first part of this book shook me to my core. Is it incredibly dramatic with some high school romance jealousy shit? YOU BET IT IS. We see the return of Alex and 🥵🥵🥵 The way Daria is so shook by him I just CANT. There’s something about how mysterious Alex is. We don’t know for sure what he is thinking or how he feels… it’s truly maddening BUT IN A HOT WAY 😏 I love Alex’s character for this reason! He is always humble with a quiet confidence that is so endearing. Also, any love interest with dark hair and green eyes I’m like
GIVE HIM TO ME NOW 💳💥💳💥💳💥
And that ENDING between them?! I love their history together and it makes it so much sweeter 🥹
(Spoiler alert: no spice tho 🥲 maybe next book?)
Thad also returns in this book and plays a much larger role in the plot. I really enjoy Thads character but all I’m gonna say is WHY, THAD?! 😒 The second part of this book is still good, but it lost a little of its magic for me and I wasn’t reading it quite as frantically as the first part.
So I’m gonna address the obvious: This book is literally The Goblet of Fire. Really this whole series seems to be heavily inspired by HP. While some people may find this irritating, I honestly didn’t mind one bit. There are just enough differences that it doesn’t feel like a cheap knockoff at all.
The writing is fun and easy to read. It’s an incredibly entertaining story, and I can’t wait to see where Daria ends up next with Alex. This is a fave read of the year for me!
*Throws self off bridge*
OK OK BRB WHILE I CALM MYSELF. Barb put her whole klussy into this one, and boy does it DELIVER!! This book had me squealing, gasping, and breaking my fuckin NECK over the twists and turns.
THE BETRAYAL. THE JEALOUSY. THE ROMANCE/PINING. 😩😩😏😏
Our girl Daria is in a bit of a shit situation at the start of this. She’s lost her powers for mysterious reasons, and she is being kept under pretty tight control under the king. Alex left her at the end of the first book, and she is devastated by his abandonment (even if he had good intentions for it), so she is still dealing with her feelings for him.
Evidence comes to light that Fleck is in danger at the castle, and she realizes she has to get him out of there ASAP. Meanwhile, the Gaian realm is hosting what I will only refer to as the Triwizard tournament, with the champion gaining lordship over one of the territories as the prize. The Gaian prophecy states that once all the territories have a lord, only then can Gaia have a true king again (not that douche-canoe King Darius) 😤 who has been a steward king while the realm waits for the prophecy to be fulfilled. To successfully protect Fleck from danger, she decides that she must enter into the Triwizard tournament to become a lord, gain freedom and power, and protect Fleck. The story goes from there.
The first part of this book shook me to my core. Is it incredibly dramatic with some high school romance jealousy shit? YOU BET IT IS. We see the return of Alex and 🥵🥵🥵 The way Daria is so shook by him I just CANT. There’s something about how mysterious Alex is. We don’t know for sure what he is thinking or how he feels… it’s truly maddening BUT IN A HOT WAY 😏 I love Alex’s character for this reason! He is always humble with a quiet confidence that is so endearing. Also, any love interest with dark hair and green eyes I’m like
GIVE HIM TO ME NOW 💳💥💳💥💳💥
And that ENDING between them?! I love their history together and it makes it so much sweeter 🥹
(Spoiler alert: no spice tho 🥲 maybe next book?)
Thad also returns in this book and plays a much larger role in the plot. I really enjoy Thads character but all I’m gonna say is WHY, THAD?! 😒 The second part of this book is still good, but it lost a little of its magic for me and I wasn’t reading it quite as frantically as the first part.
So I’m gonna address the obvious: This book is literally The Goblet of Fire. Really this whole series seems to be heavily inspired by HP. While some people may find this irritating, I honestly didn’t mind one bit. There are just enough differences that it doesn’t feel like a cheap knockoff at all.
The writing is fun and easy to read. It’s an incredibly entertaining story, and I can’t wait to see where Daria ends up next with Alex. This is a fave read of the year for me!
November 22, 2019
I honestly couldn’t stand this one. The first book had me aggravated and annoyed from very first chapter, but there was enough mystery and suspense and the faint promise of something more...that I continued to read. But by the end of the book, I knew what little light there was had been ripped away completely. Yet I trod through the second book anyway, with the nope that there would be some redemption...and there was none.
Why would anyone want to read a book where the heroine is mocked, jeered at, disrespected and generally unliked by about 9 out of every 10 people she meets? And the love interest? Could have been sweet if it had gone somewhere. Instead the man is a coward and a fool, not to mention extraordinarily unsupportive of this woman he supposedly loves. Turning his back on her for the flimsiest of reasons, without even telling her to her face that he was leaving. And doing so at a time when she is in the greatest need of an ally and a friend.
I have zero interest in such a depressing, convoluted story with confusing plot lines and downright eye-roll worthy characters.
Why would anyone want to read a book where the heroine is mocked, jeered at, disrespected and generally unliked by about 9 out of every 10 people she meets? And the love interest? Could have been sweet if it had gone somewhere. Instead the man is a coward and a fool, not to mention extraordinarily unsupportive of this woman he supposedly loves. Turning his back on her for the flimsiest of reasons, without even telling her to her face that he was leaving. And doing so at a time when she is in the greatest need of an ally and a friend.
I have zero interest in such a depressing, convoluted story with confusing plot lines and downright eye-roll worthy characters.
May 17, 2021
I enjoyed the second book in this series. The plot continues to expand while also providing some amount of closure at the end of the book. Reminiscent of Harry Potter in that way... you get some short story wrap up but the bigger plot is still building. On that front, there were definitely some aspects of the story that while reading I found myself referencing other stories... Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, even The Hunger Games, but overall I continue to really enjoy the story and am on to the third book.
August 1, 2018
Not as good
This series falls into the trap of so many other series, as this book is not as good as the first. Daria's new life is a disappointment. I don't get why everyone dislikes her. I also don't like Alex's behavior for most of the book. I'm hoping the journey they start at the end for the third book will bring back some of the magic of the first book. I give the series one more book to get back on track.
This series falls into the trap of so many other series, as this book is not as good as the first. Daria's new life is a disappointment. I don't get why everyone dislikes her. I also don't like Alex's behavior for most of the book. I'm hoping the journey they start at the end for the third book will bring back some of the magic of the first book. I give the series one more book to get back on track.
October 4, 2020
DNF @ 90%
This series is too angsty, broody YA for me. I'm not it's intended audience and it shows in my low tolerance of the tween drama (emotional rebel without a cause heroine, mean girls + bullying, classic YA love triangle(s), melodramatic love story). While I found the first book mildly problematic, I was intrigued enough to continue the series but I'm gonna throw the towel in with this book.
This series is too angsty, broody YA for me. I'm not it's intended audience and it shows in my low tolerance of the tween drama (emotional rebel without a cause heroine, mean girls + bullying, classic YA love triangle(s), melodramatic love story). While I found the first book mildly problematic, I was intrigued enough to continue the series but I'm gonna throw the towel in with this book.
November 29, 2024
It was good but there was a character flaw
I love this book. I was starting to kind of lose touch with how much I loved reading this book definitely got me back into it. Just have a small critique though. The main character, Daria, is supposed to be a strong female lead that is independent. But I feel like the male love interest, is constantly saving her. Idk if I took her personality in a way I wasn’t supposed to but that’s how I took it.
I love this book. I was starting to kind of lose touch with how much I loved reading this book definitely got me back into it. Just have a small critique though. The main character, Daria, is supposed to be a strong female lead that is independent. But I feel like the male love interest, is constantly saving her. Idk if I took her personality in a way I wasn’t supposed to but that’s how I took it.
June 13, 2021
Twisty sequel
This book didn't go how I expected it. Which was, largely, a good thing. I love seeing Daria grow, and I was pleased with how the love subplot was left at the end(though irritated for a good 75% of the book about it. So much DRAMA. lol). The world is so cool and I'm enjoying watching it unfold. On to book 2!
This book didn't go how I expected it. Which was, largely, a good thing. I love seeing Daria grow, and I was pleased with how the love subplot was left at the end(though irritated for a good 75% of the book about it. So much DRAMA. lol). The world is so cool and I'm enjoying watching it unfold. On to book 2!
January 14, 2022
HP vibes meets all the fantasy pointers.
Onwards to book 3! It strongly gives HP vibes, tell me Grool doesn't remind you of loyal Dobby with a sour demeanor like Kreacher? The tournament gives you book 4 vibes? Daria is headstrong, but pisses you odd at times like Katniss? Sonya is like an assassin version of Molly Weasley? Alex is a book boyfriend no doubt.
Onwards to book 3! It strongly gives HP vibes, tell me Grool doesn't remind you of loyal Dobby with a sour demeanor like Kreacher? The tournament gives you book 4 vibes? Daria is headstrong, but pisses you odd at times like Katniss? Sonya is like an assassin version of Molly Weasley? Alex is a book boyfriend no doubt.
November 24, 2017
Very good
I enjoyed this one more than the first, it flows better. daria still has some growing to do, sad for her though. Her grandfather, the king, is a royal power hungry piece of goo. How can any of them be descended from him.
I enjoyed this one more than the first, it flows better. daria still has some growing to do, sad for her though. Her grandfather, the king, is a royal power hungry piece of goo. How can any of them be descended from him.
August 7, 2019
The tension builds. Look in the most unexpected places. Love will find a way.
December 23, 2019
Exceptional plotline keeping you on the edge of your seat.
April 25, 2021
I’m giving up I can’t do it I only made it to 30% and I wanted almost everyone to die
March 4, 2016
I really loved this book. This series has kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm actually on book 4 now so it is difficult to separate the books and remember which scenes are in which book. I should have reviewed them as I finished them.
I found it frustrating that everyone seemed to look down their noses at Daria since she doesn't have any magic as far as they know. I would think that because she is a princess they would at least treat her like a princess hoping to gain her favor.
I liked the new characters brought into the story. Vera I didn't want to like because I thought she was in love with Alex and he was supposed to marry her. She seemed to treat Daria with disdain. I really liked Aleriac, Daria's father. He seemed so strong and fair, concerned with the people even though his father, the king didn't. The king thought of Daria as a possession and didn't like her from the start. Daria's brother Stefan showed he loved Daria a lot but I wasn't sure if he was just pretending to love her. He seemed like a weak character and unsure of himself. He was afraid of his grandfather it seemed and did just what his grandfather wanted him to do.
Daria had a lot of emotions and pitfalls to overcome. She is stalwart in her beliefs and courageous though quite often unsure of herself. Daria's strong loyalty and protection over Fleck was admirable but sometimes she made some wrong decisions that put Fleck in more danger I felt. It was commendable though to the lengths that she would go to protect him. Most of the book seemed to be about her protection of Fleck.
Trying to learn to live in this new world, with no magic of her own was quite difficult for her. She was literally living as a prisoner in her grandfather's castle, yet she found ways to practice her fighting skills. Alex had to go through some terrible emotional decisions to pull himself away from Daria and leave her to go into service to Lord Tosco. Daria was heartbroken and didn't know or understand why Alex left her. As a reader I understood what was going on. I also figured out why she had no magic.
There are so many things going on throughout the book. I hate to see characters I like a lot die but it's a part of the book that is evidently necessary. We can't stop the authors flow of events.
Barbara Kloss is a new author to me. I love her writing and find myself not wanting to put her books down. Like I mentioned, I'm on book 4 and almost done with that. I hope Daria's visions are not true and that everthing ends the way my mind thinks it should. I always create my own ideas on how a book's plot should go but I'm not always right, of course. This series is definately worth reading and you'll not be disappointed by it. It reads fast and the action is riviting.
I found it frustrating that everyone seemed to look down their noses at Daria since she doesn't have any magic as far as they know. I would think that because she is a princess they would at least treat her like a princess hoping to gain her favor.
I liked the new characters brought into the story. Vera I didn't want to like because I thought she was in love with Alex and he was supposed to marry her. She seemed to treat Daria with disdain. I really liked Aleriac, Daria's father. He seemed so strong and fair, concerned with the people even though his father, the king didn't. The king thought of Daria as a possession and didn't like her from the start. Daria's brother Stefan showed he loved Daria a lot but I wasn't sure if he was just pretending to love her. He seemed like a weak character and unsure of himself. He was afraid of his grandfather it seemed and did just what his grandfather wanted him to do.
Daria had a lot of emotions and pitfalls to overcome. She is stalwart in her beliefs and courageous though quite often unsure of herself. Daria's strong loyalty and protection over Fleck was admirable but sometimes she made some wrong decisions that put Fleck in more danger I felt. It was commendable though to the lengths that she would go to protect him. Most of the book seemed to be about her protection of Fleck.
Trying to learn to live in this new world, with no magic of her own was quite difficult for her. She was literally living as a prisoner in her grandfather's castle, yet she found ways to practice her fighting skills. Alex had to go through some terrible emotional decisions to pull himself away from Daria and leave her to go into service to Lord Tosco. Daria was heartbroken and didn't know or understand why Alex left her. As a reader I understood what was going on. I also figured out why she had no magic.
There are so many things going on throughout the book. I hate to see characters I like a lot die but it's a part of the book that is evidently necessary. We can't stop the authors flow of events.
Barbara Kloss is a new author to me. I love her writing and find myself not wanting to put her books down. Like I mentioned, I'm on book 4 and almost done with that. I hope Daria's visions are not true and that everthing ends the way my mind thinks it should. I always create my own ideas on how a book's plot should go but I'm not always right, of course. This series is definately worth reading and you'll not be disappointed by it. It reads fast and the action is riviting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2015
So this book is about Daria trying to fit into Gaia as well as keep her sanity. She feels like she's been thrust back into the middle ages. There's no electricity, almost everyone looks at her like she's last person they'd want to see at any given moment; and to top it all off her magic has somehow decided to abandon her. Add all of that on top of the fact that Alex has left and she will most likely never see him again. This makes for a very bitter princess.
This book exceeded all of my expectations as did the first. Certain aspects of this book reminded me of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, in the best way. It felt reminiscent of it without me feeling like it had been ripped off.
It's hard to say much about the parts of this book that I loved without spoiling anything for those who haven't read it yet. But to put it in simple terms: I laughed, my heart shattered, I was surprised and I loved every page.
Daria is a wonderfully strong willed female protagonist and I love her. I care so much about all of these characters. That I think is Barbara Kloss's crowning achievement with her writing. I have such strong feelings about all of her characters. I either love them or absolutely despise them, as one should.
I am so looking forward to the rest of books in this series. I am truly a fan.
This book exceeded all of my expectations as did the first. Certain aspects of this book reminded me of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, in the best way. It felt reminiscent of it without me feeling like it had been ripped off.
It's hard to say much about the parts of this book that I loved without spoiling anything for those who haven't read it yet. But to put it in simple terms: I laughed, my heart shattered, I was surprised and I loved every page.
Daria is a wonderfully strong willed female protagonist and I love her. I care so much about all of these characters. That I think is Barbara Kloss's crowning achievement with her writing. I have such strong feelings about all of her characters. I either love them or absolutely despise them, as one should.
I am so looking forward to the rest of books in this series. I am truly a fan.
July 17, 2016
Lets be honest…. We’ve all seen it before. Sequels have the tenancy to disappoint. You fall in love with a book, only to poo-hoo through the next two in the series, in an attempt to satiate your deep-set loyalties to book one. Been there. Done that.
THIS WAS NOT THE CASE WITH KEEPER’S!!!
Nothing could be farther from the truth! If it’s possible (and it must be!), I loved Alex, Daria and crew EVEN MORE in book two! Everything about this book… from Daria’s completely awesome, kick-butt fierceness (woot, woot for strong female characters!); to Alex’s swoon-worthy hard-to-get act; to—YES—even the bad guys, was skillfully crafted by the oh-so-talented Barbara Kloss, into a fantasy masterpiece! I felt as thought I were standing next to Daria, feeling and experiencing everything as she did. Excitement, betrayal, fear, romance, and everything in-between. The Keeper’s Flame is a page-turner that will keep you up into the wee hours of the morning hanging on every word.
Read it. Love it. You’ll be glad you did!
THIS WAS NOT THE CASE WITH KEEPER’S!!!
Nothing could be farther from the truth! If it’s possible (and it must be!), I loved Alex, Daria and crew EVEN MORE in book two! Everything about this book… from Daria’s completely awesome, kick-butt fierceness (woot, woot for strong female characters!); to Alex’s swoon-worthy hard-to-get act; to—YES—even the bad guys, was skillfully crafted by the oh-so-talented Barbara Kloss, into a fantasy masterpiece! I felt as thought I were standing next to Daria, feeling and experiencing everything as she did. Excitement, betrayal, fear, romance, and everything in-between. The Keeper’s Flame is a page-turner that will keep you up into the wee hours of the morning hanging on every word.
Read it. Love it. You’ll be glad you did!
February 10, 2016
This is the continuation to Gaia's Secret. It picks up a little later from where the first book left off. 5 months to be exact.
Daria has learned that she is a Princess, she has an older brother. She belongs to a beautiful magical world. But more importantly, her heart has been broken by Alex. He decided that he had to leave because he knew that the king wouldn't allow them to be together.
I felt so bad for her. She was stuck in a world where she knew nothing of. And unfortunately she had seemed to have lost her magic. Which couldn't be explained. And to top it off, she felt like she was a belonging to the King, her grandfather.
Fortunately, Daria learns to manage everything that is thrown at her, although in an unconventional way. Her main priority is Fleck and his safety. She learns that he is in danger, from no other than the king. And she makes it her mission to save him, even if it means risking her life. Fortunately for her, Alex is always there to help her. And yes, they do reconcile!
I was able to enjoy this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat.
Daria has learned that she is a Princess, she has an older brother. She belongs to a beautiful magical world. But more importantly, her heart has been broken by Alex. He decided that he had to leave because he knew that the king wouldn't allow them to be together.
I felt so bad for her. She was stuck in a world where she knew nothing of. And unfortunately she had seemed to have lost her magic. Which couldn't be explained. And to top it off, she felt like she was a belonging to the King, her grandfather.
Fortunately, Daria learns to manage everything that is thrown at her, although in an unconventional way. Her main priority is Fleck and his safety. She learns that he is in danger, from no other than the king. And she makes it her mission to save him, even if it means risking her life. Fortunately for her, Alex is always there to help her. And yes, they do reconcile!
I was able to enjoy this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat.
September 21, 2012
I am fast becoming a fan of this author. Book 2 in the Gaia series did not disappoint. The Keeper's Flame pulls us back into the story of Daria, a young women now living at court in the kingdom of her power hungry grandfather amid the political intrigues of a world looking for peace and the answer to who should justly rule. Daria has been struggling with life as a princess and to make matters worse, her magical abilities have abandoned her. Living in a world of magic without any of her own is just one of the many difficulties she will face as she strives to save her closest friends from the dark forces preparing to attack and to come to grips with the loss of her love interest Alexander.
Daria is a strong protagonist with all the normal human faults that make her believable and easy to connect with. The writing is well done and flows throughout the whole book without incident. I will be looking for the next installment in the series when it is made available.
Daria is a strong protagonist with all the normal human faults that make her believable and easy to connect with. The writing is well done and flows throughout the whole book without incident. I will be looking for the next installment in the series when it is made available.
May 18, 2016
Instead of the typical review, I offer you a timeline of The Keeper's Flame, Pandoran Novel, #2 by Barbara Kloss.
This is how it went down.
12.20pm - Open up The Keeper's Flame (which I've been hanging out to read for aaaages) while waiting for an appointment.
12:40pm - Am happy that the Doctor is late for the first time as I continue to read.
12:45pm - Am interrupted by the doctor. Not happy. Stop, reluctantly, at 20%
~~~Remember I'm writing a book and do this for a day~~~
8:32pm - Finally resume reading. Withdrawal symptoms halt.
10:35pm - Decide to adult and go to sleep at 60%.
11:06pm - Get out of bed and sneak to read in the lounge so I don't get caught.
12:04am - Finish The Keeper's Flame and go to bed, falling into a peaceful sleep full of Alex, daggers, magic, and a Brownie (it started as the supernatural kind of brownie, and ended up as the food. Should have had a midnight snack).
Big fan of this Author's work.
This is how it went down.
12.20pm - Open up The Keeper's Flame (which I've been hanging out to read for aaaages) while waiting for an appointment.
12:40pm - Am happy that the Doctor is late for the first time as I continue to read.
12:45pm - Am interrupted by the doctor. Not happy. Stop, reluctantly, at 20%
~~~Remember I'm writing a book and do this for a day~~~
8:32pm - Finally resume reading. Withdrawal symptoms halt.
10:35pm - Decide to adult and go to sleep at 60%.
11:06pm - Get out of bed and sneak to read in the lounge so I don't get caught.
12:04am - Finish The Keeper's Flame and go to bed, falling into a peaceful sleep full of Alex, daggers, magic, and a Brownie (it started as the supernatural kind of brownie, and ended up as the food. Should have had a midnight snack).
Big fan of this Author's work.
July 25, 2015
I am already hooked on this series. All in all this book was pretty good. I'm only giving three stars because there were just too many points in the book where is like "are serious Daria get it together!" There was little to no growth for her character and that really took away from the story. The dad dying really makes me want to give 2 stars but I'm being generous. I totally thought that was unnecessary especially since I get the feeling that by the end of the series Alex will die. I liked the development of Vera's character and am looking forward to more of her and Ehren I the next book. This just has to be said, the almost sex scene was just ridiculous I hope that stops in this book! Overall the rating is 2.5 stars but of course I have to finish the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2015
This is book two in the Pandoran Novel series, which I started pretty soon after finishing book one. The second book was not as fast paced as the first, and kind of had the purpose of going back and providing extra plot/backup/buildup for the last and next volumes. I was excited at her cool new life in a brand new world, and in the second one, everything fell flat. And yet, it was supposed to. This is how Daria herself was feeling, so it's still good writing. There's still interesting adventure, and new characters, and the end got very good. I went ahead and got the third book immediately so I could continue with the story. This is a solid book and necessary to build a solid series. If you like fantasy/adventure, check out the Pandoran Novel series.
March 19, 2018
Still loved it! The games is one of my favorite things; I would have loved even more. There's some really great foreshadowing (for this book and the rest of the series) particularly noticeable on reread. I love the new characters and the expanded roles of some of the returning characters. I also think the action scenes are really well done. There's some slight characterization 'issues and I wish other characters had gotten more page time (but I think that's just me being greedy). I'm not sure if I would call it an issue but the plot is CONSTANTLY moving forward and there aren't many moments to just breathe. Overall, I really love this book, few faults included.
*Trigger warning: sexual assault*
*Trigger warning: sexual assault*
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