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Keeper of Sorrows
Whoever rules the bees, rules the world. A dark fantasy adventure with a twist of Silvia Moreno-Garcia.On a planet stripped of wind, entire ecosystems lie in ashes, leaving humans to the mercy of a sole surviving bee species on a remote isle. Whoever wins the Praxis to rule them as Keeper, rules the world. When the next Keeper goes missing, her little sister must not only face her debilitating fear of bees, but compete in the Praxis to find her. As she braves the eerie fortress with sprawling wings of hives, murmuring murals, deceptive hedge mazes, and a host of leering gargoyles, she must also face the reigning Keeper, who’s guarding the darkest secret of all.FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress
- GenresFantasy
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2024
3 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Fikes
1 book8 followersGrowing up, Rachel wanted to be Sir William Wallace, James Horner, or Stephen King.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Army doesn’t issue claymore swords, and she’s painfully tone deaf (just ask her bagpipe instructor, who tries not to wince as she plays), so that left writing—a campaign that would wage on for a quarter century, leaving Rachel bruised, bloody, and downright defeated.
She’s been a soldier, maid, door-to-door bookseller, Fikes Family Farm field hand–thanks Pops!–leasing agent, baker, journalist, pageant queen/director, wiper of butt sweat (tanning salon), seller of overpriced lingerie at Victoria’s Secret, and dejected Wal-Mart cashier. All of which she either strategically retreated or succumbed to her injuries.
Eventually, with skin thicker than chain mail, a shield of resolve, and the reckless, indefatigable hope of a warrior poet, Rachel finally fought her way into publishing. *lobs claymore sword she found on eBay; Horner’s Braveheart theme amplifies
After quite the adventure, Rachel takes refuge in a hobbit hole in Austin, Texas, squirreling away all the coffee, whisky, and plants she can get her paws on, and teaching ESL to the most amazing students in the world. But since teaching and writing don’t pay the bills, she often sells her body to clinical trials. In fact, one of her books was written in one such research facility, where she was a lab rat for thirty-three glorious days. The side effects weren’t too terrible either. She just wears long skirts now to hide her tail.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Army doesn’t issue claymore swords, and she’s painfully tone deaf (just ask her bagpipe instructor, who tries not to wince as she plays), so that left writing—a campaign that would wage on for a quarter century, leaving Rachel bruised, bloody, and downright defeated.
She’s been a soldier, maid, door-to-door bookseller, Fikes Family Farm field hand–thanks Pops!–leasing agent, baker, journalist, pageant queen/director, wiper of butt sweat (tanning salon), seller of overpriced lingerie at Victoria’s Secret, and dejected Wal-Mart cashier. All of which she either strategically retreated or succumbed to her injuries.
Eventually, with skin thicker than chain mail, a shield of resolve, and the reckless, indefatigable hope of a warrior poet, Rachel finally fought her way into publishing. *lobs claymore sword she found on eBay; Horner’s Braveheart theme amplifies
After quite the adventure, Rachel takes refuge in a hobbit hole in Austin, Texas, squirreling away all the coffee, whisky, and plants she can get her paws on, and teaching ESL to the most amazing students in the world. But since teaching and writing don’t pay the bills, she often sells her body to clinical trials. In fact, one of her books was written in one such research facility, where she was a lab rat for thirty-three glorious days. The side effects weren’t too terrible either. She just wears long skirts now to hide her tail.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 1, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours.
Whoever rules the bees, rules the world.
Keeper of Sorrows is a dark dystopian fantasy set in the future. Eco-systems are dying and the bees now rule alongside their keeper (I loved this element).
We follow Noakah who's sister along with others, has gone missing. She sets out to discover what's happened and where and why they've been taken, leading us down a path of mystery and twists and turns every step of the way. Noakah realises she will have to compete in the Praxis - a deadly competition where the victor becomes the new keeper of the bees and, in essence, the world!
The thought and research in bringing this book to life is amazing and scary at the same time. The thought of what could happen to our earth in the future is a scary one. Poor Noakah is petrified of bees so her strength, grit, and determination was amazing to see. I loved the labyrinth and the secrets as they were revealed were jawdropping as some I just didn't see coming!
The book starts off at a slow pace but does pick up, and I found myself flying through the last half of the story.
This is a must for anyone who loves bees, fantasy, and dystopian reads.
Whoever rules the bees, rules the world.
Keeper of Sorrows is a dark dystopian fantasy set in the future. Eco-systems are dying and the bees now rule alongside their keeper (I loved this element).
We follow Noakah who's sister along with others, has gone missing. She sets out to discover what's happened and where and why they've been taken, leading us down a path of mystery and twists and turns every step of the way. Noakah realises she will have to compete in the Praxis - a deadly competition where the victor becomes the new keeper of the bees and, in essence, the world!
The thought and research in bringing this book to life is amazing and scary at the same time. The thought of what could happen to our earth in the future is a scary one. Poor Noakah is petrified of bees so her strength, grit, and determination was amazing to see. I loved the labyrinth and the secrets as they were revealed were jawdropping as some I just didn't see coming!
The book starts off at a slow pace but does pick up, and I found myself flying through the last half of the story.
This is a must for anyone who loves bees, fantasy, and dystopian reads.
October 20, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
Keeper of Sorrows is a gothic sci-fantasy written by Rachel Fikes, published by Flame Tree Press. A mesmerising and emotional story that plays with parallel timelines, throwing us into an excellent gothic adventure that gets enhanced by the lyrical prose used by Fikes, in a world where ecosystems are dying, and bees are the key.
The next Keeper, ruler of the bees, Naokah's sister, has disappeared. This marks the starting point for a new Praxis, a competition to determine the next successor of the Keeper, and Naokah, despite her paralyzing fear of bees, enters, hoping to investigate what happened to her sister. But she won't only have to overcome her fear of bees (an opportunity that Fikes takes to shed a better light over a traditionally slandered insect), but also navigate and survive the whole Praxis, a dangerous task once that other aspirants start to dissappear only leaving a feather behind.
Naokah is not only an interesting main character, especially considering her fear of bees, but she's exactly the kind of brave and sassy FMC that I absolutely love. She's decided to overcome any obstacle if that means she's closer to her sister, but we can also see how she establishes a nice bond with other aspirants, sort as an answer to her lack of relationship with her sister. The rest of the aspirants play an important role in the development of the story, and also help us to see a Naokah that open herself to others.
The worldbuilding is simply stunning, combining the vibes from a post-apocalyptic dystopia with touches of ecology; the citadel perfectly fits the gothic conventions of a haunted and labyrinth place, with its own mysteries. And the humblebee is simply a brilliant addition to the plot, which Fikes uses to debunk many myths about the whole function of the bee and how important they are for the ecosystem survival.
The story is amazingly paced, playing with two parallel timelines, which might feel a bit confusing at the start, but dear reader, trust Rachel Fikes. We have some slower moments that help us to catch our breath in between tenser sections.
Keeper of Sorrows is an absolute banger of a debut, a perfect piece if you like authors like Silvia Moreno Garcia; part gothic, part adventure, you will find yourself craving to read one more page. And trust me, Rachel Fikes is a name to keep a tab on.
Keeper of Sorrows is a gothic sci-fantasy written by Rachel Fikes, published by Flame Tree Press. A mesmerising and emotional story that plays with parallel timelines, throwing us into an excellent gothic adventure that gets enhanced by the lyrical prose used by Fikes, in a world where ecosystems are dying, and bees are the key.
The next Keeper, ruler of the bees, Naokah's sister, has disappeared. This marks the starting point for a new Praxis, a competition to determine the next successor of the Keeper, and Naokah, despite her paralyzing fear of bees, enters, hoping to investigate what happened to her sister. But she won't only have to overcome her fear of bees (an opportunity that Fikes takes to shed a better light over a traditionally slandered insect), but also navigate and survive the whole Praxis, a dangerous task once that other aspirants start to dissappear only leaving a feather behind.
Naokah is not only an interesting main character, especially considering her fear of bees, but she's exactly the kind of brave and sassy FMC that I absolutely love. She's decided to overcome any obstacle if that means she's closer to her sister, but we can also see how she establishes a nice bond with other aspirants, sort as an answer to her lack of relationship with her sister. The rest of the aspirants play an important role in the development of the story, and also help us to see a Naokah that open herself to others.
The worldbuilding is simply stunning, combining the vibes from a post-apocalyptic dystopia with touches of ecology; the citadel perfectly fits the gothic conventions of a haunted and labyrinth place, with its own mysteries. And the humblebee is simply a brilliant addition to the plot, which Fikes uses to debunk many myths about the whole function of the bee and how important they are for the ecosystem survival.
The story is amazingly paced, playing with two parallel timelines, which might feel a bit confusing at the start, but dear reader, trust Rachel Fikes. We have some slower moments that help us to catch our breath in between tenser sections.
Keeper of Sorrows is an absolute banger of a debut, a perfect piece if you like authors like Silvia Moreno Garcia; part gothic, part adventure, you will find yourself craving to read one more page. And trust me, Rachel Fikes is a name to keep a tab on.
September 23, 2024
Keeper of Sorrows is set in this crazy post-apocalyptic world where the wind has just...disappeared. Everything's crumbling, plants and animals are dying off, and the only things keeping the humans alive are these bees on a remote island.
Then there's this big competition called the Praxis, and whoever wins gets to be the Keeper - the ruler of the bees, and basically the ruler of the whole world. Not a bad gig if you can get it! But then the Keeper-to-be goes missing, and that's where our sassy and almost-fearless FMC, Nao, comes in.
Nao's the Keeper's little sister, and she's got to put on her big girl pants and compete in the Praxis herself. But here's the kicker - Nao is absolutely terrified of bees. Talk about facing your fears! As if that wasn't enough, Nao has to navigate this eerie, labyrinth-like fortress filled with buzzing beehives, trippy wall murals, devious hedge mazes, and these creepy gargoyles watching her every move.
And it gets even crazier - Nao has to go up against the reigning Keeper, who's guarding a seriously dark secret. Talk about a high-stakes fantasy/mystery!
The book starts off a little slow, but once it picks up, it's a total roller coaster. We get to see Nao's journey through the Praxis, but also the perspective of this weird gargoyle character who's going through their own personal transformation. It's full of twists and turns, murders, and all kinds of creepy supernatural stuff. Definitely not for the faint of heart - this is high fantasy with a major twist of horror that'll keep you on the edge of your seat for sure!
Then there's this big competition called the Praxis, and whoever wins gets to be the Keeper - the ruler of the bees, and basically the ruler of the whole world. Not a bad gig if you can get it! But then the Keeper-to-be goes missing, and that's where our sassy and almost-fearless FMC, Nao, comes in.
Nao's the Keeper's little sister, and she's got to put on her big girl pants and compete in the Praxis herself. But here's the kicker - Nao is absolutely terrified of bees. Talk about facing your fears! As if that wasn't enough, Nao has to navigate this eerie, labyrinth-like fortress filled with buzzing beehives, trippy wall murals, devious hedge mazes, and these creepy gargoyles watching her every move.
And it gets even crazier - Nao has to go up against the reigning Keeper, who's guarding a seriously dark secret. Talk about a high-stakes fantasy/mystery!
The book starts off a little slow, but once it picks up, it's a total roller coaster. We get to see Nao's journey through the Praxis, but also the perspective of this weird gargoyle character who's going through their own personal transformation. It's full of twists and turns, murders, and all kinds of creepy supernatural stuff. Definitely not for the faint of heart - this is high fantasy with a major twist of horror that'll keep you on the edge of your seat for sure!
September 1, 2024
*I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
There’s something really great in here, but it’s lost under unpolished prose, which just got worse and worse until I couldn’t take it any more.
(It’s also exhausting to read. I was reading it this morning, as I write this, and my head got so sluggish and my eyes so heavy that I had to stop after a few chapters and go take a nap. NOT GREAT.)
To be clear, the prose isn’t constantly bad. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say that the ideas in this story are sumptuous, and often gorgeous; there’s something very luxurious about it, and very Gothic indeed. And that comes through for a page or two, in lovely, rich writing…up until I’m slapped with an unbearably awkward sentence that jerks me out of the story.
You can’t comb damp skin???
I get what you’re trying to say, but…
How does a voice ‘press’?
That use of ‘vibrating’ sounds awful, although I’m not sure whether it’s grammatically incorrect …
‘one couldn’t tell it was even red’? really?
The worldbuilding is really interesting – post climate-collapse, the world is now divided into just seven countries, and also the wind is gone, which as you might guess makes pollinators even more important. A crevasse has opened up in the ocean, and monsters come out of it sometimes. There seems to be a whole new religion, with new figures that don’t map onto any I’m familiar with. Flocks of birds are harnessed to pull ships now? Some bits weren’t clear, but I think that was because I DNFed it so soon; I’m not faulting Keeper for that.
There’s also, in the only first-person narration in the book, a gargoyle…or a being currently trapped inside a gargoyle?…who has lost their memory and is desperate to find out who and what they are, since they are not of the same kind as the other sentient gargoyles. I don’t know how this was going to fit together with everything else, but what I’m saying is, there’s plenty here to like, and lots of little details to catch your interest on.
See? Beautiful!
Not that every writing decision makes sense: Naokah, the mc, is afraid of bees. Okay, that’s fine – she only takes part in the Praxis to find her sister, right? NOPE. Turns out she competed in the previous Praxis with her sister, specifically against her sister…despite being terrified of bees. She was that desperate to prove she could do something better than her sister! And was disappointed that her sister won instead! Even though it would have meant…living the next 50 years surrounded by bees??? I’m sorry, what? Do you really think you could have been a great Keeper while terrified of the beasties you’re keeping? That is the dumbest thing. And immediately turns me against our main character – not so much for wanting to prove she was as good or better than her universally-adored older sister, I can understand that. But this is the hill you decided to die on? When so much depends on the Keeper doing their duties WELL? It was irresponsible and selfish as well as fucking stupid.
I probably would have stuck with Keeper despite Naokah, just for the worldbuilding and mostly-lovely writing. But I just couldn’t deal with those verbal slaps, and the sentences that didn’t make sense, and why are you calling foxgloves ‘cones’ at every opportunity??? They’re not cone-shaped!
Is this horribly nit-picky of me? Yes, it is, and if the excerpts I quoted don’t bother you, then I encourage you to give this one a try, because if you don’t mind the writing (and can ignore Naokah being an idiot in this one respect) then you might like it. Keeper is very original, very different, and even in the tiny bit I read was already shaping up to be something noteworthy. I may even try it again in the future (although no promises). It’s not that it’s a bad book; it’s that I’m overly critical/sensitive when it comes to prose. People who are normal about writing will have a much more positive experience, I suspect.
There’s something really great in here, but it’s lost under unpolished prose, which just got worse and worse until I couldn’t take it any more.
(It’s also exhausting to read. I was reading it this morning, as I write this, and my head got so sluggish and my eyes so heavy that I had to stop after a few chapters and go take a nap. NOT GREAT.)
To be clear, the prose isn’t constantly bad. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say that the ideas in this story are sumptuous, and often gorgeous; there’s something very luxurious about it, and very Gothic indeed. And that comes through for a page or two, in lovely, rich writing…up until I’m slapped with an unbearably awkward sentence that jerks me out of the story.
eyes greedily combing over her damp skin
You can’t comb damp skin???
only caved me in more
I get what you’re trying to say, but…
“Steady,” pressed a husky voice.
How does a voice ‘press’?
One of them had to know what happened to Lenita. Maybe more. Maybe helped vanish her too.
The hum deepened to a resounding growl, vibrating the stone
That use of ‘vibrating’ sounds awful, although I’m not sure whether it’s grammatically incorrect …
Thousands of bees collected on the Keeper’s long train. So thick, one couldn’t tell it was even red.
‘one couldn’t tell it was even red’? really?
The worldbuilding is really interesting – post climate-collapse, the world is now divided into just seven countries, and also the wind is gone, which as you might guess makes pollinators even more important. A crevasse has opened up in the ocean, and monsters come out of it sometimes. There seems to be a whole new religion, with new figures that don’t map onto any I’m familiar with. Flocks of birds are harnessed to pull ships now? Some bits weren’t clear, but I think that was because I DNFed it so soon; I’m not faulting Keeper for that.
There’s also, in the only first-person narration in the book, a gargoyle…or a being currently trapped inside a gargoyle?…who has lost their memory and is desperate to find out who and what they are, since they are not of the same kind as the other sentient gargoyles. I don’t know how this was going to fit together with everything else, but what I’m saying is, there’s plenty here to like, and lots of little details to catch your interest on.
Memories were a heap of stained glass, shattered and shapeless without time’s brace.
heels clacking, long, crimson train frothing over cobbles like rapids of blood
See? Beautiful!
Not that every writing decision makes sense: Naokah, the mc, is afraid of bees. Okay, that’s fine – she only takes part in the Praxis to find her sister, right? NOPE. Turns out she competed in the previous Praxis with her sister, specifically against her sister…despite being terrified of bees. She was that desperate to prove she could do something better than her sister! And was disappointed that her sister won instead! Even though it would have meant…living the next 50 years surrounded by bees??? I’m sorry, what? Do you really think you could have been a great Keeper while terrified of the beasties you’re keeping? That is the dumbest thing. And immediately turns me against our main character – not so much for wanting to prove she was as good or better than her universally-adored older sister, I can understand that. But this is the hill you decided to die on? When so much depends on the Keeper doing their duties WELL? It was irresponsible and selfish as well as fucking stupid.
I probably would have stuck with Keeper despite Naokah, just for the worldbuilding and mostly-lovely writing. But I just couldn’t deal with those verbal slaps, and the sentences that didn’t make sense, and why are you calling foxgloves ‘cones’ at every opportunity??? They’re not cone-shaped!
Is this horribly nit-picky of me? Yes, it is, and if the excerpts I quoted don’t bother you, then I encourage you to give this one a try, because if you don’t mind the writing (and can ignore Naokah being an idiot in this one respect) then you might like it. Keeper is very original, very different, and even in the tiny bit I read was already shaping up to be something noteworthy. I may even try it again in the future (although no promises). It’s not that it’s a bad book; it’s that I’m overly critical/sensitive when it comes to prose. People who are normal about writing will have a much more positive experience, I suspect.
October 22, 2024
Here is my review for Keeper Of Sorrows by Rachel Fikes
This was an interesting book to read and very intriguing with a storyline like nothing I have ever read before. Naokah is on the hunt for sister Lenita, who was going to be awarded the beekeeper award but it turns out she has been missing for a month. When the invitations were sent out a couple of weeks ago nothing was said about her being missing. The sentry said they had checked all the island but they could find no trace of her anywhere. Naokah knows that the only way anyone will look for her sister is if she does it herself. She says goodbye to her father then stays on the island to start her search. The Keeper Of Sorrows is extremely well written and the descriptions throughout the book are amazing. They are colourful and extremely well thought out. It is a dark fantasy adventure story and it shows throughout the story.
Blurb :
Whoever rules the bees, rules the world. A dark fantasy adventure with a twist of Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
On a planet stripped of wind, entire ecosystems lie in ashes, leaving humans to the mercy of a sole surviving bee species on a remote isle. Whoever wins the Praxis to rule them as Keeper, rules the world.
When the next Keeper goes missing, her little sister must not only face her debilitating fear of bees, but compete in the Praxis to find her. As she braves the eerie fortress with sprawling wings of hives, murmuring murals, deceptive hedge mazes, and a host of leering gargoyles, she must also face the reigning Keeper, who’s guarding the darkest secret of all.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress
This was an interesting book to read and very intriguing with a storyline like nothing I have ever read before. Naokah is on the hunt for sister Lenita, who was going to be awarded the beekeeper award but it turns out she has been missing for a month. When the invitations were sent out a couple of weeks ago nothing was said about her being missing. The sentry said they had checked all the island but they could find no trace of her anywhere. Naokah knows that the only way anyone will look for her sister is if she does it herself. She says goodbye to her father then stays on the island to start her search. The Keeper Of Sorrows is extremely well written and the descriptions throughout the book are amazing. They are colourful and extremely well thought out. It is a dark fantasy adventure story and it shows throughout the story.
Blurb :
Whoever rules the bees, rules the world. A dark fantasy adventure with a twist of Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
On a planet stripped of wind, entire ecosystems lie in ashes, leaving humans to the mercy of a sole surviving bee species on a remote isle. Whoever wins the Praxis to rule them as Keeper, rules the world.
When the next Keeper goes missing, her little sister must not only face her debilitating fear of bees, but compete in the Praxis to find her. As she braves the eerie fortress with sprawling wings of hives, murmuring murals, deceptive hedge mazes, and a host of leering gargoyles, she must also face the reigning Keeper, who’s guarding the darkest secret of all.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress
September 29, 2024
This is nowhere near the sort of fantasy I usually go for, but something about it drew me in, and I’m so glad I read it!
The story is set on a world with no wind, where the bees are the only thing keeping humanity alive. Because of this, whoever rules the bees, rules the land, but something sinister has happened to the latest person chosen to be Keeper, and her sister is determined to find out what.
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I think that world-building is one of the hardest things to get right in a fantasy, and this book gets it exactly right. We learnt everything we needed to without being overloaded with information or delaying the action. It’s such a unique and original setting, but I felt at home there very quickly.
The story was an action-packed ride, with some mysteries that keep you guessing until the very end. There was a dual-perspective too, with one being in third-person and the other in first-person, which was a really nice way to distinguish between them. It also kept the mystery of who the first-person narrator might be going for longer, which came to a very satisfying conclusion at the end.
The characters were also really diverse in terms of gender and sexuality, with a great sapphic storyline and characters across the gender spectrum. I always love a fantasy world that is really inclusive and diverse, so it was great to see those characters just exist and be a non-issue.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a gripping and original read, and I think Rachel Fikes is going to be one to watch!
I received a free copy for an honest review.
The story is set on a world with no wind, where the bees are the only thing keeping humanity alive. Because of this, whoever rules the bees, rules the land, but something sinister has happened to the latest person chosen to be Keeper, and her sister is determined to find out what.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
I think that world-building is one of the hardest things to get right in a fantasy, and this book gets it exactly right. We learnt everything we needed to without being overloaded with information or delaying the action. It’s such a unique and original setting, but I felt at home there very quickly.
The story was an action-packed ride, with some mysteries that keep you guessing until the very end. There was a dual-perspective too, with one being in third-person and the other in first-person, which was a really nice way to distinguish between them. It also kept the mystery of who the first-person narrator might be going for longer, which came to a very satisfying conclusion at the end.
The characters were also really diverse in terms of gender and sexuality, with a great sapphic storyline and characters across the gender spectrum. I always love a fantasy world that is really inclusive and diverse, so it was great to see those characters just exist and be a non-issue.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a gripping and original read, and I think Rachel Fikes is going to be one to watch!
I received a free copy for an honest review.
September 26, 2024
Keeper of Sorrows by Rachel Fikes is a dark fantasy adventure like no other! Such a unique concept that was both dark and intriguing.
Imagine a world where whoever controls the last surviving bee species controls the entire planet…wild, right?
On Abelha, the bees are the lifeline for humanity, and only one person can become the Keeper through a deadly competition called the Praxis.
When Lenita, the current Keeper goes missing , it’s up to her little sister, Naokah (who, like me, has a serious fear of bees!) to step up and compete for her sister's survival. Anything that contains deadly competitions is a yes for me! The suspense was on point.
The eerie atmosphere of the sprawling fortress filled with hive wings, whispering murals and deceptive mazes pulled me right in from the start. The reigning Keeper holds the darkest secret of all, and the twists! Yes you will be hooked.
Fikes' writing is vivid and beautifully descriptive.
She also does not hold back with the twists and turns, some twists had be gobsmacked! The world building was done right and I was engaged throughout. The second half of the book was fast paced and I loved it.
If you're a fan of unique and dark world-building , this one’s for you! Highly recommended for anyone craving something fresh, eerie, and full of suspense.
Imagine a world where whoever controls the last surviving bee species controls the entire planet…wild, right?
On Abelha, the bees are the lifeline for humanity, and only one person can become the Keeper through a deadly competition called the Praxis.
When Lenita, the current Keeper goes missing , it’s up to her little sister, Naokah (who, like me, has a serious fear of bees!) to step up and compete for her sister's survival. Anything that contains deadly competitions is a yes for me! The suspense was on point.
The eerie atmosphere of the sprawling fortress filled with hive wings, whispering murals and deceptive mazes pulled me right in from the start. The reigning Keeper holds the darkest secret of all, and the twists! Yes you will be hooked.
Fikes' writing is vivid and beautifully descriptive.
She also does not hold back with the twists and turns, some twists had be gobsmacked! The world building was done right and I was engaged throughout. The second half of the book was fast paced and I loved it.
If you're a fan of unique and dark world-building , this one’s for you! Highly recommended for anyone craving something fresh, eerie, and full of suspense.
October 4, 2024
A dark debut offering a unique read – it’s gothic, surreal and has a twisty plot cloaked in mystery. The gorgeous prose create an ode to the bonds and complexities of sisterhood as it skilfully weaves a dreamlike quality through the tale that enthrals and beguiles – such an addictive read!
It’s fantasy that leaves you guessing, nothing is at it seems and everyone is keeping secrets! The world-building is complex, original and atmospheric with a magnificent magic system in place. It evokes the danger felt by the characters, making your skin crawl at times and raises oh so many questions!
I loved the way the dual timelines unravel with past secrets trickling through demanding answers. The horror elements juxtapose perfectly with the opulence we perceive through the characters’ eyes and the reverence to the bees and nature set against the backdrop of a dying world.
Naokah navigates this treacherous place amidst jealously, sizzling chemistry, and a sinister presence lurking in the shadows, there’s a deadly rivalry to contend with and she must face her deepest fears if she hopes to survive. Each character brings something different enhancing the story and upping the ante as each journey plays out.
The Keeper of Sorrows is a mesmerising tale, the psychological aspect was executed brilliantly, the mind is a powerful tool! A great read with a beating heart to the story clawing to keep the hope alive.
With thanks to @RandomTTours and @flametreepress
It’s fantasy that leaves you guessing, nothing is at it seems and everyone is keeping secrets! The world-building is complex, original and atmospheric with a magnificent magic system in place. It evokes the danger felt by the characters, making your skin crawl at times and raises oh so many questions!
I loved the way the dual timelines unravel with past secrets trickling through demanding answers. The horror elements juxtapose perfectly with the opulence we perceive through the characters’ eyes and the reverence to the bees and nature set against the backdrop of a dying world.
Naokah navigates this treacherous place amidst jealously, sizzling chemistry, and a sinister presence lurking in the shadows, there’s a deadly rivalry to contend with and she must face her deepest fears if she hopes to survive. Each character brings something different enhancing the story and upping the ante as each journey plays out.
The Keeper of Sorrows is a mesmerising tale, the psychological aspect was executed brilliantly, the mind is a powerful tool! A great read with a beating heart to the story clawing to keep the hope alive.
With thanks to @RandomTTours and @flametreepress
September 24, 2024
I ate this book up!
This is described as a dark fantasy and that couldn't be a more accurate description of what you're going to encounter while reading this novel. Rachel takes you to this place where the wind has ceased and life is falling apart, the attention to detail and scene descriptions are so vivid and life like that it was easy to see this whole novel play out in my head like a movie as I was reading. This book is action packed from the start, and every chapter feels likes you're learning something new about this crazy world you've been thrown into.
I enjoyed Naokah as a fmc, she's fearless, strong and willing to change for the ones she loves. This high fantasy esq novel is filled with interesting twists and turn and weird characters. I got just enough from the blurb that I was intrigued but not too sure what I was going too get when diving in but its safe to say that I was wowed by this authoring and am now a big fan.
This is described as a dark fantasy and that couldn't be a more accurate description of what you're going to encounter while reading this novel. Rachel takes you to this place where the wind has ceased and life is falling apart, the attention to detail and scene descriptions are so vivid and life like that it was easy to see this whole novel play out in my head like a movie as I was reading. This book is action packed from the start, and every chapter feels likes you're learning something new about this crazy world you've been thrown into.
I enjoyed Naokah as a fmc, she's fearless, strong and willing to change for the ones she loves. This high fantasy esq novel is filled with interesting twists and turn and weird characters. I got just enough from the blurb that I was intrigued but not too sure what I was going too get when diving in but its safe to say that I was wowed by this authoring and am now a big fan.
October 28, 2024
All I knew about this one going in was "there will be bees," but oh honey, there was so much more! This dual POV kept me guessing through both intricate narratives, up to the very end, weaving together in a truly satisfying way. Set in fantasy world ravaged by a climate change, where the wind has gone, things really do come down to "the birds and the bees," as who controls them, controls the world. Perfect for fans of political intrigue, class division between the wealthy and powerful and those at their mercy, and those who love mystery, strong female characters, and unexpected twists. Big thank you to the author who provided a free copy for review and interview purposes--review opinions are my own.
January 7, 2025
I was drawn in to the world, which had its own distinct feel to it. That’s what I find important about worldbuilding: having it be unique but not ridiculous. This one I wanted to spend more time in and hope for a sequel. It felt like there were real stakes and questions you wanted answered along the way as a reader. I stayed engaged and wanted to see what would happen.
A favorite: “A sea of rotten hands flailed about in the murals. Painted with such skill, their long, spiraled nails seemed to claw from the walls. Beneath, grotesques with slacken jaws and oozing teeth drowned in black waves. They were contortions, mockeries of the human form, and couldn’t have possibly come from the Keeper.”
A favorite: “A sea of rotten hands flailed about in the murals. Painted with such skill, their long, spiraled nails seemed to claw from the walls. Beneath, grotesques with slacken jaws and oozing teeth drowned in black waves. They were contortions, mockeries of the human form, and couldn’t have possibly come from the Keeper.”
May 9, 2024
Rachel Fikes has crafted a beautifully original fantasy full of sumptuous language and breath-hitching mystery. In Keeper of Sorrows, there are horrors around every corner, yet this gothic high fantasy is told through the lens of two protagonists who manage to find beauty and solace in bees, humanity’s last hope in an ecologically devastated world robbed of wind. Fikes tells a story that feels like a descent into madness, where nothing is ever as it appears, perfect for readers who want to feel their skin crawl while being immersed in a narrative full of heart. It’s impossible to ignore the passion seeping through its pages. And did I mention it has a gargoyle seeking redemption?
October 27, 2024
So I have to be transparent; the author has been a close personal friend of mine since kindergarten (yes, really!), so I was already poised to love anything she wrote. And my star rating is really a 4.5, down a bit only because there were one or two places where I was overwhelmed or lost in the amount of info I was getting as a reader. But the story is unlike anything I've read before, with twists I never saw coming, and the language is absolutely beautiful. I could so easily picture every nook and stunning cranny of Abelha and all of the characters that roamed the ilse. This one is fun and consuming. Put it on your tbr!
September 22, 2024
This is one of the most unique stories I've ever read. I didn't want it to end and I'm honestly a little sad to be leaving such a lush and intriguing world....for now. I already have plans to read it again.
I'm not very good at reviews but if you're looking for a book that has:
• Amazing world building
• Interesting and diverse characters
• A fantastic map
• Weird but cool bee stuff
• An author who is not afraid to kill
Then I highly recommend this one.
Oh and there's a gargoyle...
Make sure to read the author's note at the end too!
I'm not very good at reviews but if you're looking for a book that has:
• Amazing world building
• Interesting and diverse characters
• A fantastic map
• Weird but cool bee stuff
• An author who is not afraid to kill
Then I highly recommend this one.
Oh and there's a gargoyle...
Make sure to read the author's note at the end too!
January 21, 2025
3.5 rounded up
In the end I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I feel I had very wrong expectations when starting this story and it took me a while to re-adjust. It also took me long to read, I found the gargoyle chapters deeply confusing, and I could definitely tell this was a debut novel. However, at the same time I found a lot to like and I'd 'bee' (haha) interested to see what this author does next.
In the end I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I feel I had very wrong expectations when starting this story and it took me a while to re-adjust. It also took me long to read, I found the gargoyle chapters deeply confusing, and I could definitely tell this was a debut novel. However, at the same time I found a lot to like and I'd 'bee' (haha) interested to see what this author does next.
November 4, 2024
An interesting dystopian fantasy
For a full review, please go to https ://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/2024/11/... and follow me on X @josenher
For a full review, please go to https ://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/2024/11/... and follow me on X @josenher
October 4, 2024
Bees are absolutely fascinating creatures aren't they? When I saw they were the basis for Fikes debut fantasy I couldn't resist.
The pace starts slow and builds a little with each turn of the page. When we got to enter the Praxis, the pages just ran away with me.
Fikes world building is vast and her characters distinctive and diverse. The plot is filled with action, it's unique, dark and an all round entertainer.
I absolutely loved it and look forward to more from Fikes in the future 🐝
The pace starts slow and builds a little with each turn of the page. When we got to enter the Praxis, the pages just ran away with me.
Fikes world building is vast and her characters distinctive and diverse. The plot is filled with action, it's unique, dark and an all round entertainer.
I absolutely loved it and look forward to more from Fikes in the future 🐝
November 5, 2024
This book was a total surprise for me as, as you know, I never read the blurbs until after finishing the book I'm reading - I hate spoilers!
So I'm drawn from the front covers and any tag lines and this cover I just thought was absolutely stunning.
The book starts off a little slowly as we begin the world building of what ends up being a dark dystopian future world where ecosystems are dying.
This is always the part that makes me feel a bit bogged down as we take in all the new information and try to build a picture of the new setting.
I loved the idea that the bees rule - totally irrelevant, but this makes me remember the messages from The Bee Movie! We need the bees to survive!
This really picked up in pace and intrigue once we start to follow the Keeper competition though.
Things take a much darker turn as we find that people have gone missing and when our main character, Noakah's, sister disappears, she must face her biggest fear and compete in the Praxis herself.
This was packed with mystery and I loved the whole spooky vibe of the island and especially the events in the maze.
There were creepy murals and gargoyles which really out me on edge as I read through....butbin a good way!
The writing style was engaging and full of thrilling twists - I found the second half of the book exciting and raced through this after I'd got past the initial world building.
A dark one that won't be for the faint of heart - almost verging on horror - but I loved it.
It's my first read by this author, but I'm sure it won't be my last!
So I'm drawn from the front covers and any tag lines and this cover I just thought was absolutely stunning.
The book starts off a little slowly as we begin the world building of what ends up being a dark dystopian future world where ecosystems are dying.
This is always the part that makes me feel a bit bogged down as we take in all the new information and try to build a picture of the new setting.
I loved the idea that the bees rule - totally irrelevant, but this makes me remember the messages from The Bee Movie! We need the bees to survive!
This really picked up in pace and intrigue once we start to follow the Keeper competition though.
Things take a much darker turn as we find that people have gone missing and when our main character, Noakah's, sister disappears, she must face her biggest fear and compete in the Praxis herself.
This was packed with mystery and I loved the whole spooky vibe of the island and especially the events in the maze.
There were creepy murals and gargoyles which really out me on edge as I read through....butbin a good way!
The writing style was engaging and full of thrilling twists - I found the second half of the book exciting and raced through this after I'd got past the initial world building.
A dark one that won't be for the faint of heart - almost verging on horror - but I loved it.
It's my first read by this author, but I'm sure it won't be my last!
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