The Keepers of the Light

by Trevor A. Dutcher

The Never Ending Story meets The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Logan LeVec is an over-achieving middle-schooler who struggles socially. He enjoys a strong bond with his grandfather who tells the most over-the-top imaginative stories. This is much to the dismay of Logan’s mother, who worries about her father’s detachment from reality. But when Logan’s grandfather passes away, Logan discovers that the stories were all true, and a subtle form of training to prepare him for his higher purpose.

With the help of Muggins the Elementalist, and Ginny the girl next door, Logan enters Cameria through a magic portal. Cameria is under siege because Karma is stealing the Light and wants to destroy Cameria. The Light, of course, is the force from which all things good, like kindness and compassion, are derived. Without it, a most profound darkness will descend upon Cameria.

As ill-prepared as Logan feels, he is Cameria’s last hope. He must be anointed a Keeper of the Light, defeat Karma and release the Light in order to return Cameria to its original glory. If he fails, Cameria will be lost forever.

Karma, however, is a powerful adversary, who uses an enchanted mirror to force people to “reflect” on their wrongdoings and dole out extreme Karmic punishments. Logan must overcome Karma’s wrath, the army she has assembled and his own self-doubt in order to save Cameria. But does he really have what it takes?

Genres: Fantasy

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2024

About the author

I am a practicing attorney who writes fiction for fun. Michael McGillicuddy and the Most Amazing Race is my debut novel, and Keepers of the Lightis my second release. Fret not, I have more in the works.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Keepers of the Light; could not put it down. Trevor Dutcher has mastered the elements of great storytelling: rich characters who evolve and develop over the course of the novel, the creation of a unique and compelling other-world, the drama of “will they or won’t they prevail” and dashes of humor sprinkled in to keep the story moving. I felt like I could hear Logan, Ginny and Muggins talking right in my ear. Ultimately, this is about a boy who feels adrift but finds his strength by believing in himself. I rarely re-read books but I will read this one again.

[Sara Patch · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good book; however, definitely for younger readers (which is why I gave it 3 stars). A lot of good lesson written throughout for the right age range.

[MARGARET · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor Dutcher’s second novel is not to be missed! With “Keepers of the Light,” he’s taken his storytelling to the next level, creating compelling characters that stick with you, and make it nearly impossible to put this book down. His descriptive writing sends the reader directly into the world of Cameria; within a few chapters it’s clear how wonderful this would be on the big screen. The relationships between his multigenerational characters are dynamic and relatable. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as Logan navigates his journey through the vividly painted terrain, cheering him on through unexpected twists and turns. 11/10 recommend.

[Kathy Lacome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next book! This is tale of bravery, friendship, and the moral complexities of light and dark. It will resonate with readers who enjoy well-rounded characters and a struggle where the battle is as much about conquering inner demons as it is about overcoming an external foe. As Logan develops from an insecure boy into a Keeper of the Light, the story leaves readers with a compelling reminder of the power of believing in oneself. Logan LeVec’s adventure is a journey worth taking—a blend of thrilling fantasy, character depth, and moral insight that stays with you long after the last page.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful adventure with well thought out characters. This was a great novel. The author is an excellent storyteller.

[Caitlyn Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The characters are vibrant, and the story is full of adventure and peril. Worth reading for those who enjoy fantasy adventure stories

[Peach Promotion · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Magical Portal to Self-Discovery
The Never Ending Story meets The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is exactly the promise this book delivers on, and I'm here for it! Logan LeVec is the kind of protagonist middle-grade readers will immediately connect with smart, socially awkward, and carrying that weight of not quite fitting in that so many kids (and honestly, adults) understand.
What really hooked me was the relationship between Logan and his grandfather. Those "over-the-top" stories that everyone dismissed as fantasy? They were real all along, and served as training for Logan's destiny. That reveal gave me chills! The author does a beautiful job exploring how the adults in our lives sometimes prepare us for challenges in ways we don't recognize until we're facing them.
Cameria itself is a wonderfully imagined world, and the concept of the Light as the source of kindness and compassion feels especially relevant right now. Karma as the villain is brilliantly conceived using an enchanted mirror to force people to confront their wrongdoings and then punishing them is both terrifying and thought-provoking. It's a clever twist on the typical fantasy antagonist.
Muggins the Elementalist and Ginny were great companions for Logan's journey, though I wish we'd gotten to know them a bit more deeply. The pacing sometimes felt rushed in the middle sections, but the emotional core of the story Logan battling his self-doubt while literally fighting to save compassion itself kept me invested.
This is a solid debut that will appeal to fans of portal fantasies and readers who love stories about ordinary kids discovering their extraordinary purpose. Perfect for ages 10-14, but adults who love middle-grade fantasy will enjoy it too!

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Keepers of the Light, Logan embarks on a life-changing journey through a mysterious portal, and what follows is a beautifully crafted tale of self-discovery and courage. His struggles, both external and internal, make his growth throughout the story feel genuine and relatable. What really stood out for me was the bond between him and Ginny. She’s not just a supporting character—she’s his equal in every way, guiding him through this magical world, navigating it together, while also dealing with her own challenges. Together, they form an unbreakable team. The way their relationship evolves adds emotional depth to the high-stakes adventure, and the two of them together with Muggins make for great comedy at times. I feel fans of Percy Jackson and The Magicians will love the combination of magic, danger, and personal growth in this story.

[Alex Oh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unforgettable Journey of Self-Discovery and Courage!”

The Keepers of the Light masterfully combines a thrilling portal fantasy with a deeply emotional coming-of-age journey. Logan starts off as an ordinary boy, but his transformation as he steps into a world of magic and mystery is nothing short of extraordinary. His arc is beautifully complemented by Ginny, a fierce and determined companion who pushes him to discover his true potential. The dynamic between these two is captivating—she’s a guiding force he needs, and together, they face incredible odds. The world-building is lush, and the adventure is intense, but it’s the character growth that kept me glued to the page. If you love stories about self-discovery and hidden strength, this book is a must-read!

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dutcher hit the mark!

Logan is your typical socially awkward middle schooler—sound familiar? But unlike most kids his age, Logan stumbles upon a magical portal and a strong ally in his neighbor, Ginny. When he crosses into the realm of Cameria, he discovers he’s destined to bring light and glory back to the land. Overwhelming? Absolutely. But can he do it? Well, I had a blast finding out, and you will too.

I'd hand This entertaining, fast-paced read to anyone aged 11 to 100. It’s a perfect escape into a world of magic and adventure.

[Sandra Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an entertaining fantasy novel about Logan and his adventures to defeat the evil Karma that's threatening to leave Cameria and its citizens in the dark forever.

If you like novels about young heroes, magical places, and fantasy characters, check out this new novel by Trevor Dutcher.

My Review

[Evelyn Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Keepers of the Light is a middle-grade fantasy about Logan LeVec, a socially awkward overachiever who discovers his grandfather’s wild stories are actually training for a real destiny. Traveling through a magic portal to the world of Cameria, Logan must become a Keeper of the Light and face the villain Karma, who is stealing the Light that fuels kindness and goodness. With help from new friends, Logan must overcome fear and self-doubt to save Cameria from darkness.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a blast! It's a light read that you'll breeze through, but it’s also rich in depth for such a quick page-turner. The characters are well-developed, the storyline is captivating and unique, and the pacing keeps you engaged throughout. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy and magic, and it's suitable for readers of nearly any age.