Keeper of the Colony

Keeper #4

by H.J. Ralles

The icy Colony of Javeer, brutally ruled by Horando and his Gulden Guard, is a horrific setting for Level 4 of Matt's computer game. But Horando is not the only enemy Matt must beat. Who or what are the Gnashers? Can Matt save Varl before he becomes their next victim?

246 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2006

About the author

I was born in the United Kingdom and moved to the USA in 1990-but I did spend 4 years of my childhood in Connecticut and New Jersey. I always loved to write. I wrote my first book at 10 years old and my first story was published in a New England camping magazine when I was 13 years old. My other passion is teaching. I have a Bachelor of Education and taught Grades 4 - 6 for 13 years.

In 1997 my eldest son challenged me to write a book that he would enjoy as much as his computer games. After Keeper of the Kingdom was published in 2001 I went back to the classroom as a visiting author, teaching writing workshops. I now have eight published YA science fiction novels and an exciting ghost story called The Ghosts of Malhado due for release on September 1st 2011.

In 2008 my husband and I moved from North Texas to Houston, with Sabby our devoted black Labrador and our new addition, Solo, a 1 yr old black Labrador/Retriever cross who is a bundle of fun. You can see photos of my dogs below the Newspaper Interviews. Our two sons have both graduated from college but come home regularly. I love my job! I am working on my next book and have a very busy school schedule again next year. Perhaps I will be visiting your school? Check my calendar page!

Reviews

[Conan Tigard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right from the first page, the action is fast and furious in the Keeper of the Colony. Plus, the twist of having Targon playing the game from the outside with Matt's brother gives the reader a different view of the game. I really enjoyed all of the new characters that were introduced in Level 4 and also found it interesting that this level had two Keepers. These two thing makes this book different from all other Keeper books.

Matt once again must rely on his laptop for information on how to defeat another power-hungry Keeper while trying to figure out who the other Keeper is that is supposed to help him. And just who are the Gnashers? Everyone he knows fears them. From what he hears, they are small, metallic, round creatures with wings that gnaw a person to death, covering their body with hundreds of little bite marks. All I can say to that is, "Cool."

H.J. Ralles does an excellent job of keeping the reader engrossed in the story with a great plot-line and terrific dialog. I became so engrossed in this book that when I wasn't reading it, all I want to do was to pick it up again and fight with Matt to help him defeat another nasty Keeper. Young readers will love this fourth installment in the Keeper Series and clamor for more.

Keeper of the Colony is the best book yet by H.J. Ralles and I can't wait to find out what happens in Level 5 in Keeper of the Island. It is sure to be a doozy.

I rated this book a 9 out of 10.