What do you think?
Rate this book
Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance #1
Kingdom Keepers Inheritance Book #1
In the near future, in the Epcot of Walt Disney’s imagination, sixty thousand people live in a CommuniTree surrounding the forward-looking Walt Disney World theme park. Five unique families are among the residents―and some of the parents were once known as the Kingdom Keepers. Their identities are carefully guarded in order to raise their children without special treatment, most of the Kingdom Keepers work for the Walt Disney Company, and have settled into “ordinary” and rewarding lives. When a messenger carrying a secret communication coincides with both a solar eclipse and Eli Whitman’s thirteenth birthday―a few “ordinary” kids are thrust into a battle to save Epcot and find their friend who has mysteriously disappeared. With their friend missing and their parents acting strangely, the Kingdom Kids discover they are in possession of unusual powers as they forge a bond to rescue their friend and uncover the truth about how real magic has entered their lives.
Audiobook
First published July 1, 2005
78 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
About the author
Ridley Pearson
185 books2,089 followersRidley Pearson is the author of more than fifty novels, including the New York Times bestseller Killer Weekend; the Lou Boldt crime series; and many books for young readers, including the award-winning children's novels Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, which he cowrote with Dave Barry. Pearson lives with his wife and two daughters, dividing their time between Missouri and Idaho.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 5, 2022
I was excited when I saw that there was going to be a new series of Kingdom Keepers. I started reading the series with my oldest child when they were younger, and we really enjoyed talking about the books and imagining the book characters coming to life when we went to Disney World as a family. But then I remembered that I was so mad at the ending of that series that I literally threw the book across the room when I was done.
But, since I had already received this book as an ARC when I remembered this, I was determined to read it anyway, because I was a bit curious about where the series was going.
To say that I was disappointed with this book would be an understatement. It has been several years since I read the original series, so I forgot a lot. I was hoping there would be information sprinkled in the beginning of the book to bring readers back up to speed. But that never happened. It’s like the author just assumed we finished reading the previous books a minute earlier.
There were quite a few negative gender stereotypes throughout, as well as many culturally insensitive comments. As this book is set in the future, I would have thought that comments like those would be a thing of the past, but apparently not.
I can now safely say I am done with this series and won’t feel the need to pick up any other books in the series, or anything written by this author.
I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.
But, since I had already received this book as an ARC when I remembered this, I was determined to read it anyway, because I was a bit curious about where the series was going.
To say that I was disappointed with this book would be an understatement. It has been several years since I read the original series, so I forgot a lot. I was hoping there would be information sprinkled in the beginning of the book to bring readers back up to speed. But that never happened. It’s like the author just assumed we finished reading the previous books a minute earlier.
There were quite a few negative gender stereotypes throughout, as well as many culturally insensitive comments. As this book is set in the future, I would have thought that comments like those would be a thing of the past, but apparently not.
I can now safely say I am done with this series and won’t feel the need to pick up any other books in the series, or anything written by this author.
I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.
July 25, 2022
I started reading the Kingdom Keepers series way back in 2011. I own all the books, I’ve been to all the parks, I’ve met Ridley. I grew up with the Keepers. The last book left off with the Keepers in their 20s. When I found out the next installment was to be about their kids, I was hopeful. After reading said installment, I have to say I’m a little disappointed.
Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance, was kind of dumb. I realize it’s a kids series, and I’m an adult now, but it just felt like this was written for a much younger audience than the original series. In the original run of Kingdom Keepers, they swore. Their lives were threatened. At some points they killed. There was TEEN DRAMA, kissing the wrong people, friends having crushes on the same individual, orphans on the run. Here, we get a group of sheltered cousins who say “Oh my COD! And that’s a fish :)” unironically. The characters had terrible, underdeveloped personalities, and dialogue that made them sound way younger than 12/13. The Kingdom Kids’ storyline was almost entirely action based, with minimal character backgrounds and descriptions. How am I supposed to care about a character I know nothing about, except for who their parents are?
Speaking of, I found myself enjoying the chapters focused on their parents way more than the subjects of the books. While almost all of the Keepers felt out of character, I still preferred reading about them and how their lives have gone on since the last book. None of them acted like themselves. I know a lot can change in 20 years, but there’s no way they would have changed that much. It was disappointing to see how our badass female characters, Charlene, Willa, Jess, Amanda, and Mattie, seemed to take the backseat during all the chaos and just play the roles of the “weeping mothers”. Three of them have literal superpowers, but they literally never mentioned that? Amanda could have saved the day before page 100, but thank God she was able to cook at the celebratory, Welcome Home barbecue in one of the last chapters. Finn didn’t even seem like his normal self. Philby’s growth felt accurate, and Maybeck seemed to be the most in-character, out of the entire cast of characters.
I have a lot of issues with this book, but I’d never give a Kingdom Keepers book a bad rating. It was a mindless, magical adventure, and for that I give it three stars. I hope this book can at least revive the fandom and introduce a new generation of kids to the magic of the Kingdom Keepers series.
Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance, was kind of dumb. I realize it’s a kids series, and I’m an adult now, but it just felt like this was written for a much younger audience than the original series. In the original run of Kingdom Keepers, they swore. Their lives were threatened. At some points they killed. There was TEEN DRAMA, kissing the wrong people, friends having crushes on the same individual, orphans on the run. Here, we get a group of sheltered cousins who say “Oh my COD! And that’s a fish :)” unironically. The characters had terrible, underdeveloped personalities, and dialogue that made them sound way younger than 12/13. The Kingdom Kids’ storyline was almost entirely action based, with minimal character backgrounds and descriptions. How am I supposed to care about a character I know nothing about, except for who their parents are?
Speaking of, I found myself enjoying the chapters focused on their parents way more than the subjects of the books. While almost all of the Keepers felt out of character, I still preferred reading about them and how their lives have gone on since the last book. None of them acted like themselves. I know a lot can change in 20 years, but there’s no way they would have changed that much. It was disappointing to see how our badass female characters, Charlene, Willa, Jess, Amanda, and Mattie, seemed to take the backseat during all the chaos and just play the roles of the “weeping mothers”. Three of them have literal superpowers, but they literally never mentioned that? Amanda could have saved the day before page 100, but thank God she was able to cook at the celebratory, Welcome Home barbecue in one of the last chapters. Finn didn’t even seem like his normal self. Philby’s growth felt accurate, and Maybeck seemed to be the most in-character, out of the entire cast of characters.
I have a lot of issues with this book, but I’d never give a Kingdom Keepers book a bad rating. It was a mindless, magical adventure, and for that I give it three stars. I hope this book can at least revive the fandom and introduce a new generation of kids to the magic of the Kingdom Keepers series.
March 12, 2023
Of all the kingdom keepers books this sure was one of them!
March 26, 2023
I just spent five years waiting for a book to be so confusing i can’t even keep the characters straight. Also the world building needs help. 2/5 for nostalgia any time the original keepers were present.
March 2, 2022
I plan to write a full review before the release date in March, but what the fuck? From absolutely abhorrent descriptions of the children (which were riddled with poorly veiled racism) to the uncomfortable gender stereotypes thrown around (calling a boy a “girl” because he dyes his hair) to the blatant racially motivated and insensitive descriptions of the MENA characters and locations… Ridley Pearson, what the hell? Disney… please hire a sensitivity reader. I’m begging you. And for the love of all things holy, this series needs no book two.
EDITED TO ADD FULL REVIEW
Where to even begin with this book. I try to give all books the benefit of the doubt. I was even tempted to toss this into the “did not finish” pile, but I mostly wanted to see how much of a hole Ridley Pearson could write himself into and to write a review that prevented others from spending money on this book. The concept of this novel is enough to pique the attention of most Disney lovers and Pearson has a history with this series that certainly inspires readers to revisit it. But whatever childlike gleam this series once held has been tarnished by this reintroduction to the Kingdom Keepers.
The Kingdom Keepers series was first introduced in 2005 and ran until 2013, a second series was released between 2015 and 2017 under the title Kingdom Keepers: Return. I never read the books in totality, but I was very familiar with the series, especially as I grew up and met more Disney fans who had loved this series when they were young readers. This new chapter in the story starts with book one of the Inheritance series and it is an unfortunate return to a once-clever world.
I say this as a white writer: it can be difficult to describe characters and their features when they are not something that you see in the mirror every day. That’s why it’s important to have sensitivity readers to ensure that you aren’t crossing unintentional lines or misrepresenting a group of people you do not belong to. For as much progress as Disney Publishing has had had over the past five years, Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance feels like a giant step backward. The young cast of characters is refreshingly diverse, yet Pearson repeatedly feels the need to force these kids to belittle their own appearances.
Early on in the book Marty reflects on how his “perma-tan” complexion he got from his Costa Rican father and “nearly albino mother.” It’s perfectly acceptable to just say she’s super pale, considering albinism is an actual medical condition, not a descriptor for pale complexions. Later on, another kid calls Marty a “girl” because he dyes his hair—reinforcing unfortunate gender stereotypes. Another character reflects on how if his hair isn’t woven into tight cornrows he has it combed out “into an exploding Afro.” Neither of which add anything to the characters or the plot.
Blair is another character who Pearson imploys self-hated to describe. For no apparent reason, in the midst of a fairly dire situation, she decides to reflect on how her twin brother got all of the attention back home. Neither of her parents cared about her, apparently. Pearson makes sure the readers know her mother is white and her father is black (yes, with a lowercase ‘b’). He also points out that this thirteen-year-old girl hates her thighs, her pimples, and her split ends.
Eli also finds himself reflecting on his dislike for his own appearance in the middle of a roller coaster ride. He compares himself to the other kids who are “strong or pretty” while putting himself down by thinking he’s “boring-looking” because–and here’s the real kicker–Pearson spells it out. Eli is boring-looking because “Freckles. Brown hair. Darkish skin. (His mother was part Asian; his father, Caucasian.)” Yes, yet another mixed-race child takes time to tell the reader why they’re somehow less attractive or not so thrilling and it’s all linked to their heritage. Young readers who might see themselves in these characters don’t need to have these worries thrust upon them. Society does plenty of that on its own.
Some of the descriptions Pearson uses are jarring and completely out of place with the whimsy of the book’s setting. He describes a Japanese woman’s voice as “even and without emotion” playing into the near-silent Asian trope. With the central plot of Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance focused on all things Aladdin, the story transports the young cast to the desert, which Pearson repeatedly refers to with derogatory descriptors–you can almost picture the yellow haze of Hollywood’s “Middle East filter” on the rat-filled, dirty land with its stale bread, bad smells, brown garb, and smelly brown water. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of dates, hummus, pita bread, and grape leaves to go around. The only food ever enjoyed in the desert.
Book One of Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance is a disappointing mess of dehumanizing descriptors, othering language, and misplaced aggression towards a cast of young characters who lack the charm and warmth of their predecessors because the author seems to be focused on maliciously checking boxes. Hold onto whatever nostalgia you hold for Pearson’s original series and don’t spoil it with this book.
EDITED TO ADD FULL REVIEW
Where to even begin with this book. I try to give all books the benefit of the doubt. I was even tempted to toss this into the “did not finish” pile, but I mostly wanted to see how much of a hole Ridley Pearson could write himself into and to write a review that prevented others from spending money on this book. The concept of this novel is enough to pique the attention of most Disney lovers and Pearson has a history with this series that certainly inspires readers to revisit it. But whatever childlike gleam this series once held has been tarnished by this reintroduction to the Kingdom Keepers.
The Kingdom Keepers series was first introduced in 2005 and ran until 2013, a second series was released between 2015 and 2017 under the title Kingdom Keepers: Return. I never read the books in totality, but I was very familiar with the series, especially as I grew up and met more Disney fans who had loved this series when they were young readers. This new chapter in the story starts with book one of the Inheritance series and it is an unfortunate return to a once-clever world.
I say this as a white writer: it can be difficult to describe characters and their features when they are not something that you see in the mirror every day. That’s why it’s important to have sensitivity readers to ensure that you aren’t crossing unintentional lines or misrepresenting a group of people you do not belong to. For as much progress as Disney Publishing has had had over the past five years, Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance feels like a giant step backward. The young cast of characters is refreshingly diverse, yet Pearson repeatedly feels the need to force these kids to belittle their own appearances.
Early on in the book Marty reflects on how his “perma-tan” complexion he got from his Costa Rican father and “nearly albino mother.” It’s perfectly acceptable to just say she’s super pale, considering albinism is an actual medical condition, not a descriptor for pale complexions. Later on, another kid calls Marty a “girl” because he dyes his hair—reinforcing unfortunate gender stereotypes. Another character reflects on how if his hair isn’t woven into tight cornrows he has it combed out “into an exploding Afro.” Neither of which add anything to the characters or the plot.
Blair is another character who Pearson imploys self-hated to describe. For no apparent reason, in the midst of a fairly dire situation, she decides to reflect on how her twin brother got all of the attention back home. Neither of her parents cared about her, apparently. Pearson makes sure the readers know her mother is white and her father is black (yes, with a lowercase ‘b’). He also points out that this thirteen-year-old girl hates her thighs, her pimples, and her split ends.
Eli also finds himself reflecting on his dislike for his own appearance in the middle of a roller coaster ride. He compares himself to the other kids who are “strong or pretty” while putting himself down by thinking he’s “boring-looking” because–and here’s the real kicker–Pearson spells it out. Eli is boring-looking because “Freckles. Brown hair. Darkish skin. (His mother was part Asian; his father, Caucasian.)” Yes, yet another mixed-race child takes time to tell the reader why they’re somehow less attractive or not so thrilling and it’s all linked to their heritage. Young readers who might see themselves in these characters don’t need to have these worries thrust upon them. Society does plenty of that on its own.
Some of the descriptions Pearson uses are jarring and completely out of place with the whimsy of the book’s setting. He describes a Japanese woman’s voice as “even and without emotion” playing into the near-silent Asian trope. With the central plot of Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance focused on all things Aladdin, the story transports the young cast to the desert, which Pearson repeatedly refers to with derogatory descriptors–you can almost picture the yellow haze of Hollywood’s “Middle East filter” on the rat-filled, dirty land with its stale bread, bad smells, brown garb, and smelly brown water. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of dates, hummus, pita bread, and grape leaves to go around. The only food ever enjoyed in the desert.
Book One of Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance is a disappointing mess of dehumanizing descriptors, othering language, and misplaced aggression towards a cast of young characters who lack the charm and warmth of their predecessors because the author seems to be focused on maliciously checking boxes. Hold onto whatever nostalgia you hold for Pearson’s original series and don’t spoil it with this book.
February 23, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. I was very excited when I heard about this series as the original Kingdom Keepers series has been a favorite of mine since I was around 12. I pre-ordered it and after receiving it the day it came out, I've now finished it a day later, so it was a very quick and overall I enjoyed it.
I did find the plot to be very fast paced, which I usually like, but in this case it was a bit too fast at times and kind of confusing to follow. There were so many new characters which was confusing keeping track of at first also. A lot of my questions got answered, but I definitely have more questions that I hope are answered in the next book.
It was fun to see what Ridley Pearson imagined the Disney Parks to be like in the future. I would like to see maps in future books to get a clearer picture though!
Overall this was a fun, clean, easy read. Anyone who loves the Kingdom Keepers will probably enjoy this book and feel nostalgic reading it. :)
I did find the plot to be very fast paced, which I usually like, but in this case it was a bit too fast at times and kind of confusing to follow. There were so many new characters which was confusing keeping track of at first also. A lot of my questions got answered, but I definitely have more questions that I hope are answered in the next book.
It was fun to see what Ridley Pearson imagined the Disney Parks to be like in the future. I would like to see maps in future books to get a clearer picture though!
Overall this was a fun, clean, easy read. Anyone who loves the Kingdom Keepers will probably enjoy this book and feel nostalgic reading it. :)
December 8, 2022
This book was received as an ARC from Disney Publishing Worldwide - Disney Hyperion through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was in love with this book series since book one was released. I am super ecstatic that Ridley Pearson decided to expand on the series, but this time worldwide. A villain park in Hong Kong and the story behind the missing child, and Eli's thirteenth birthday was absolutely heartbreakingly, brilliant. Epcot is one of my favorite Disney Parks in Walt Disney World, and I had to keep reading since there were more exciting scenes everywhere you turn. The Kingdom Keepers also reminded me of a group of superheroes such as The Power Rangers which made the book even more enjoyable. I know this book like its predecessors will succeed well in libraries, bookstores, and bookshelves worldwide.
A spellbinding story featuring one of the most powerful entertainment franchises in the world. This book deserves 5 stars.
I was in love with this book series since book one was released. I am super ecstatic that Ridley Pearson decided to expand on the series, but this time worldwide. A villain park in Hong Kong and the story behind the missing child, and Eli's thirteenth birthday was absolutely heartbreakingly, brilliant. Epcot is one of my favorite Disney Parks in Walt Disney World, and I had to keep reading since there were more exciting scenes everywhere you turn. The Kingdom Keepers also reminded me of a group of superheroes such as The Power Rangers which made the book even more enjoyable. I know this book like its predecessors will succeed well in libraries, bookstores, and bookshelves worldwide.
A spellbinding story featuring one of the most powerful entertainment franchises in the world. This book deserves 5 stars.
April 30, 2023
Here is a video I made for the book:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRwj5nt5/
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 STARS
This is a middle grade book for all Disney lovers! You could read it as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading the original Kingdom Keepers first so you can get a sense of the world and characters.
In this series, the Kingdom Keepers are all grown up and this focuses on their children who do not know of their pasts. Disney is based in the future and the parks are described in the future as well.
There is adventure, a villain, and a Pirate’s of the Caribbean setting, & futuristic Epcot you will love!
I love all the Kingdom Keepers books and this one is no exception!
Thank you to Disney Books for the gifted copy! ❤️
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRwj5nt5/
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 STARS
This is a middle grade book for all Disney lovers! You could read it as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading the original Kingdom Keepers first so you can get a sense of the world and characters.
In this series, the Kingdom Keepers are all grown up and this focuses on their children who do not know of their pasts. Disney is based in the future and the parks are described in the future as well.
There is adventure, a villain, and a Pirate’s of the Caribbean setting, & futuristic Epcot you will love!
I love all the Kingdom Keepers books and this one is no exception!
Thank you to Disney Books for the gifted copy! ❤️
January 1, 2023
I absolutely loved the original series unfortunately I really disliked this new one. It had so much potential but it seemed rushed and also not written to more of a current thinking and sensibilities. It just didnt have the magic that was prevalent in the original.
March 3, 2023
insane that the kingdom keepers were literally the face of the disney parks and celebrities yet their kids had no idea that their parents were the kingdom keepers till they re-enacted finding nemo to find their kids
May 19, 2022
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This book perpetuates cultural and gender stereotypes and is a bit hard to follow. There is no reminder of what happened in the previous series, so readers who haven’t read or don’t remember the original may be a bit lost. If you are looking for a fun Disney adventure, read the original series. I remember loving it.
This book perpetuates cultural and gender stereotypes and is a bit hard to follow. There is no reminder of what happened in the previous series, so readers who haven’t read or don’t remember the original may be a bit lost. If you are looking for a fun Disney adventure, read the original series. I remember loving it.
Read
October 16, 2025I read this series as the October 2025 selection for my podcast, Book of the Mouse Club (a book club podcast dedicated to Disney themed books). Listen to episode#119 for an interview with the author, Ridley Pearson, about this finale trilogy in the Kingdom Keepers series and his upcoming work. You can find the show wherever you get your podcasts.
Read
October 2, 2025Book of the Mouse Club Podcast October Selection. Follow our podcast wherever you listen for our upcoming interview with Ridley Pearson.
March 3, 2023
i was nervous during the first 100 pages or so because it was a bit of a slow start, but i honestly loved this book. i wouldnt have enjoyed it nearly as much if i didn’t grow up reading the original KK books, but it think it did a pretty good job at staying true to the originals while still being it’s own story. it felt closer to the books in the return series rather than the original series, but it still felt like a KK book. i wish there was a little more interaction between the adults and the kids, and i did wish we got to see more of the everyday life of the adult keepers. it was so exciting to see that they all got married and had kids, even tho it was kind of hard to keep track of who was related to who. if there was more of an exposition that intertwined the lives of the kids and the adults, rather than treating them as two separate storylines, i think this problem could have been avoided. obviously im biased since willa angelo is my fave fictional character of all time, but i wish we got to meet willa and philby’s son. i’ve literally been waiting since like fifth grade for them to be married and i’m disappointed their family was barely in the story at all. i also wish there was a little more jess in the story, considering she was a huge part of the original series and was in like a page of this book?
that being said, i LOVED the kids who were involved in this story. eli is such a mini finn with some of amanda’s qualities it was so cute. it was kinda funny to see marty playing philby’s role even tho he was jess’s(?) son, but he was kinda funny and love him. lily was adorable and it’s definitely interesting to see more of mattie in this book than i anticipated. and don’t even get me started on blair i absolutely love her. she is a perfect combination of her parents and is like the perfect protagonist to be alongside eli. i liked taylen, although he seemed to be like a mini philby too?? i’m not entirely sure but i’m excited to see more of him
i’m really looking forward to the next few books, and i hope we get to meet the other kids, especially will philby and charlie maybeck (kinda funny that they’re named after their moms lol). i loved blair’s dynamic with eli and marty, so im excited to see her relationship with her twin brother. and it seems like marty and will are friends, so needless to say i can’t wait for the next book
that being said, i LOVED the kids who were involved in this story. eli is such a mini finn with some of amanda’s qualities it was so cute. it was kinda funny to see marty playing philby’s role even tho he was jess’s(?) son, but he was kinda funny and love him. lily was adorable and it’s definitely interesting to see more of mattie in this book than i anticipated. and don’t even get me started on blair i absolutely love her. she is a perfect combination of her parents and is like the perfect protagonist to be alongside eli. i liked taylen, although he seemed to be like a mini philby too?? i’m not entirely sure but i’m excited to see more of him
i’m really looking forward to the next few books, and i hope we get to meet the other kids, especially will philby and charlie maybeck (kinda funny that they’re named after their moms lol). i loved blair’s dynamic with eli and marty, so im excited to see her relationship with her twin brother. and it seems like marty and will are friends, so needless to say i can’t wait for the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2023
finn virou um dilf i used to pray for days like this
February 7, 2024
Wow, okay, I have been looking for this book for a while now and luckily I found an ARC at a used book store and freaked out. Needless to say, I freaked out about it.
Inheritance takes place twenty years after the Return trilogy in which the Kingdom Keepers traveled back to 1955. Now, they’re all parents- to start off, I appreciate that the original couples of Finn and Amanda, Maybeck and Charlene, and Willa and Philby all stayed together, Jess and Mattie are both also married, with Mattie being married to Nick, who made an appearance in the return novels, and Jess being with someone new.
Enter Eli Whitman, Finn and Amanda’s only child, and the protagonist of the novel, on the eve of his 13th birthday, a rare solar eclipse, and his parents mysteriously traveling to California the day before, Eli’s birthday is ruined when a family heirloom tears open a gate to another realm.
Eli is suddenly kidnapped and well…
The kids head off on an adventure around Epcot to find out what happened to Eli.
However, the structure wasn’t great, and character descriptions were problematic such as calling male characters girly for dying their hair or saying a girl with short hair has a “manly” haircut.
These descriptions are dated and don’t fit in well with the time period the story was written/takes place.
Overall, I think it’d be more fun to follow the Keepers’ POVs of them trying to protect their kids with them being the secondary characters and the Keepers’ leading the story
Inheritance takes place twenty years after the Return trilogy in which the Kingdom Keepers traveled back to 1955. Now, they’re all parents- to start off, I appreciate that the original couples of Finn and Amanda, Maybeck and Charlene, and Willa and Philby all stayed together, Jess and Mattie are both also married, with Mattie being married to Nick, who made an appearance in the return novels, and Jess being with someone new.
Enter Eli Whitman, Finn and Amanda’s only child, and the protagonist of the novel, on the eve of his 13th birthday, a rare solar eclipse, and his parents mysteriously traveling to California the day before, Eli’s birthday is ruined when a family heirloom tears open a gate to another realm.
Eli is suddenly kidnapped and well…
The kids head off on an adventure around Epcot to find out what happened to Eli.
However, the structure wasn’t great, and character descriptions were problematic such as calling male characters girly for dying their hair or saying a girl with short hair has a “manly” haircut.
These descriptions are dated and don’t fit in well with the time period the story was written/takes place.
Overall, I think it’d be more fun to follow the Keepers’ POVs of them trying to protect their kids with them being the secondary characters and the Keepers’ leading the story
June 17, 2023
am i too old for these books? Yes. But i dont care, i’ve got so much nostalgia for them and so i was so ready for this next-gen fanfiction of a book.
And it really didn’t deliver for me. Maybe that’s because i expected more time devoted to the original Keepers and their relationships with their kids and references to the old books. That’s got to be my nostalgia talking idk.
SPOILERS-ISH
I like that things about the parents’ past were slowly figured out, but it just felt so lackluster? The book did not feel Disney enough or connected to the original books at all. The plot was a good idea but was just excecuted in a way that felt really boring. I was excited for the new young characters but i didn’t really get attached to any of them??
Not to mention the old Keepers just did not feel the same. I get that they’re 20 years older and have kids now but where were their personalities? I swear Finn’s dialogue read like a formal work email.
And omg, there are a few little editing issues in this that drove me crazy. I really hope i’m not alone in noticing those because oh my god.
So yeah. I will continue with the trilogy because at this point I’m obligated to do so for my younger self, but like…it’s either not good anymore or i’ve just outgrown it cuz this was boring.
also yeah, there’s some weird racial descriptions and gender stereotypes in here :/
And it really didn’t deliver for me. Maybe that’s because i expected more time devoted to the original Keepers and their relationships with their kids and references to the old books. That’s got to be my nostalgia talking idk.
SPOILERS-ISH
I like that things about the parents’ past were slowly figured out, but it just felt so lackluster? The book did not feel Disney enough or connected to the original books at all. The plot was a good idea but was just excecuted in a way that felt really boring. I was excited for the new young characters but i didn’t really get attached to any of them??
Not to mention the old Keepers just did not feel the same. I get that they’re 20 years older and have kids now but where were their personalities? I swear Finn’s dialogue read like a formal work email.
And omg, there are a few little editing issues in this that drove me crazy. I really hope i’m not alone in noticing those because oh my god.
So yeah. I will continue with the trilogy because at this point I’m obligated to do so for my younger self, but like…it’s either not good anymore or i’ve just outgrown it cuz this was boring.
also yeah, there’s some weird racial descriptions and gender stereotypes in here :/
November 16, 2021
What would you do if one day you were playing a Disney game, but the game came to life, and people transported to your living room and started to attack you? Five friends a swept up in a plot to defend the Disney magic from new and improved Overtakers takers. Pavilions created in Disney parks outside of the United States have been built to represent the villains, allowing them to regain power, and they are back and ready to take back what is theirs. Will our newest hero's be up the task of taking them down?
Having read all of the Kingdom Keeper books, how could I not be excited to read the newest series. I love that the original Kingdom Keepers have grown up and that a new generation is going to be taking over defending the magic. I will say that it hurts my soul to hear that Soaring is an antiquated ride. I know this is set in the future but I hope that future generations appreciate some of the rides that exist now. It is quite fun to think though that Epcot might become somewhere people can live. Who knows if this comes true I might move down that way to be closer to the magic.
Thank you so much to Disney Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.
Having read all of the Kingdom Keeper books, how could I not be excited to read the newest series. I love that the original Kingdom Keepers have grown up and that a new generation is going to be taking over defending the magic. I will say that it hurts my soul to hear that Soaring is an antiquated ride. I know this is set in the future but I hope that future generations appreciate some of the rides that exist now. It is quite fun to think though that Epcot might become somewhere people can live. Who knows if this comes true I might move down that way to be closer to the magic.
Thank you so much to Disney Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.
March 2, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Disney Publishing for a review copy of this book.
I read the original Kingdom Keepers novel over a decade ago when I was a Cast Member at Walt Disney World Resort. I remember loving the mix of behind the scenes and magic that we worked hard to bring to our guests each day.
Though I didn’t finish the original series, this new generation is more than capable of bringing new fans to the series who haven’t read any of the previous books, while also continuing the legacy.
Its also a lot of fun to imagine what the parks could be like in the future with additional countries in Epcot and an actual community living on property (different from the current Golden Oaks). Not gunna lie, I was a bit jealous of those kids.
The other thing too is the book helped get me interested in the past novels again and I plan to go back to read them all. It’s a great way for parents now to introduce their kids to the books, and connect over them and grow their love for the Disney Parks even more (and maybe one day, dream of being a cast member, like my kids want to now too).
I read the original Kingdom Keepers novel over a decade ago when I was a Cast Member at Walt Disney World Resort. I remember loving the mix of behind the scenes and magic that we worked hard to bring to our guests each day.
Though I didn’t finish the original series, this new generation is more than capable of bringing new fans to the series who haven’t read any of the previous books, while also continuing the legacy.
Its also a lot of fun to imagine what the parks could be like in the future with additional countries in Epcot and an actual community living on property (different from the current Golden Oaks). Not gunna lie, I was a bit jealous of those kids.
The other thing too is the book helped get me interested in the past novels again and I plan to go back to read them all. It’s a great way for parents now to introduce their kids to the books, and connect over them and grow their love for the Disney Parks even more (and maybe one day, dream of being a cast member, like my kids want to now too).
February 25, 2022
Eli is kidnapped on his thirteenth birthday, to another time and place. Eli lived in a place called the communitree that surrounds all of Disney world, there are a lot of people that live there including Eli's best friends. What the kids don't know is the true story of how their parents became some of the people that live there. That is because their parents want to hide the fact that they are the original Kingdom Keepers that saved Disney from the villains when they were about the age of Eli and his friends are now. But will Eli friends rescue him and are the villains coming again?
This is a awesome stories that will hopefully capture a new a generation of audience and bring them back to the original books as well. These books are so much fun for anyone who likes Disney,, the movies and the parks. They have a lot of action, suspense, and twists and turns that will hold even the most reluctant of reader captive and up past their bedtime.
This is a awesome stories that will hopefully capture a new a generation of audience and bring them back to the original books as well. These books are so much fun for anyone who likes Disney,, the movies and the parks. They have a lot of action, suspense, and twists and turns that will hold even the most reluctant of reader captive and up past their bedtime.
March 30, 2023
I’ve read all of the Kingdom Keepers books and loved them but this one was just not the same. I found the early parts of the book very hard to follow as the links to the Kingdom Keepers were unclear at first. Then as the connections became a little more clear (a prologue might have helped) I just didn’t relate to the characters as much as I did in the original series. There was also not as much connection to the Disney parks or Disney characters or even villains as in the original series. Overall, I just found this book kind of lackluster. Not terrible altogether, just not as fully engaging as the original series. I’ll read the next book to give it another try.
December 3, 2024
I like middle grade books. I loved the original kingdom keepers and the return books. While the writing has always been a little choppy for my taste, I feel like this book was worse. It wasn’t a bad story and I’m curious what’s going to happen, but a family tree would have been helpful, especially since the story revolves around the kids inheriting not only their parents gifts, but also the fight against the villains. One of the moments that stands out to me was Blair sending her mother a message, but referring to her father as “Mr. Maybeck.” I had to stop reading and try scouring the book because I was so confused. It took me way too long to remember who everyone’s parents were, and then mistakes like that made it even more confusing. It was also odd that there wasn’t more of a reference to actual Disney villains. The first book introduced us to maleficent right away, but this mentioned none until the last page? Ugh. And the dialogue when they are in NorAf. I get that they’re trying to convey that they are getting translations through their ear pieces, but it doesn’t mean you have to make the speech choppy and odd like google translate often does. Literal translations v true meaning. This is a decent bit in the future with hover cars. They could have perfected translators to not always be only literal translations. It honestly just comes across as a bit cringe.
Others have commented on other issues with the book, which I didn’t notice, but I don’t often care too much about descriptions of characters so I easily forget those. But one made a comment that it would have been nice to have the OF kingdom Keepers be the main characters and introduce their children as side characters. I think that would have helped a lot with also keeping the kids straight. I also found myself annoyed with the first couple of chapters that took place in DAK where multiple new rides were named and described but there was no exposition for the kids and who their parents were, which would have helped if we couldn’t get a family tree
Others have commented on other issues with the book, which I didn’t notice, but I don’t often care too much about descriptions of characters so I easily forget those. But one made a comment that it would have been nice to have the OF kingdom Keepers be the main characters and introduce their children as side characters. I think that would have helped a lot with also keeping the kids straight. I also found myself annoyed with the first couple of chapters that took place in DAK where multiple new rides were named and described but there was no exposition for the kids and who their parents were, which would have helped if we couldn’t get a family tree
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2023
I read this through twice before reviewing it because (1) these were my favorite books as a kid, and I was definitely going to have some sort of bias (2) I literally had no idea what to expect from it and (3) I am 22 years old and very much not in the target age demographic anymore and wanted to be fair with my critiques.
With that said, I’m really pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. It’s been ages since the last Return book came out, and this book was delayed so many times I lost count, which made me nervous.
I really loved the new characters, and I felt like there was decent balance between new and returning ones. I would’ve liked a bit more of the OGs and what they’re up to, but I’m guessing that aspect is vague for a reason. The plot took a lot more creative liberties regarding Disney parks compared to the last couple of series because it takes place in the future. Because of this, the book had more of a fantasy vibe. I liked it a lot, and this helped to make it original from the prior books.
However, there were a few continuity issues that still have me confused. I also think the introduction to a few of both the new and old characters could have been slightly better. My only other complaint is that some of the detailed about the future were quite far fetched and slightly distracting. The books aren’t *that* far in the future for some of the things mentioned to be believable.
Overall, I’m excited to see where this new series goes! These books are so nostalgic for me, and I’m go glad there’s more to come!
With that said, I’m really pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. It’s been ages since the last Return book came out, and this book was delayed so many times I lost count, which made me nervous.
I really loved the new characters, and I felt like there was decent balance between new and returning ones. I would’ve liked a bit more of the OGs and what they’re up to, but I’m guessing that aspect is vague for a reason. The plot took a lot more creative liberties regarding Disney parks compared to the last couple of series because it takes place in the future. Because of this, the book had more of a fantasy vibe. I liked it a lot, and this helped to make it original from the prior books.
However, there were a few continuity issues that still have me confused. I also think the introduction to a few of both the new and old characters could have been slightly better. My only other complaint is that some of the detailed about the future were quite far fetched and slightly distracting. The books aren’t *that* far in the future for some of the things mentioned to be believable.
Overall, I’m excited to see where this new series goes! These books are so nostalgic for me, and I’m go glad there’s more to come!
February 23, 2023
I have never read any of the Kingdom Keepers books, but have heard of them. I was a bit concerned that I would struggle with this story since I have no knowledge of the main series however, it was easy to follow. Children may want to read the original Kingdom Keepers series first so that they have some background knowledge, but it is not necessary.
I enjoyed the plot and how there were multiple storylines happening simultaneously. However, some of the abrupt endings of chapters was frustrating as it felt that not much had happened before moving to the next chapter. It made the book seem choppy at times. I am guessing that the audience of middle grade readers this story was intended for would not have a problem with this though as they are motivated to keep reading by short chapters. The characters were developed enough to get a feel for the personality of each one, but not enough to really visualize what they looked like. I haven't seen the printed version of the book, so maybe there are illustrations that are helpful in this area for that format.
The narrator was wonderful to listen to! He was a smooth storyteller and expressive in all of the right places. He read at a pace that was easy to follow for all ages. I would definitely listen to an audiobook with this narrator again.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #DisneyHyperion for an audiobook ARC of #KingdomKeepersInheritanceThe Shimmer by #RidleyPearson and narrated by #AlejandroSaab - 4 stars
I enjoyed the plot and how there were multiple storylines happening simultaneously. However, some of the abrupt endings of chapters was frustrating as it felt that not much had happened before moving to the next chapter. It made the book seem choppy at times. I am guessing that the audience of middle grade readers this story was intended for would not have a problem with this though as they are motivated to keep reading by short chapters. The characters were developed enough to get a feel for the personality of each one, but not enough to really visualize what they looked like. I haven't seen the printed version of the book, so maybe there are illustrations that are helpful in this area for that format.
The narrator was wonderful to listen to! He was a smooth storyteller and expressive in all of the right places. He read at a pace that was easy to follow for all ages. I would definitely listen to an audiobook with this narrator again.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #DisneyHyperion for an audiobook ARC of #KingdomKeepersInheritanceThe Shimmer by #RidleyPearson and narrated by #AlejandroSaab - 4 stars
February 23, 2023
I had the wonderful chance of reading through Kingdom Keepers Inheritance recently. I really liked the story of Eli and how Epcot is so different than what the park currently is. There are so many people that work and play there now in the story, can you imagine working and playing in the park?! It’s a dream come true right? Well, kind of. Eli goes missing on the day of his birthday party while all his friends are watching! Wow, that was unexpected! I mean how does that happen? Well you have to read the book to find out, as with all my reviews I hate to spoil the book for others.
I also loved the fact that Eli could talk to the animals while he was in the real world and also in the magical world. That was super cool and that his other friends eventually learn about the fact that Eli can talk to animals and hear them.
I think this book was a fantastic read without giving anything away to the readers and I highly recommend it to anyone who loved Disney, Disney Parks, and Fantasy! I had also not read the previous Kingdom Keepers books and was interested to read this story as a new series starter book. You can certainly read this book, even if you never read the other books either! In fact my 12 year old and 7 year old both loved the story so much they want to re-read it more often, and that is not something I have heard come out of their mouths often with books!
I also loved the fact that Eli could talk to the animals while he was in the real world and also in the magical world. That was super cool and that his other friends eventually learn about the fact that Eli can talk to animals and hear them.
I think this book was a fantastic read without giving anything away to the readers and I highly recommend it to anyone who loved Disney, Disney Parks, and Fantasy! I had also not read the previous Kingdom Keepers books and was interested to read this story as a new series starter book. You can certainly read this book, even if you never read the other books either! In fact my 12 year old and 7 year old both loved the story so much they want to re-read it more often, and that is not something I have heard come out of their mouths often with books!
March 1, 2023
I continue to read the Kingdom Keepers series because of its potential. Time and time again I am disappointed. This book was no exception. Despite being disappointed several times before I was looking forward to a new series where Walt's original idea of EPCOT is realized. An extremely fun concept that would intrigue any Disney Parks fan. Instead, an interesting idea is ruined by cheesy writing.
Like every other book in the series, I usually can get over the cheesy dialogue and writing but I found myself unable to ignore another issue. It feels like despite continuing a series that has spanned decades, Pearson refuses to grow with his audience. I mean this in two ways, first, given that this was written for young adults, it comes over dumbed down and juvenile even for its intended audience. But by far the most problematic is his inability to grow in his use of language. The book is riddled with negative stereotypes used as descriptors for both gender and race and as someone who read the earlier books years after they were published, I was able to chalk it up to be a sign of the times and what was deemed acceptable. The fact that this book was published this year and is riddled with the same problems makes it impossible to ignore.
2.5/5 stars for the idea and the Disney Parks reference.
Like every other book in the series, I usually can get over the cheesy dialogue and writing but I found myself unable to ignore another issue. It feels like despite continuing a series that has spanned decades, Pearson refuses to grow with his audience. I mean this in two ways, first, given that this was written for young adults, it comes over dumbed down and juvenile even for its intended audience. But by far the most problematic is his inability to grow in his use of language. The book is riddled with negative stereotypes used as descriptors for both gender and race and as someone who read the earlier books years after they were published, I was able to chalk it up to be a sign of the times and what was deemed acceptable. The fact that this book was published this year and is riddled with the same problems makes it impossible to ignore.
2.5/5 stars for the idea and the Disney Parks reference.
March 8, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the idea of the “Disney Magic” being so real in this book and how that magic was incorporated into the Disney Parks. I was beyond jealous of the families living in the future of Epcot! There were just so many components to spark the imagination within the story.
Having said that, I had a hard time with the negative gender stereotyping, how the young characters viewed their “flaws,” and how they viewed each other, it was heartbreaking to read this. While I am well aware that we can all view ourselves in a negative light, there was no positive light shone on these characters and how they could help one another. Which I believe is something that the literary platform has so much power in doing.
There were several other stereotypes made in the book, and to be honest, I am not sure how this was not caught before publication.
While I genuinely liked the idea of the Kingdom Keepers, the real magic of Walt Disney, and the Cast and Villains being real and all that entails, I cannot get past the negative thoughts that have been written that Middle-Grade readers would then read.
I was intrigued by the idea of the “Disney Magic” being so real in this book and how that magic was incorporated into the Disney Parks. I was beyond jealous of the families living in the future of Epcot! There were just so many components to spark the imagination within the story.
Having said that, I had a hard time with the negative gender stereotyping, how the young characters viewed their “flaws,” and how they viewed each other, it was heartbreaking to read this. While I am well aware that we can all view ourselves in a negative light, there was no positive light shone on these characters and how they could help one another. Which I believe is something that the literary platform has so much power in doing.
There were several other stereotypes made in the book, and to be honest, I am not sure how this was not caught before publication.
While I genuinely liked the idea of the Kingdom Keepers, the real magic of Walt Disney, and the Cast and Villains being real and all that entails, I cannot get past the negative thoughts that have been written that Middle-Grade readers would then read.
March 13, 2023
In the near future, Eli Whitman is living in EPCOT, which has been designed to fulfill Walt Disney’s original vision for a community. His thirteenth birthday coincides with a solar eclipse, but it’s what happens at his party that is really strange. The video game he and his friends are playing comes to life, and someone jumps out from it, kidnapping him. Can his friends find him? Where is he?
When Ridley Pearson announced he was going to write about the kids of the Kingdom Keepers, I knew I had to find out what he was going to do next. I loved the advances in technology we get with the future setting. There’s plenty of action to keep us turning pages, and I’m curious to see where this saga is going to go next. I did have a little trouble keeping all the characters straight early on, but the important ones quickly emerge as the action starts. And yes, the original Kingdom Keepers we know and love are here, and they have a slightly larger roll than I was expecting, which was wonderful. I’m already anxious to see where the characters are going to find themselves next.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
When Ridley Pearson announced he was going to write about the kids of the Kingdom Keepers, I knew I had to find out what he was going to do next. I loved the advances in technology we get with the future setting. There’s plenty of action to keep us turning pages, and I’m curious to see where this saga is going to go next. I did have a little trouble keeping all the characters straight early on, but the important ones quickly emerge as the action starts. And yes, the original Kingdom Keepers we know and love are here, and they have a slightly larger roll than I was expecting, which was wonderful. I’m already anxious to see where the characters are going to find themselves next.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 12, 2024
I've read all the Kingdom Keepers books, starting in about 2006. This is the third series, where the original Kingdom Keepers that we knew are now married (to each other) and have kids.
The story was often difficult to follow, as we weren't really introduced to the new characters in any sort of organic way. Even after reading the whole book, I have no idea who the character Marty is, and who his parents are. Granted, I haven't read any of the books in at least several years, but the story just plunged straight in without giving any backstory or summarizing any of the previous ten? twelve? books.
I think I've finally come to the realization that Ridley Pearson just isn't that great of a writer, honestly. I've read a few of his other books including Peter and the Starcatchers, and the first Lock & Key, and honestly, I still don't understand why he has published so many books.
On to the next Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance book! I don't know if I'm dreading it or hopeful about it, but I got it from the library, and I'm going to start it later today, unless I convince myself that one of the other six library books I have right now will be more fun, more interesting, or just plain better. Heh.
The story was often difficult to follow, as we weren't really introduced to the new characters in any sort of organic way. Even after reading the whole book, I have no idea who the character Marty is, and who his parents are. Granted, I haven't read any of the books in at least several years, but the story just plunged straight in without giving any backstory or summarizing any of the previous ten? twelve? books.
I think I've finally come to the realization that Ridley Pearson just isn't that great of a writer, honestly. I've read a few of his other books including Peter and the Starcatchers, and the first Lock & Key, and honestly, I still don't understand why he has published so many books.
On to the next Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance book! I don't know if I'm dreading it or hopeful about it, but I got it from the library, and I'm going to start it later today, unless I convince myself that one of the other six library books I have right now will be more fun, more interesting, or just plain better. Heh.
February 26, 2023
Okay so I have a lot to say about this book. I enjoyed the orignal Kingdom Keepers books when I was around 12. I was excited to hear that there would be a new series coming out. However, when I read this new book I found it extremely cringy. I am unsure if the original series was this cringy because I was so young when I read it. I also understand that this book was written for a younger audience closer to the age I was when I read the first series and not for older teenagers like myself. My taste has also changed in the past few years. While reading this book I found I didn’t care about the kids and instead wished we could spend more time with the parents ( the orignal keepers). I do understand the point of the book was the see the children of the keepers. I also found the dialogue between the characters very cringy and unrealistic. This wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read but it certainly wasn’t the best. If you were a fan of the original series you may be disappointed but you could have fun reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews