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The Keepers' Tattoo
What is the mystery that marks her? A lush, multitextured fantasy introducing a captivating heroine, Nyssa, descendant of seers, vessel of their secrets.
Ten years ago, Alaric, leader of the Shadowmen, killed most of the Keepers--teachers of ancient knowledge that threatened his barbaric rule. Young Kit was captured, but his twin sister, Nyssa, escaped. Only later will she learn that both she and her lost brother bear the secret words of their three lines each of strange, unintelligible writing tattooed on their scalps. Now the Shadowmen are on the attack again, determined to quell a growing rebellion. Nyssa must find her brother, and together they must unlock the meaning--the power--behind the mysterious words.
Ten years ago, Alaric, leader of the Shadowmen, killed most of the Keepers--teachers of ancient knowledge that threatened his barbaric rule. Young Kit was captured, but his twin sister, Nyssa, escaped. Only later will she learn that both she and her lost brother bear the secret words of their three lines each of strange, unintelligible writing tattooed on their scalps. Now the Shadowmen are on the attack again, determined to quell a growing rebellion. Nyssa must find her brother, and together they must unlock the meaning--the power--behind the mysterious words.
425 pages, Hardcover
First published July 6, 2009
24 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
Gill Arbuthnott
50 books33 followersI was born and brought up in Edinburgh, where I went to James Gillespie’s High School, famous as the school where the author Muriel Spark was educated, and on which she based her most famous book The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Almost all the teachers when I was there seemed to be wildly eccentric spinsters. There was one maths teacher who would climb into a cupboard at one end of the room, and reappear out from a cupboard door at the other end! Then there was Miss Dalgliesh. She was my teacher in Primary 5. She always wore a black teaching gown, and used to swoop round the room like a large, friendly rook. She had a stuffed tawny owl in her room, and if you were particularly good, you might be allowed to take it home for the night! She used to invite some of us (we were all girls in Gillespie’s back then) to the flat she shared with her sister, to eat cream cakes and listen to her sister play the piano… I don’t think they don’t make teachers like that any more, sadly.
When I finished school I went off to St Andrew’s University to study Zoology, then did teacher training (just so I could have another year lolling around as a student really). At that point, I thought I wanted to be a proper Scientist, so I went off to Southampton University to start a PhD. Unfortunately, I was rubbish at research. I wasn’t nearly clever enough. So I became a Biology teacher instead!
All the time though, what I really wanted to do was write. I wrote in secret (I know, how sad is that?) so that not even my family knew my Dark Secret. I tried a couple of books for adults, but just amassed a splendid collection of rejection slips. Then I saw the Millennium Clock in the museum in Edinburgh, and suddenly I was writing the Chaos Clock, and suddenly it had turned into a childrens’ book. I still don’t quite know how that happened. It seemed to just decide it was a childrens’ book, and I didn’t feel I was in a position to argue with it.
Now, I can’t imagine why I ever wanted to write for adults. This has got to be the best job in the world…
Almost all the teachers when I was there seemed to be wildly eccentric spinsters. There was one maths teacher who would climb into a cupboard at one end of the room, and reappear out from a cupboard door at the other end! Then there was Miss Dalgliesh. She was my teacher in Primary 5. She always wore a black teaching gown, and used to swoop round the room like a large, friendly rook. She had a stuffed tawny owl in her room, and if you were particularly good, you might be allowed to take it home for the night! She used to invite some of us (we were all girls in Gillespie’s back then) to the flat she shared with her sister, to eat cream cakes and listen to her sister play the piano… I don’t think they don’t make teachers like that any more, sadly.
When I finished school I went off to St Andrew’s University to study Zoology, then did teacher training (just so I could have another year lolling around as a student really). At that point, I thought I wanted to be a proper Scientist, so I went off to Southampton University to start a PhD. Unfortunately, I was rubbish at research. I wasn’t nearly clever enough. So I became a Biology teacher instead!
All the time though, what I really wanted to do was write. I wrote in secret (I know, how sad is that?) so that not even my family knew my Dark Secret. I tried a couple of books for adults, but just amassed a splendid collection of rejection slips. Then I saw the Millennium Clock in the museum in Edinburgh, and suddenly I was writing the Chaos Clock, and suddenly it had turned into a childrens’ book. I still don’t quite know how that happened. It seemed to just decide it was a childrens’ book, and I didn’t feel I was in a position to argue with it.
Now, I can’t imagine why I ever wanted to write for adults. This has got to be the best job in the world…
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 134 reviews
August 10, 2010
I'm kind of surprised this book is not more popular, but I guess it's competing against a lot of new awesome books coming out this summer. I want to point out that I actually had no idea this book was published earlier as The Keepers' Daughter, same story just different cover and title.
Nyssa has not known too much about her life before coming to the Drowned Boy . It has always bothered her a bit not knowing where she came from and who her family was. All she has to show for her past is a broken bamboo flute and a tattoo. Of course one day that just changes when the shadowmen come to town. She finds out the truth piece by piece rather quickly. Before she really can gather her thoughts she must get out of town because she's in danger. But why her? What's so special about her? Why all the mystery behind her tattoo? The questions do get answers but not before some heartache.
This book had the potential to be an epic fantasy. It has an interesting premise, characters that won't give up, neat other world setup, and ties up modern ideas in a believable way. Perfect formula, but we just needed the author to dig a little deeper into the characters to give more umph to their experience.
What got me hooked was the characters because the plotline has been used before, but I actually loved how the book ended. Gives a good sense of how important family is and how deep that bond goes. I'm glad it showed the power of the printed word and that's all I'm going to say about that.
Nyssa has not known too much about her life before coming to the Drowned Boy . It has always bothered her a bit not knowing where she came from and who her family was. All she has to show for her past is a broken bamboo flute and a tattoo. Of course one day that just changes when the shadowmen come to town. She finds out the truth piece by piece rather quickly. Before she really can gather her thoughts she must get out of town because she's in danger. But why her? What's so special about her? Why all the mystery behind her tattoo? The questions do get answers but not before some heartache.
This book had the potential to be an epic fantasy. It has an interesting premise, characters that won't give up, neat other world setup, and ties up modern ideas in a believable way. Perfect formula, but we just needed the author to dig a little deeper into the characters to give more umph to their experience.
What got me hooked was the characters because the plotline has been used before, but I actually loved how the book ended. Gives a good sense of how important family is and how deep that bond goes. I'm glad it showed the power of the printed word and that's all I'm going to say about that.
June 11, 2010
The story is ambitious and the writing is not too bad, but it never captivated me the way other epic fantasy adventures, like Robin McKinley's, did. The 3rd person omniscient POV switched dizzily between characters yet never gave me a decent sense of who they are and what drives their actions and beliefs. The journey seemed oversimplified, not giving us enough of a sense of the extremities at stake when we are TOLD that a lot is at stake.
May 9, 2010
Nyssa lives a life like any other teenaged orphan in the Archipelago – she works slugging beers and cooking for her room and board. She tries to imagine what her past could be and also to understand the many strange dreams she has had since she was a child. Nothing and no one is left to tell her, except for one piece of history -the small crane tattooed on her upper forearm. One day while at the docks a dark, foreboding ship is seen sailing into the harbor. Nyssa thinks nothing of it until that night when a man named Marius, a familiar regular at her bar, ushers her and the barkeep aside and her life forever changes.
The ship is of the Shadowmen and their leader, Alaric from Thira, the old powerful capital of the Archipelago. Alaric and his Shadowmen are known to have taken over the islands of the Archipelago years ago and killed off people from the clan known as The Keepers. The Keepers seemed magical in the vast amount of knowledge they passed on from one Keeper to the next. No one believes they exist except in Legend. All except Marius and William, who show Nyssa their matching crane tattoos and tell her she too is a Keeper and that the Shadowmen are looking for her!
Marius takes her away from the Drowned Boy bar and on the run to escape notice and capture by the Shadowmen. Nyssa’s past and the secrets of her tattoo begin to reveal themselves. She slowly begins to piece together her life in connection with the Keeper’s Legend. She is one of the twins from the Legend, a twin who has three lines of script tattooed on the back of her head, half of a powerful verse that once saved the Archipelago from the Shadowmen. Half of a verse, one of two twins …suddenly Nyssa understands the visions she has seen for years. She has been seeing the life of her twin, Kit, who was captured by Alaric long ago and forced into slavery. Determined to save him, Nyssa will do anything to get to Thira with or without Marius’s help. And she just might save the Archipelago from Alaric and the Shadowmen too, if she can avoid capture and death along the way.
Arbuthnott has written a realistic fantasy/adventure novel with an artistic, literary prose. Though a fast read, there are still challenging concepts lightly and thoughtfully touched upon. Who tells history? And what is the power of history over legend? Is there a difference? Fans of the Hunger Games, Wings, and Incarceron will find similar styles of intrigue, surprise, and cliff hanging chapter endings that make this 400+ page book seem like the shortest and most thrilling adventure to read.
The ship is of the Shadowmen and their leader, Alaric from Thira, the old powerful capital of the Archipelago. Alaric and his Shadowmen are known to have taken over the islands of the Archipelago years ago and killed off people from the clan known as The Keepers. The Keepers seemed magical in the vast amount of knowledge they passed on from one Keeper to the next. No one believes they exist except in Legend. All except Marius and William, who show Nyssa their matching crane tattoos and tell her she too is a Keeper and that the Shadowmen are looking for her!
Marius takes her away from the Drowned Boy bar and on the run to escape notice and capture by the Shadowmen. Nyssa’s past and the secrets of her tattoo begin to reveal themselves. She slowly begins to piece together her life in connection with the Keeper’s Legend. She is one of the twins from the Legend, a twin who has three lines of script tattooed on the back of her head, half of a powerful verse that once saved the Archipelago from the Shadowmen. Half of a verse, one of two twins …suddenly Nyssa understands the visions she has seen for years. She has been seeing the life of her twin, Kit, who was captured by Alaric long ago and forced into slavery. Determined to save him, Nyssa will do anything to get to Thira with or without Marius’s help. And she just might save the Archipelago from Alaric and the Shadowmen too, if she can avoid capture and death along the way.
Arbuthnott has written a realistic fantasy/adventure novel with an artistic, literary prose. Though a fast read, there are still challenging concepts lightly and thoughtfully touched upon. Who tells history? And what is the power of history over legend? Is there a difference? Fans of the Hunger Games, Wings, and Incarceron will find similar styles of intrigue, surprise, and cliff hanging chapter endings that make this 400+ page book seem like the shortest and most thrilling adventure to read.
October 21, 2010
I was looking forward to this book so I sort of had high expectations but it delivered. Maybe not the awww mind-blowing kind of delivery I was hoping for but still.
The story starts (after the prologue) with Nyssa being a young woman having a relatively normal life except for the fact that she is an orphan. She doesn't know her life is in danger. She doesn't know that a power crazed man named Alaric wants to find her and use the words tattooed on the back of her head. She doesn't know she had a twin brother. She doesn't know she is part of an ancient clan that she had always believed was a legend nothing more. Now she must run away with her uncle from everything she's known-or thought she knew-save her life and possibly more.
This is fantasy, however it doesn't have a map. Which is small thing but seriously, no map?
I liked that Nyssa wasn't given a love interest just for the sake of making things more dramatic. Nyssa is a good protagonist. She is smart and assertive. The point of view changes between a few character but it's mostly Nyssa.
One thing that I liked throughout the book was the group always staying together. At first it's only Nyssa and her uncle but eventually two more members are included later in their hiding escapade. It was nice to see that they were so caring towards one another even though they don't say all these mushy lines. They stuck together through the thick and thin however tempting it was to leave.
The story starts (after the prologue) with Nyssa being a young woman having a relatively normal life except for the fact that she is an orphan. She doesn't know her life is in danger. She doesn't know that a power crazed man named Alaric wants to find her and use the words tattooed on the back of her head. She doesn't know she had a twin brother. She doesn't know she is part of an ancient clan that she had always believed was a legend nothing more. Now she must run away with her uncle from everything she's known-or thought she knew-save her life and possibly more.
This is fantasy, however it doesn't have a map. Which is small thing but seriously, no map?
I liked that Nyssa wasn't given a love interest just for the sake of making things more dramatic. Nyssa is a good protagonist. She is smart and assertive. The point of view changes between a few character but it's mostly Nyssa.
One thing that I liked throughout the book was the group always staying together. At first it's only Nyssa and her uncle but eventually two more members are included later in their hiding escapade. It was nice to see that they were so caring towards one another even though they don't say all these mushy lines. They stuck together through the thick and thin however tempting it was to leave.
June 5, 2024
Some of the themes in this book went right over my innocent head back in the day 🫥 Thoroughly enjoyed re-reading it, though, thanks Seb!
November 4, 2012
Reviewed by Erikka Adams aka "The Bookbinder" for TeensReadToo.com
Nyssa lives a life like any other teenage orphan in the Archipelago - she works slugging beers and cooking for her room and board. She tries to imagine what her past could be and also to understand the many strange dreams she has had since she was a child. Nothing and no one is left to tell her, except for one piece of history - the small crane tattooed on her upper forearm. One day while at the docks, a dark, foreboding ship is seen sailing into the harbor. Nyssa thinks nothing of it until that night, when a man named Marius, a familiar regular at her bar, ushers her and the barkeep aside, and her life forever changes.
The ship is of the Shadowmen and their leader, Alaric from Thira, the old, powerful capital of the Archipelago. Alaric and his Shadowmen are known to have taken over the islands of the Archipelago years ago and killed off people from the clan known as The Keepers. The Keepers seemed magical in the vast amount of knowledge they passed on from one Keeper to the next. No one believes they exist except in Legend. All except Marius and William, who show Nyssa their matching crane tattoos and tell her she, too, is a Keeper - and that the Shadowmen are looking for her!
Marius takes her away from the Drowned Boy bar and on the run to escape notice and capture by the Shadowmen. Nyssa's past and the secrets of her tattoo begin to reveal themselves. She slowly begins to piece together her life in connection with the Keeper's Legend. She is one of the twins from the Legend, a twin who has three lines of script tattooed on the back of her head, half of a powerful verse that once saved the Archipelago from the Shadowmen. Half of a verse, one of two twins ...suddenly Nyssa understands the visions she has seen for years. She has been seeing the life of her twin, Kit, who was captured by Alaric long ago and forced into slavery. Determined to save him, Nyssa will do anything to get to Thira with or without Marius's help. And she just might save the Archipelago from Alaric and the Shadowmen, too, if she can avoid capture and death along the way.
Arbuthnott has written a realistic fantasy/adventure novel with an artistic, literary prose. Though a fast read, there are still challenging concepts lightly and thoughtfully touched upon. Who tells history? And what is the power of history over legend? Is there a difference?
Fans of THE HUNGER GAMES, WINGS, AND INCARCERON will find similar styles of intrigue, surprise, and cliff-hanging chapter endings that make this 400+ page book seem like the shortest and most thrilling adventure to read.
Nyssa lives a life like any other teenage orphan in the Archipelago - she works slugging beers and cooking for her room and board. She tries to imagine what her past could be and also to understand the many strange dreams she has had since she was a child. Nothing and no one is left to tell her, except for one piece of history - the small crane tattooed on her upper forearm. One day while at the docks, a dark, foreboding ship is seen sailing into the harbor. Nyssa thinks nothing of it until that night, when a man named Marius, a familiar regular at her bar, ushers her and the barkeep aside, and her life forever changes.
The ship is of the Shadowmen and their leader, Alaric from Thira, the old, powerful capital of the Archipelago. Alaric and his Shadowmen are known to have taken over the islands of the Archipelago years ago and killed off people from the clan known as The Keepers. The Keepers seemed magical in the vast amount of knowledge they passed on from one Keeper to the next. No one believes they exist except in Legend. All except Marius and William, who show Nyssa their matching crane tattoos and tell her she, too, is a Keeper - and that the Shadowmen are looking for her!
Marius takes her away from the Drowned Boy bar and on the run to escape notice and capture by the Shadowmen. Nyssa's past and the secrets of her tattoo begin to reveal themselves. She slowly begins to piece together her life in connection with the Keeper's Legend. She is one of the twins from the Legend, a twin who has three lines of script tattooed on the back of her head, half of a powerful verse that once saved the Archipelago from the Shadowmen. Half of a verse, one of two twins ...suddenly Nyssa understands the visions she has seen for years. She has been seeing the life of her twin, Kit, who was captured by Alaric long ago and forced into slavery. Determined to save him, Nyssa will do anything to get to Thira with or without Marius's help. And she just might save the Archipelago from Alaric and the Shadowmen, too, if she can avoid capture and death along the way.
Arbuthnott has written a realistic fantasy/adventure novel with an artistic, literary prose. Though a fast read, there are still challenging concepts lightly and thoughtfully touched upon. Who tells history? And what is the power of history over legend? Is there a difference?
Fans of THE HUNGER GAMES, WINGS, AND INCARCERON will find similar styles of intrigue, surprise, and cliff-hanging chapter endings that make this 400+ page book seem like the shortest and most thrilling adventure to read.
December 8, 2011
This was pretty typical ya fantasy fare, a random library shelf selection. It was entertaining enough, but nothing spectacular.
October 28, 2020
One of my favorite books since 7th grade, read it multiple times the journey just pulls you inside.
March 20, 2021
What a sweet and adventurous story! I loved these characters, and the telling of their tale had me on the edge of my sweet. Simple yet beautiful.
January 18, 2018
Eh. Arbuthnott has an enjoyable style and the characters were fun (even memorable), but the story wasn't incredible. It always felt like little details that she introduced were going to be important, but they consistently seemed to come to nothing. The villain was flat. I guess I'd say it was entertaining enough to read all the way through but not enough to read a second time.
September 30, 2017
A. fantasy, YA, adventure, siblings
July 20, 2017
awesome
September 27, 2018
A little slow to start and the storyline has a few issues, but I will certainly be reading the next one (if there is a next one) because the overall content was excellent.
October 5, 2020
This was a good book. Good story+characters.
March 26, 2022
Sorry not for me, moves too slowly for me
April 3, 2023
One of my favourite books, need to reread it again!
March 26, 2024
Really disappointed with the ending chapters. So much build up and great writing to end with what I feel was a half assed ended, like three ran out of time writing the book.
August 15, 2011
Mit meinen eigenen Worten:
Nyssa lebt eigentlich ein ganz normales Leben, abgesehen davon, dass sie keine Erinnerungen an ihre Vergangenheit hatte, als William und seine Frau Oonagh sie vor ihrer Kneipe dem Drowned Boy gefunden hatten.
Bis die mysteriösen Schattenmänner in ihrer ruhigen Heimatstadt auftauchten und sich einige komische Dinge herausstellten. Ein guter Freund der dem Mädchen immer mit aufdringlichen Kneipengästen geholfen hat namens Marius, stellt sich außerdem als ihr Onkel vor.
Er und William stellen klar, dass die drei in großer Gefahr sind. Nyssa wird von dem weißen Wolf gesucht, da sie besondere Worte auf ihren Hinterkopf tätowiert hat, die dem grausamen Herrscher schaden könnten. Können Marius und Nyssa Alaric entkommen? Oder werden sie ihn rächen können? Bald stellt sich auch heraus, dass jemand in seiner Gewalt ist, dem Nyssa sehr nahe ist...
Das Urteil:
An dem Schreibstil hat mich definitiv die Oberflächligkeit gestört. Ich hätte mich über einige mehr gefühlsvolle (nicht mal längere) Beschreibungen gefreut, die den Roman etwas mitreißender gemacht hätten. Leider konnte ich mich nicht gut in die Charaktere hineinversetzen, hinzu kommt auch noch, dass mich selber die traurigsten Szenen (mit wirklich tollem Potenial) nie wirklich gerührt haben.
In dem Buch wird von der Legende der Hüter erzählt. Wenn ich die Legende richtig verstanden habe, fand ich sie wirklich interessant. Nur kam es mir manchmal ziemlich verwirrend vor, da ich auch mehrmals das Gefühl hatte, dass die Autorin sich ein paar mal verschrieben hat (wenn sie zum Beispiel am Anfang sagt, der Baum ist groß und am Ende der Baum ist klein). Dafür habe ich leider keine konkreten Beweise, da ich das nur vom Gedächtnis her sagen konnte. Natürlich könnte es auch daran liegen, dass mich die Legende stellenweise so durcheinander gebracht hat.
Wenn man von den beiden Kritikpunkten absieht, habe ich den Schreibstil in Tochter der Hüter eigentlich gemocht. Er ist einfach und benutzt nicht viele Sachen, die ihn orginell machen würden, aber wer wie ich eher auf die nichtpoetischen Schreibstile steht, wird an diesem bestimmt nichts aussetzen können. Man kommt außerdem relativ schnell vorran.
Die Geschichte ansich und die Suche nach Nyssas Bruder Kit waren eigentlich sehr interessant. Aber durch die Oberflächlichkeit des Schreibstiles fehlt mir da einfach der Bezug. Ja, man kann sich in die Charaktere hineinversetzen, muss sich aber vieles "selber" denken. Viel Gefühl gibt es in dem Buch leider nicht.
Für mich ist in dem Buch die Spannung etwas zu kurz gekommen. Mir als Leser war immer irgendwie klar, wer wer ist und wie es am Ende ausgehen wird. Die Schattenmänner sind sehr interessant gewesen, die Verfolgungsjagden haben mir aber hat mir der Kitzel gefehlt.
Ich komme noch einmal auf die Legende zurück.
Die Idee der Hüter hat mir wirklich gut gefallen. Die Hüter suchten früher nach Informationen und häuften ihr Wissen an. Sie fanden zum Beispiel Möglichkeiten, Bücher zu drucken, Wasserleitungen zu legen und so weiter. Bei den Menschen waren sie dadurch besonders beliebt, da sie ihr Wissen mit den einfachen Leuten teilten und so ihnen stellenweise den Alltag natürlich wirklich leichter machten.
Eine Sache, die ich aber nicht verstand, war, wieso Alaric hinter ihnen her war. Die Hüter hatten keine magischen Fähigkeiten die den weißen Wolf irgendwie schaden konnten.
Wieso er hinter Nyssa und ihrem Bruder her war, verstehe ich natürlich. Die Hüter wurden eines Tages von den Schattenmännern (den Leuten von Alaric) heimgesucht und terrorisiert. Als die Situation eskalierte, sagten sie eine Art Vers auf, die die Erdgötter heraufbeschwörte. Und die Zwillinge haben die Worte auf ihren Hinterkopf tätowiert, von dennen sich der Herrscher so bedroht fühlt.
Auch bei den Charakteren hätte ich mir ein bisschen mehr Tiefe gewünscht. Hier gilt wieder: Die Charaktere sind eigentlich interessant, hätten aber noch viel interessanter sein müssen.
Mein Fazit: Tochter der Hüter von Gill Arbuthnott ist ein guter Roman für zwischendurch. Er bietet ein schönes Abendteuer, von dem man, um nicht enttäuscht zu werden, aber nicht zuviel erwarten sollte.
Nyssa lebt eigentlich ein ganz normales Leben, abgesehen davon, dass sie keine Erinnerungen an ihre Vergangenheit hatte, als William und seine Frau Oonagh sie vor ihrer Kneipe dem Drowned Boy gefunden hatten.
Bis die mysteriösen Schattenmänner in ihrer ruhigen Heimatstadt auftauchten und sich einige komische Dinge herausstellten. Ein guter Freund der dem Mädchen immer mit aufdringlichen Kneipengästen geholfen hat namens Marius, stellt sich außerdem als ihr Onkel vor.
Er und William stellen klar, dass die drei in großer Gefahr sind. Nyssa wird von dem weißen Wolf gesucht, da sie besondere Worte auf ihren Hinterkopf tätowiert hat, die dem grausamen Herrscher schaden könnten. Können Marius und Nyssa Alaric entkommen? Oder werden sie ihn rächen können? Bald stellt sich auch heraus, dass jemand in seiner Gewalt ist, dem Nyssa sehr nahe ist...
Das Urteil:
An dem Schreibstil hat mich definitiv die Oberflächligkeit gestört. Ich hätte mich über einige mehr gefühlsvolle (nicht mal längere) Beschreibungen gefreut, die den Roman etwas mitreißender gemacht hätten. Leider konnte ich mich nicht gut in die Charaktere hineinversetzen, hinzu kommt auch noch, dass mich selber die traurigsten Szenen (mit wirklich tollem Potenial) nie wirklich gerührt haben.
In dem Buch wird von der Legende der Hüter erzählt. Wenn ich die Legende richtig verstanden habe, fand ich sie wirklich interessant. Nur kam es mir manchmal ziemlich verwirrend vor, da ich auch mehrmals das Gefühl hatte, dass die Autorin sich ein paar mal verschrieben hat (wenn sie zum Beispiel am Anfang sagt, der Baum ist groß und am Ende der Baum ist klein). Dafür habe ich leider keine konkreten Beweise, da ich das nur vom Gedächtnis her sagen konnte. Natürlich könnte es auch daran liegen, dass mich die Legende stellenweise so durcheinander gebracht hat.
Wenn man von den beiden Kritikpunkten absieht, habe ich den Schreibstil in Tochter der Hüter eigentlich gemocht. Er ist einfach und benutzt nicht viele Sachen, die ihn orginell machen würden, aber wer wie ich eher auf die nichtpoetischen Schreibstile steht, wird an diesem bestimmt nichts aussetzen können. Man kommt außerdem relativ schnell vorran.
Die Geschichte ansich und die Suche nach Nyssas Bruder Kit waren eigentlich sehr interessant. Aber durch die Oberflächlichkeit des Schreibstiles fehlt mir da einfach der Bezug. Ja, man kann sich in die Charaktere hineinversetzen, muss sich aber vieles "selber" denken. Viel Gefühl gibt es in dem Buch leider nicht.
Für mich ist in dem Buch die Spannung etwas zu kurz gekommen. Mir als Leser war immer irgendwie klar, wer wer ist und wie es am Ende ausgehen wird. Die Schattenmänner sind sehr interessant gewesen, die Verfolgungsjagden haben mir aber hat mir der Kitzel gefehlt.
Ich komme noch einmal auf die Legende zurück.
Die Idee der Hüter hat mir wirklich gut gefallen. Die Hüter suchten früher nach Informationen und häuften ihr Wissen an. Sie fanden zum Beispiel Möglichkeiten, Bücher zu drucken, Wasserleitungen zu legen und so weiter. Bei den Menschen waren sie dadurch besonders beliebt, da sie ihr Wissen mit den einfachen Leuten teilten und so ihnen stellenweise den Alltag natürlich wirklich leichter machten.
Eine Sache, die ich aber nicht verstand, war, wieso Alaric hinter ihnen her war. Die Hüter hatten keine magischen Fähigkeiten die den weißen Wolf irgendwie schaden konnten.
Wieso er hinter Nyssa und ihrem Bruder her war, verstehe ich natürlich. Die Hüter wurden eines Tages von den Schattenmännern (den Leuten von Alaric) heimgesucht und terrorisiert. Als die Situation eskalierte, sagten sie eine Art Vers auf, die die Erdgötter heraufbeschwörte. Und die Zwillinge haben die Worte auf ihren Hinterkopf tätowiert, von dennen sich der Herrscher so bedroht fühlt.
Auch bei den Charakteren hätte ich mir ein bisschen mehr Tiefe gewünscht. Hier gilt wieder: Die Charaktere sind eigentlich interessant, hätten aber noch viel interessanter sein müssen.
Mein Fazit: Tochter der Hüter von Gill Arbuthnott ist ein guter Roman für zwischendurch. Er bietet ein schönes Abendteuer, von dem man, um nicht enttäuscht zu werden, aber nicht zuviel erwarten sollte.
June 9, 2010
The Keepers' Tattoo, previously published as The Keepers' Daughter in the U.K., is a young adult high fantasy with historical overtones. While it is set in an imaginary world, the story revolves around the earthquake-ruined city of Thira and the highly advanced "Keepers" who once lived there. Gill Arbuthnott is clearly drawing on the real-life Thera and the mysterious Minoan culture that may have inspired the legends of Atlantis. I've long been fascinated by all things Minoan, and so I loved this aspect of the novel.
As The Keepers' Tattoo begins, young Nyssa is living an ordinary existence as a cook in her adoptive father's tavern. Then, the Shadowmen — sinister henchmen of the tyrant Alaric — arrive in her small town, and Nyssa is quickly hustled away by Marius, an uncle she never knew she had. Marius tells Nyssa that she is being hunted for a tattoo she bears on the back of her head, which makes up half of a powerful spell. The other half was tattooed on her dead twin brother, Kit.
Nyssa and Marius seek only safety at first, but when Nyssa learns that her brother is in fact alive and a prisoner in Alaric's palace, their flight becomes a quest to rescue him. They are joined by Nyssa's friend Aria, a lady of the evening. (Note to Worried Parents: Aria's profession is very subtly drawn and never practiced "onscreen.") It will be nearly impossible to spirit Kit away from Alaric, and if they succeed, they will be fugitives again, hunted at every turn.
The characters remain a little distant throughout, and the prose is a mixed bag. Sometimes it's workmanlike and plagued by frequent head-hopping. Sometimes it's haunting, especially in its descriptions of Thira:
It was smaller than Nyssa had expected, but then half of it was in the sea. It seemed to melt into the water. The tide was out, exposing weed-swagged columns and fragments of walls, roofs of faded terra-cotta with gaping holes like open mouths, the remains of houses, shops, temples — all sorts of buildings.
A broad slipway of dressed stone, fraying now at the edges, led down into the blue water. As she looked at it, Nyssa realized it must have once been a processional way, leading down to a great temple whose column caps and shattered roof she could just glimpse breaking the waves, the farthest out of any of the visible drowned buildings.
Everywhere there were remnants of the great city that Thira had once been, but now it was a shadow and a memory: a ghost of its past.
The Keepers' Tattoo is a long novel, and drags a little in places. There are several factors at work here. One is, I'll admit, a personal issue of mine. I've never been much for a particular plot structure common in quest fantasy. This is the plot structure where characters travel to a town, escape some kind of danger there, travel to the next town, escape danger there, and so on. I know there are readers who like it, but it always starts feeling like D&D to me. Then there are the Alaric chapters. Many of these could have been shortened or removed without losing much from the plot. Mostly they tell us things we already know. The main narrative will tell or imply something, then we cut to Alaric sitting in his lair thinking about the same thing. I can't speak for young adult readers, but to an adult reader these scenes feel a little like padding and a little like spoon-feeding.
However, The Keepers' Tattoo is admirable for its vivid setting and complex history, and unusual in that it's self-contained (no sequel bait here) and not focused on romance. In fact, Nyssa doesn't even have a romance. (There is an understated romance between two other characters.) Depending on your tastes, this may be a good thing or a bad thing, but it's definitely a different thing. This is not a book that will spark any "Team This Guy" vs. "Team That Guy" wars!
As The Keepers' Tattoo begins, young Nyssa is living an ordinary existence as a cook in her adoptive father's tavern. Then, the Shadowmen — sinister henchmen of the tyrant Alaric — arrive in her small town, and Nyssa is quickly hustled away by Marius, an uncle she never knew she had. Marius tells Nyssa that she is being hunted for a tattoo she bears on the back of her head, which makes up half of a powerful spell. The other half was tattooed on her dead twin brother, Kit.
Nyssa and Marius seek only safety at first, but when Nyssa learns that her brother is in fact alive and a prisoner in Alaric's palace, their flight becomes a quest to rescue him. They are joined by Nyssa's friend Aria, a lady of the evening. (Note to Worried Parents: Aria's profession is very subtly drawn and never practiced "onscreen.") It will be nearly impossible to spirit Kit away from Alaric, and if they succeed, they will be fugitives again, hunted at every turn.
The characters remain a little distant throughout, and the prose is a mixed bag. Sometimes it's workmanlike and plagued by frequent head-hopping. Sometimes it's haunting, especially in its descriptions of Thira:
It was smaller than Nyssa had expected, but then half of it was in the sea. It seemed to melt into the water. The tide was out, exposing weed-swagged columns and fragments of walls, roofs of faded terra-cotta with gaping holes like open mouths, the remains of houses, shops, temples — all sorts of buildings.
A broad slipway of dressed stone, fraying now at the edges, led down into the blue water. As she looked at it, Nyssa realized it must have once been a processional way, leading down to a great temple whose column caps and shattered roof she could just glimpse breaking the waves, the farthest out of any of the visible drowned buildings.
Everywhere there were remnants of the great city that Thira had once been, but now it was a shadow and a memory: a ghost of its past.
The Keepers' Tattoo is a long novel, and drags a little in places. There are several factors at work here. One is, I'll admit, a personal issue of mine. I've never been much for a particular plot structure common in quest fantasy. This is the plot structure where characters travel to a town, escape some kind of danger there, travel to the next town, escape danger there, and so on. I know there are readers who like it, but it always starts feeling like D&D to me. Then there are the Alaric chapters. Many of these could have been shortened or removed without losing much from the plot. Mostly they tell us things we already know. The main narrative will tell or imply something, then we cut to Alaric sitting in his lair thinking about the same thing. I can't speak for young adult readers, but to an adult reader these scenes feel a little like padding and a little like spoon-feeding.
However, The Keepers' Tattoo is admirable for its vivid setting and complex history, and unusual in that it's self-contained (no sequel bait here) and not focused on romance. In fact, Nyssa doesn't even have a romance. (There is an understated romance between two other characters.) Depending on your tastes, this may be a good thing or a bad thing, but it's definitely a different thing. This is not a book that will spark any "Team This Guy" vs. "Team That Guy" wars!
March 5, 2017
This was soo good! I Loved Nyssa and Kit from the very beginning and couldn't wait till I could get back to reading this. It was an intressting story that kept me going throughout, even if there was the odd part that slowed down or didn't make sense to me, until a bit later. I also would have loved to have seen more interaction between Nyssa and The white wolf but alas, as it was it was a thoroughly enjoyable book.
March 2, 2011
The Keepers Tattoo Chicken House, 2009, 425pp., $17.99
Gill Arbuthnott ISBN 978-0-545-17166-3
Many people are curious about their family background and have numerous questions. Was it ever challenging to get those questions answered and by knowing the answers have they led you through confusion, danger, and adventure? For Nyssa, definitely. In this fantasy book The Keepers Tattoo by Gill Arbuthnott, Nyssa, the main character, was found when she was young and alone playing outside in a courtyard near a tavern called The Drowned Boy, she was taken in by people who owned the tavern. As Nyssa grew older she kept thinking of countless questions to ask about her past and why they were unanswered. But when Shadowmen, who are guardians of the White Wolf who ruled the Archipelago, came to her town, Marius, a regular at the tavern, told her he was her uncle. They had to run away because the Shadowmen were seeking her because of foreign writing on the back of her head, which the White Wolf thinks will give him more power. As Nyssa and her Uncle Marius escape, she manages to get some answers and step by step she pieces together her life before The Drowned Boy.
When I was reading this book I felt so involved, I found myself guessing about Nyssa's past throughout the book. Gill Arbuthnott's writing is memorable and educated. “The drivers flicked their reins onto the haunches of the horses, the chamiels lurched to their feet, their loads swaying alarmingly, and they were on their way.” Nyssa became stronger and in more control of her life by the end of the book because she knew more about herself. The names of the characters were original and creative. Just seeing them and reading them triggered my imagination. The end of the book was so powerful that it made me forgive the slow pace in the beginning. It answered all the questions that had been building up inside of Nyssa's head and mine from the beginning.
The age I recommend this book for is around eleven to thirteen or grades 6th to 8th . This book is a timeless book; the story can be passed on generation after generation and never get old. If you like having to uncover the mystery of main characters you're reading about I suggest you give it a try.
-Maude Ceruso
Gill Arbuthnott ISBN 978-0-545-17166-3
Many people are curious about their family background and have numerous questions. Was it ever challenging to get those questions answered and by knowing the answers have they led you through confusion, danger, and adventure? For Nyssa, definitely. In this fantasy book The Keepers Tattoo by Gill Arbuthnott, Nyssa, the main character, was found when she was young and alone playing outside in a courtyard near a tavern called The Drowned Boy, she was taken in by people who owned the tavern. As Nyssa grew older she kept thinking of countless questions to ask about her past and why they were unanswered. But when Shadowmen, who are guardians of the White Wolf who ruled the Archipelago, came to her town, Marius, a regular at the tavern, told her he was her uncle. They had to run away because the Shadowmen were seeking her because of foreign writing on the back of her head, which the White Wolf thinks will give him more power. As Nyssa and her Uncle Marius escape, she manages to get some answers and step by step she pieces together her life before The Drowned Boy.
When I was reading this book I felt so involved, I found myself guessing about Nyssa's past throughout the book. Gill Arbuthnott's writing is memorable and educated. “The drivers flicked their reins onto the haunches of the horses, the chamiels lurched to their feet, their loads swaying alarmingly, and they were on their way.” Nyssa became stronger and in more control of her life by the end of the book because she knew more about herself. The names of the characters were original and creative. Just seeing them and reading them triggered my imagination. The end of the book was so powerful that it made me forgive the slow pace in the beginning. It answered all the questions that had been building up inside of Nyssa's head and mine from the beginning.
The age I recommend this book for is around eleven to thirteen or grades 6th to 8th . This book is a timeless book; the story can be passed on generation after generation and never get old. If you like having to uncover the mystery of main characters you're reading about I suggest you give it a try.
-Maude Ceruso
March 3, 2011
Overall, I think The Keepers' Tattoo is an enjoyable read. The book has an exciting beginning- Nyssa is torn from her comfortable but monotonous life as the adopted daughter of an inn keeper in a small village, and must go on the run with a man she has just discovered is actually her uncle. Alaric, the tyrannical ruler of the Archipelago has his Shadowmen after her, and if he finds her it won't be just her own life at stake but the fate of all the islands. We discover right from the beginning that Nyssa is no damsel in distress- she is a strong, stubborn young woman who does not let her emotions get the best of her. She is also fiercely loyal to her family and friends. I admired these characteristics in Nyssa and enjoyed reading about an independent and non-stereotypical female main character. Additionally, there are many other women in positions of power in the novel (other than evil tyrant Alaric) such as the Priestesses of Rushiadh and village matriarch Bethoc.
Nyssa's long lost twin brother, Kit, is another interesting character. After living a life of torment and abuse at the hands of Alaric, he is emotionally and physically scarred as well as selectively mute. He uses self-mutilation to cope with the horrors of his past. It was a switch to see a male character as the vulnerable one in need of rescue and protection. I appreciated that although he was hurting and haunted, he was never portrayed as weak and he experienced a lot of growth over the course of the book as he learned to trust people again and even eventually love and nurture his family.
I liked the backstory and mythology of the Keepers. I also liked the island setting and the unique details such as the prevalence of tattoos as family markings etc.
There were a couple of drawbacks to the book that kept me from giving it a higher rating. The point of view seemed to mainly focus on Nyssa, but she often felt distant. While I admired Nyssa, I never felt quite connected to her. Along the same lines, sometimes the perspective would change from one character to another within a chapter, which was confusing at times. The other aspect of the book that was a bit disappointing to me was that the climax was somewhat anti-climactic.
I would recommend this book to readers looking for strong female characters and adventure in a unique setting. I think it would pair well with Esther Friesner's Nobody's Princess and Nobody's Prize.
Nyssa's long lost twin brother, Kit, is another interesting character. After living a life of torment and abuse at the hands of Alaric, he is emotionally and physically scarred as well as selectively mute. He uses self-mutilation to cope with the horrors of his past. It was a switch to see a male character as the vulnerable one in need of rescue and protection. I appreciated that although he was hurting and haunted, he was never portrayed as weak and he experienced a lot of growth over the course of the book as he learned to trust people again and even eventually love and nurture his family.
I liked the backstory and mythology of the Keepers. I also liked the island setting and the unique details such as the prevalence of tattoos as family markings etc.
There were a couple of drawbacks to the book that kept me from giving it a higher rating. The point of view seemed to mainly focus on Nyssa, but she often felt distant. While I admired Nyssa, I never felt quite connected to her. Along the same lines, sometimes the perspective would change from one character to another within a chapter, which was confusing at times. The other aspect of the book that was a bit disappointing to me was that the climax was somewhat anti-climactic.
I would recommend this book to readers looking for strong female characters and adventure in a unique setting. I think it would pair well with Esther Friesner's Nobody's Princess and Nobody's Prize.
October 15, 2014
I grabbed this book in hopes and a great fantasy novel. I liked it, but I was not blown away. Nyssa is a young teenager and works at the Drowned Boy Inn as a cook. She was orphaned and knows nothing of her family or past, except she has a tattoo of a crane and part of a broken flute. One day she is told her life is in danger and that she needs to leave immediately. Things happen rather quickly and Nyssa finds herself on an adventure with her long lost uncle, Marius. She learns the tattoo means she is a Keeper, and that she is hunted by the Shadowmen. An evil tyrant Alaric, also known as the White Wolf, is searching for her. He has kidnapped a boy named Kit, a twin Nyssa never knew she had! Each twin has half a "spell" tattooed on their heads. He needs them both to complete his mission. Nyssa learns her family history pretty early on in the book which opens the door for the plot of the story.
Along the way Nyssa meets up with an old friend, Aria, whose profession is one of survival. Readers realize she is a "lady of the night," but it is not detailed. She is also a performer, with a talent for singing. Aria joins Marius and Nyssa, but not knowing the details behind their mission. They head to the island of Thira in attempts to rescue Kit.
I enjoyed this book, being a fan of fantasy novels and other worlds. I did feel parts of the story dragged on a bit, but found the quick chapters of Alaric to be interesting. Nyssa was a strong character. She used her head and was a survivor. I found it interesting the way she helped Kit come into his own. He had lost so much of his childhood, and he was in many ways so much younger than Nyssa. She was patient with him and kind. Marius was a good character as well. I liked the conflict between him and Aria. Aria was actually my favorite character. She was not proud of how she made her living, but in more than one occasion she proved she actually learned a thing or two about acting and giving people the show they wanted. It was all very tastefully done as well.
I almost gave this book 4 stars, but not quite. I think parts dragged on, but overall I enjoyed the journey!
Along the way Nyssa meets up with an old friend, Aria, whose profession is one of survival. Readers realize she is a "lady of the night," but it is not detailed. She is also a performer, with a talent for singing. Aria joins Marius and Nyssa, but not knowing the details behind their mission. They head to the island of Thira in attempts to rescue Kit.
I enjoyed this book, being a fan of fantasy novels and other worlds. I did feel parts of the story dragged on a bit, but found the quick chapters of Alaric to be interesting. Nyssa was a strong character. She used her head and was a survivor. I found it interesting the way she helped Kit come into his own. He had lost so much of his childhood, and he was in many ways so much younger than Nyssa. She was patient with him and kind. Marius was a good character as well. I liked the conflict between him and Aria. Aria was actually my favorite character. She was not proud of how she made her living, but in more than one occasion she proved she actually learned a thing or two about acting and giving people the show they wanted. It was all very tastefully done as well.
I almost gave this book 4 stars, but not quite. I think parts dragged on, but overall I enjoyed the journey!
May 5, 2013
3.5 stars
Although The Keeper's Daughter didn't exactly blow me away, it did have a rather entertaining storyline and interesting plot. I saw this novel as having a mostly historical fiction feel with a hint of fantasy. The story follows Nyssa; a fifteen year old orphan who works in an inn and has a strange tattoo that marks her as a 'Keeper'. She does not know what the symbol means, only that she has a twin who she has never met. When the Shadowhunters come looking in the village for people like her, she goes on the run with her uncle Marius and old friend Aria. Before long, thy do find Nyssa's brother Kit - but will they be able to escape the formidable White Wolf?
There is no help
against the Shadow
that destroys the Light
but what courage
you find within
your own heart.
*MINI REVIEW*
What I liked
- Different perspectives
Throughout the duration of the novel, we as the reader were able to take a glimpse into each character's minds and thinking. This made for solid character development and kept the story interesting. Sometimes, it was a little confusing as there was not indication in the change of perspective, but overall this was a positive element of the story.
What I didn't like
- It was a bit slow
It did take me a while to finish this book, because it did seem to drag on a little in places. This is certainly not to say that the entire story was like this; just mainly in the middle.
*CONCLUSION*
In conclusion, I did enjoy The Keeper's Daughter by Gill Arbuthnott. Although lagging in some areas, fans of historical mystery and fantasy should find it a satisfying read. In terms of reading more of this author's novels; I would definitely like to give them a try.
Although The Keeper's Daughter didn't exactly blow me away, it did have a rather entertaining storyline and interesting plot. I saw this novel as having a mostly historical fiction feel with a hint of fantasy. The story follows Nyssa; a fifteen year old orphan who works in an inn and has a strange tattoo that marks her as a 'Keeper'. She does not know what the symbol means, only that she has a twin who she has never met. When the Shadowhunters come looking in the village for people like her, she goes on the run with her uncle Marius and old friend Aria. Before long, thy do find Nyssa's brother Kit - but will they be able to escape the formidable White Wolf?
There is no help
against the Shadow
that destroys the Light
but what courage
you find within
your own heart.
*MINI REVIEW*
What I liked
- Different perspectives
Throughout the duration of the novel, we as the reader were able to take a glimpse into each character's minds and thinking. This made for solid character development and kept the story interesting. Sometimes, it was a little confusing as there was not indication in the change of perspective, but overall this was a positive element of the story.
What I didn't like
- It was a bit slow
It did take me a while to finish this book, because it did seem to drag on a little in places. This is certainly not to say that the entire story was like this; just mainly in the middle.
*CONCLUSION*
In conclusion, I did enjoy The Keeper's Daughter by Gill Arbuthnott. Although lagging in some areas, fans of historical mystery and fantasy should find it a satisfying read. In terms of reading more of this author's novels; I would definitely like to give them a try.
May 22, 2010
The Keeper’s Daughter is a brilliant fantasy full of secrets, intrigue and murder.
What I loved most about this novel is the legend of the Keepers. The story of a supposedly dangerous, secret society that has been pushed into myth but has maintained suspicions for years has a classical feel; Ancient Greek, I’d say. And I love classical history. The magic, the myths, the stories! Our world is so boring compared to them.
The old-world atmosphere I supported by the extraordinary library in Rushiadh. It reminds me a lot of the Library of Alexandria with it’s underground vaults filled with ancient scrolls and it’s priestesses guarding centuries old secrets. As creepy as Gill Arbuthnott made it sound, I’d really like to have a look around. Oh, and men aren’t allowed in without express permission. That really made me laugh.
As with lots of fantasy novels, The Keeper’s Daughter centres around a quest. While I’m reading I often wish my life as exciting enough to warrant one, but to be honest, weeks without hot showers, a flushing toilet, central heating and a readily available Tesco’s, I think I’d really rather stay at home. I know, I’d never make it as heroine of a fantasy novel, going on a treacherous journey like Nyssa to rescue sweet, damaged Kit.
A neat, tied-up ending with good triumphing evil and a happy ever after for Nyssa, Kit, Aria and Marius. It’s so refreshing not to end a book on a frustrating cliffhanger where you have to wait a year to end on another cliffhanger. This has recently become a huge pet peeve for me so I’m very grateful Gill Arbuthnott decided against it.
I really enjoyed The Keeper’s Daughter and I’m hoping for a novel about the priestesses of Rushiadh from Gill next!
What I loved most about this novel is the legend of the Keepers. The story of a supposedly dangerous, secret society that has been pushed into myth but has maintained suspicions for years has a classical feel; Ancient Greek, I’d say. And I love classical history. The magic, the myths, the stories! Our world is so boring compared to them.
The old-world atmosphere I supported by the extraordinary library in Rushiadh. It reminds me a lot of the Library of Alexandria with it’s underground vaults filled with ancient scrolls and it’s priestesses guarding centuries old secrets. As creepy as Gill Arbuthnott made it sound, I’d really like to have a look around. Oh, and men aren’t allowed in without express permission. That really made me laugh.
As with lots of fantasy novels, The Keeper’s Daughter centres around a quest. While I’m reading I often wish my life as exciting enough to warrant one, but to be honest, weeks without hot showers, a flushing toilet, central heating and a readily available Tesco’s, I think I’d really rather stay at home. I know, I’d never make it as heroine of a fantasy novel, going on a treacherous journey like Nyssa to rescue sweet, damaged Kit.
A neat, tied-up ending with good triumphing evil and a happy ever after for Nyssa, Kit, Aria and Marius. It’s so refreshing not to end a book on a frustrating cliffhanger where you have to wait a year to end on another cliffhanger. This has recently become a huge pet peeve for me so I’m very grateful Gill Arbuthnott decided against it.
I really enjoyed The Keeper’s Daughter and I’m hoping for a novel about the priestesses of Rushiadh from Gill next!
July 8, 2010
Orphaned and taken in by strangers, Nyssa has never really known the meaning of the crane tattoo on her arm—and how much danger it puts her in. Nyssa soon learns that she is a Keeper, a member of an ancient clan whose knowledge was widespread through the Archipelago. Unfortunately, the tyrant Alaric and his Shadowmen have been hunting her kind for years, and now Nyssa must flee. With the help of another disguised Keeper, Nyssa will embark on an epic adventure. And when she discovers that she may be part of the key to bringing down Alaric’s rule, the stakes are higher than ever. Does Nyssa have the courage and the strength to save her people?
The Keepers’ Tattoo is a wonderful and engaging fantasy. Arbuthnott displays amazing skill for a debut author, particularly in her ability to create characters and weave plot. I was very impressed with Arbuthnott’s writing as a whole. The story has a great many twists and turns, and the characters go back and forth between locations and choices many times; however, it never feels too repetitive, probably because the circumstances and details are always changing. Arbuthnott’s world in The Keepers’ Tattoo will sweep readers away into a fascinating place. Additionally, readers will be able to connect to many of the characters, particularly the heroine Nyssa and her uncle Marius. Arbuthnott has incorporated everything from adventure to magic to the importance of friendship and family and even a tad of romance into this exciting and memorable read, sure to win readers’ hearts.
The Keepers’ Tattoo will be enjoyed by fans of Raiders’ Random by Emily Diamand and Trickster’s Choice and Trickster’s Queen, both by Tamora Pierce.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
The Keepers’ Tattoo is a wonderful and engaging fantasy. Arbuthnott displays amazing skill for a debut author, particularly in her ability to create characters and weave plot. I was very impressed with Arbuthnott’s writing as a whole. The story has a great many twists and turns, and the characters go back and forth between locations and choices many times; however, it never feels too repetitive, probably because the circumstances and details are always changing. Arbuthnott’s world in The Keepers’ Tattoo will sweep readers away into a fascinating place. Additionally, readers will be able to connect to many of the characters, particularly the heroine Nyssa and her uncle Marius. Arbuthnott has incorporated everything from adventure to magic to the importance of friendship and family and even a tad of romance into this exciting and memorable read, sure to win readers’ hearts.
The Keepers’ Tattoo will be enjoyed by fans of Raiders’ Random by Emily Diamand and Trickster’s Choice and Trickster’s Queen, both by Tamora Pierce.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
December 26, 2013
Nyssa was taken in ten years ago as a 5-year-old foundling and knows nothing about her origins. That begins to change when she is told she is in danger and yanked away from her familiar surroundings. As she and her companion(s) flee "the Shadowmen," Nyssa learns about her own past, including a deep and terrible secret that could end the world, and about the man who desires more than anything else to gain that secret for himself.
The Good: This story is high fantasy, set in The Archipelago, which resembles the Greek islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It made a nice change of pace for me from those paranormal romances I've been reading. I enjoyed that the world was reasonably well thought out and populated by colorful characters, and that the story line was about something important which affected more than just the main characters. The writing was good, if not particularly memorable.
The Bad: There was nothing particularly bad about this book, but overall I found it a bit meh. While the characters were likable and the story line moved along all right, divulging more information at regular intervals, I never found myself reading particularly breathlessly. I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but didn't find it compelling when it wasn't open in my hands. In fact, I read two other books while working on this one. This is Arbuthnott's first novel, so I expect she'll get better at pacing and such as she writes more.
Recommended if you like high fantasy and need a change of pace from the current urban fantasy crop. I suspect I'm giving this book a bit of short shrift, so I'd love to see someone else's take on it. I liked it fine; I just didn't love it.
May 6, 2012
This book got better as it progressed, so if you've just started and find it a little cliche and lacking in character, keep reading on. At first I was about ready to ditch it; it started with a birth, the orphaning of the child who subsequently went to live with some foster parents in an inn. Fantasy can't get much more cliche. As well as this, the author seemed hesitant and not very passionate. This changes as the story comes along.
However, as you go along and get pulled into the world of Shadowmen, Keepers, etc. you'll find yourself intrigued. There are one or two plot-holes (there's a ferry which goes off to Thira with no stops, despite there being dozens of islands on the way and not that many passengers going to Thira?) however the characters creep up on you until you want to find out what happens.
I adored Kit and his journey to overcoming his tortured childhood. I also liked the lack of romance in this book... It was present with Aria and Marius, but the protagonist didn't get caught into some sickly sweet romance that distracts from the real story.
I absolutely loved the conclusion - the suggestion that maybe there WAS magic at work, or maybe it was just a large coincedence. It was very well done.
I'm also appreciative at how sensible this author is - there are many YA authors who would've dragged it into a trilogy or something. This book's great because you can be blown away without having to wait for the sequel, by which time you no longer care about the charries. It was succinct and got the action across without filling random things in the middle to tease it out into a series.
3/5!
However, as you go along and get pulled into the world of Shadowmen, Keepers, etc. you'll find yourself intrigued. There are one or two plot-holes (there's a ferry which goes off to Thira with no stops, despite there being dozens of islands on the way and not that many passengers going to Thira?) however the characters creep up on you until you want to find out what happens.
I adored Kit and his journey to overcoming his tortured childhood. I also liked the lack of romance in this book... It was present with Aria and Marius, but the protagonist didn't get caught into some sickly sweet romance that distracts from the real story.
I absolutely loved the conclusion - the suggestion that maybe there WAS magic at work, or maybe it was just a large coincedence. It was very well done.
I'm also appreciative at how sensible this author is - there are many YA authors who would've dragged it into a trilogy or something. This book's great because you can be blown away without having to wait for the sequel, by which time you no longer care about the charries. It was succinct and got the action across without filling random things in the middle to tease it out into a series.
3/5!
January 10, 2016
I don't often get a chance to browse at the library, so I have to take advantage of the rare occasions when I do. I picked up
The Keepers' Tattoo
off the "new release shelf" not having heard a thing about it.
Gill Arbuthnott's The Keepers' Tattoo is basically your typical fantasy fare. Really interesting world. The main character, Nyssa, can't remember much of her life before she was taken in by the innkeepers at the Drowned Boy. Then one day the Shadowmen come seeking a girl with a crane tattoo. Thus begins Nyssa's and her uncle Marius's flight. Cue fantasy journey.
I loved the archipelago setting in this novel and especially the half-submerged city of Thira. I like the idea of clan tattoos. Nyssa's friends are loyal and implacable. The Players were a great addition. And the magic of this world is so subtle that Arbuthnott causes her readers to question its very existence, and that in itself is an interesting twist on the traditional fantasy.
I think I'd give this 4 stars for the younger crowd.
Gill Arbuthnott's The Keepers' Tattoo is basically your typical fantasy fare. Really interesting world. The main character, Nyssa, can't remember much of her life before she was taken in by the innkeepers at the Drowned Boy. Then one day the Shadowmen come seeking a girl with a crane tattoo. Thus begins Nyssa's and her uncle Marius's flight. Cue fantasy journey.
I loved the archipelago setting in this novel and especially the half-submerged city of Thira. I like the idea of clan tattoos. Nyssa's friends are loyal and implacable. The Players were a great addition. And the magic of this world is so subtle that Arbuthnott causes her readers to question its very existence, and that in itself is an interesting twist on the traditional fantasy.
I think I'd give this 4 stars for the younger crowd.
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