Genres: Epic Fantasy, Fantasy | Release Date: 7 December 2021 | Series: The Warminster Series | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 419 | Publisher: Dragon Moon Press | Review
“You were always a pawn on this chessboard.”
J. V. Hilliard
Overview:
When I was asked to read The Last Keeper by J. V. Hilliard, I had no idea what a journey I was about to go on! This is truly epic fantasy, featuring a very large cast of characters in an expansive world. I feel like if you’ve enjoyed books by David & Leigh Eddings, R. A. Salvatore or Patrick Rothfuss, you are going to *really* enjoy the first book in The Warminster Series. I know, I know, those are pretty big names to just casually drop in the review. But just you wait…
Daemus is a young Keeper, tortured with visions of the former head of their order, the fallen Keeper Graytorris. It seems that Graytorris wants to rip the foundations of the Keepers apart, but he won’t just stop there. War is brewing across the realm, and Princess Addilyn might be the only one who can help Daemus stave off the end of the world…
Happiness Boost:
I’m always going to cheer for someone with a connection to an animal or bird. And oh how I cheered when Ritter, a trollborn, entered the scene. I’m allowed to have a favourite, right? Ritter has to deal with prejudice simply because of his race, but that doesn’t deter him from doing what’s right and trying his best to help anyone who needs it. Even when his heart is breaking. There’s just something about a noble hero that calls to me; I think Aragorn (The Lord of the Rings) and Drizzt Do’Urden (The Icewind Dale Trilogy) are to blame.
The detail and plot within The Last Keeper is very special. This is not a light read, but nor is it too heavy to wade through. Instead Hilliard gives us a mesmerising, exhilarating tale that reaches far beyond the pages. For me, there are no unnecessary lulls within this story. It was the perfect pace, and effortlessly switches from fast to slow and back again. And it is not easy to do that!
Creatures are different. Characters are different. This is not a story you have ever read before! I got little hints or reminders, just seconds really, of aspects within other authors’ tales. But this stands all on its own. And The Last Keeper is an epic fantasy that held me in its grip to the very last word. How can you say no to that?!
Downside:
It was C. S. Lewis who famously said, ‘You can never get a… book long enough to suit me.’ And when it’s a good book like this? He’s absolutely right! The Last Keeper ended before I was ready to let go. That’s my only downside and it’s a selfish one at that. I know there are more books to come (thank goodness) so onward to good things!
Final Thoughts:
J. V. Hilliard’s The Last Keeper is a must buy for anyone who loves epic fantasy (or what some people probably call ‘classic’ fantasy these days). The scope and attention to detail throughout this story is incredible, with quite a number of characters to love. Apparently the second book (Vorodin’s Lair) has only just been released, so you can bet I’ll be buying it straight away! How good was that timing?! There’s just something very special about The Last Keeper… Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order The Last Keeper via these links:
