Love this story so much!!! It's not an exaggeration when I say that this is the best 2025 book I've read so far. I like the worldbuilding, the dynamics between the characters, the plot, and literally everything. If I could have given this book 10 stars, I would’ve done. Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This book started slow for me and stayed kind of slow but consistent the entire book. This was a part 1 and it was easy to tell this was a part 1 for a series. Majority of the book is background and filler information for the next part which I’m assuming will have a bit more action to it. Overall decent story the characters are fun. Naomi is irritating at times but she’s a kid learning who has been alone most of her life and now learning about a secret in her families history, Ferrin is a tortured soul with a heart of gold and I hope he learns to forgive himself, Hux is my favorite and i want to learn more about him and see his journey with Naomi back to Le’Gar and Vira oh vira you are amazing girl! So strong so kind so powerful and intuitive.

I’m hoping for a part 2 because the ending left it open for more interesting story

This one fell flat for me. I started so excited for everything this book was building to and was just disappointed. So many loose ends and unanswered questions. I think the character building was just off and forced as well. Otherwise it was a decent story.

It's a no for me. The premise of this book is so good! And it actually begins great, strong, interesting start. But it quickly falls off It actually became hard to stay interested or engaged, had it not been for the short chapters I think I may have given up altogether. I felt that the characters were very lost and not well developed - their voices all blended together with no uniqueness of their own.

I’ll start off with what I liked about this novel. I thought that the setting, plot, world-building, and conflict were all very great ideas. The execution of it was pretty decent as well. I did get caught up on a couple things. Firstly, the writing was a little too simple/young for me; me at 13-15 years old would have loved this book, let me tell you. (Although, side note: there were a couple conversations that had slightly mature topics that were briefly mentioned in an oddly casual way—nothing inappropriate, just deep topics.) Some parts (mainly dialogue) were also a little cliche/cringey. It kind of took me out of the story. Some of the dialogue was a little unrealistic or just could have been worded better. Kind of on the same topic, I thought the FMC, Naomi, was a little too dramatic (if that’s the right word…). I just wanted to tell her, girl toughen up a little. It’s definitely okay to not have the bravest, strongest female lead, but I feel like her sensitivity (which is a good aspect to her character) could have been presented in a better way. The last thing I have to critique is the POVs. It was third person, but switching POVs, but I don’t think it was done well. Because when the two people whose POVs we were following met for the first time, it was just awkward to read. It was in one POV, but when the other character showed up, it said his name as if she knew him, but she didn’t. Anyways, you have to read it to understand but it was just odd formatting, specifically in that one part; the rest was fine.
I am going to read the next book because I think the plot is very great and I am interested to see what happens. I am hoping for good character development and a good resolution. I would recommend this book to anyone 13+. It is a good adventure with a fast-paced plotline. I do not think this book is bad at all, but I am still going to rate it 2.75 stars—it was interesting to me and I will be continuing the series, but not my preferred style.

Thank you to NetGalley and Keira for not only gifting this ARC but taking our feedback as reviewers into such high consideration!!

Over all, I want to gift this book three stars. It was engaging and an overall entertaining read. However, there were times where I felt as if certain feature of the plots, characters, and important side details of the story were a bit lacking.

I also felt as if there were some holes within the narrative, but I am also aware these holes could be “filled” as the series progresses.

Despite my small flaws, I do think this is an elaborate beginning to a series than can leave us feeling satisfied and in awe!

Keeper of the Light follows the protagonist Naomi as she discovers her family history and her own identity and the weight they hold in a story of magic, high stakes, and mystery.

The book started off pretty strong, and with the compelling premise and storyline, I was really excited to see where the story would progress. However, when I finished reading this, I felt very deprived of a lot of details or plot lines that would have made the story more interesting. For one, I thought the gargoyles would have a bigger part in the plot, and they were such an interesting element of the story, but they seemed to be a forgotten storyline around 20% in. Throughout the whole book, there wasn’t much going on and the story was a little rushed overall.

I liked the characters and the found family dynamic they had with each other. However, I feel like there weren’t enough interactions between the characters, and the points of views for the characters were inconsistent where there’d only be three chapters in the entire story with the point of view of one of the main characters.

Overall, the story’s still good, but it could’ve been more interesting if there were more details and interactions between the characters.

(2.5 stars)

First thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. (Sorry it didn’t happen before release day, but I tried.)

I honestly was really into this book from the first page. Getting to know our main character and the struggles she’s been through, and then to see her thrive and grow throughout the book was so awesome to read. The world building was great, I could picture every setting in my mind, and I loved the Gargoyles. (Hopefully we get more of them in the next book.)

I wanted more rOmAnCe but this book is technically young adult so I’ll just have to deal. Overall very well written, interesting, gripping, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book!

Action, intrigue, magic, and romance mix together in a dangerous world with a girl on the run.

Naomi Smyth only survived the destruction of her town because her parents placed her on a ship and made her swear she'd all but forget her original surname. After growing up in an orphanage on the other side of the sea, she leads a simple life in the attic of a library. When a gargoyle from a nearby building sacrifices its life to warn her to flee, she's confused but obeys. Lost and alone, her adventures have her meeting several, odd companions, who seem to know many of the secrets surrounding her bloodline and the evil, which is determined to takeover their world. One thing grows clear, she's the only one who can save everyone...if she can survive long enough to figure out how.

This is a solid, young adult read with action, danger, and a growing romance to sweeten the darker moments. The first pages draw in as the reader meets little Naomi as she flees to the ship and knows she'll never see her parents again. Then, it fast forwards to her life after leaving the orphanage and gives the reader a short time to settle into her current situation. Thanks to multiple POVs, the danger, intrigue, and complexity of the true intrigue and danger rising around her (she's pretty much oblivious, obviously) comes to light. So, the reader knows more than she does, and this works very well as far as the tension and such go. It makes it easy to fever for her and realize how much she's up against, and how narrowly she escapes terrible fates.

There are many action scenes and moments that hold the reader at the edge of their seats. This is especially true in the first section of the read. As the tale goes on, the pacing is a little bit more sporadic, at times, although there is plenty of tension playing in along the way, too. The slower moments, I think, are due to POV switches and character dialogues, which seem to try to keep the reader clear on intentions and background information—sometimes a bit repetitive (but not too much, either) and teeter toward unnatural, at times. But this doesn't hurt the adventure, either. It, along with some of the characters' reactions to situations, simply keeps this read feeling as if it's for the slightly younger end of the YA...actually, refreshing.

Fantasy fans are going to enjoy sinking into this one. Not only are there witches, magic, mysterious and powerful entities (the evil taking over the world), but there are mystical creatures as well. The gargoyles were one of the more intriguing characters...but their explanation and existence was shoved to the side as the story progressed. This is a series, however, so I'm hoping we'll see more about them in the future. This lack of some depth on the world building end (only a little) could easily be picked up in the upcoming books, and I'm looking forward to having everything fleshed out.

The romance...because this is a YA and seems to be important for this group...isn't an insta-love but doesn't take extremely long to get going, either. The main plot still stays in the spotlight, but then, she does have a lot on her plate.

It's a grabbing read, which does a nice job at setting the stage for the series. I'm looking forward to see what comes next.

Keeper of the Light was a very fast-paced young adult fantasy novel involving gods, gargoyles, and unsuspecting allies. While uncovering the truth of her lineage, Naomi leans on the skills of some new found friends willing to accompany her in this quest. Aligning goals and common enemies thrust our new found family together in a mission to try and save the world from the clutches of evil.

The premise of this book was great and seemed like something I would very much be interested in. The whole book kept my attention as I wanted to know how our problem would resolve, however everything felt very rushed and not planned in much detail. Although this is a YA novel, that does not excuse plot holes or lack of detail. I was always looking for more; more character development, more dialogue, more explanation on conflict, more stakes coming into play.

I still thought the book was very interesting, however could have simply used more information.

If you are looking for a YA novel with world ending by stakes, but not too much depth and over explanation, this is your book!

3.5/5 ⭐️

Keeper of the Light is a fast-paced read, but content-wise, it feels a lot like a casserole—gargoyles, griffins, goblins, and angels all tossed together into the mix. Keira F. Jacobs seems to have raided the fantasy pantry and tossed in every leftover creature she could find.

Each of these creatures had the potential to add depth to the story, yet as the plot progressed, they faded into the background, feeling more like decorative toppings than essential ingredients. While the book is part of a series and may expand on these elements later, in this installment, they seemed largely forgotten after the halfway mark.

That being said, the writing itself was engaging. The first third of the book had a strong foundation, with an enjoyable writing style, solid world-building, and an intriguing setup. It showed real promise—enough to pull me in and get me invested. But by the second act, that excitement simmered down into disappointment. The story had all the right ingredients but didn’t quite blend together as well as I’d hoped.

That’s not to say this book won’t be the perfect dish for someone else. If you enjoy fast-paced stories with short chapters, an intriguing fantasy world, a slow-burn plot, and a protagonist on a journey of self-discovery, Keeper of the Light might just hit the spot.

Keira F. Jacobs’ Keeper of the Light is an enchanting and immersive fantasy novel that weaves together mythology, adventure, and a heroine’s journey of self-discovery. With richly detailed world-building and compelling characters, this book is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and dark magic.

A Heroine with a Hidden Past

Naomi Smyth has spent years hiding from a fate she doesn’t fully understand. Forced to change her identity and live in secrecy, she has no idea why she must stay hidden—only that her father insisted on it. But when the king’s Riders begin hunting down people of her bloodline, Naomi is thrust into a perilous journey where her past holds the key to a war much bigger than herself.

Naomi is a strong, determined protagonist, yet her vulnerability and uncertainty make her incredibly relatable. As she uncovers the mysteries surrounding her lineage, she faces choices that test her courage, loyalty, and destiny.

A World of Magic and Myth

The city of Le’Gar, protected by enchanted gargoyles, is a mesmerizing setting that blends gothic and magical elements seamlessly. The gargoyles, who serve as silent guardians, add an eerie yet majestic presence to the story. Beyond Le’Gar, the world of Thãen is vividly realized, filled with warring forces, dark gods, and powerful magic. The introduction of the Outer Void—a realm where god-like beings battle for control—expands the novel’s scope and adds a sense of cosmic scale to the conflict.

A Tapestry of Intriguing Characters

Naomi’s journey introduces her to an unforgettable cast, including a tormented Magnificent, a golden witch, and a treasonist, each holding a piece of the puzzle that will unravel her true heritage. Their interactions are layered with tension, secrets, and surprising alliances. These characters aren’t just sidekicks; they each bring their own struggles and depth, making the narrative richer and more engaging.

A Battle Between Light and Darkness

At its core, Keeper of the Light is about the fight against an all-consuming darkness. The Hand of Calamity—a god of death—casts an ominous shadow over Naomi’s world, and as she learns more about her past, she must confront the terrifying possibility that she alone may hold the power to stop the impending doom. The book explores themes of identity, destiny, and the strength it takes to embrace one’s true self.

Final Verdict

Jacobs delivers a breathtaking fantasy tale with intricate world-building, high stakes, and a protagonist whose journey will keep readers enthralled until the final page. Keeper of the Light is perfect for fans of authors like Leigh Bardugo and Brandon Sanderson—anyone who loves a story filled with magic, mystery, and a battle between light and darkness.

This started out with a really neat perspective from the gargoyles of the city and it really creates a nice gothic feel and spark of interest to keep reading. We don't stay there for long though which is a shame but exploring more of the world is nice as well. Most importantly though there is a found family. This is one on my favorite tropes and while I didn't feel a real strong "family feel" for a while there was the beginning of something strong and all the involved characters are really interesting. Hard not to grow close when on a long (slow feeling halfway through) quest to fight evil together. There's also a slow burn romance subplot, but it is so slow that it really takes the involved characters a long time for one of them to even admit to friendship. Cliffhangers will be the doom of us all though. All in all this was a good read. Something I wouldn't have minded discovering through a subscription box or something of the sort. I am interested in a book 2 and seeing where this series goes. I really want more of the gargoyles so hopefully they will return and be more prominent.

The book follows Naomi, a young girl who lives under a fake identity. As her secret is threatened to be revealed, she has to flee and learn the truth about what she's actually is.
The book started fairly strong. The world seemed charming; short chapters gave the opportunity to move fast through the story.
However, the story itself didn't quite pay off. That all seemed too straightforward; I kept expecting a catch, a twist, but it never came. Certain characters seemed too...preachy; their lines were too heavy-handed, as if the author tried to really hammer it down who is a good guy here, and who is evil. It shouldn't feel like that; the readers should have an opportunity to draw their own conclusions.
The ending seemed too convenient and therefore underwhelming.
It's evidently only the first book in the series, so there is a hope it might pick up.

Thank you, Netgalley and Keira F. Jacobs for the ARC!

We follow Naomi, our FMC, who's running from the city Le'Gar after learning that she's bearing the surname of a very powerful bloodline and is in danger. On her journey, she meets a grumpy, self-hatred Magnificent, a loyal golden witch and a brave treasonist. Together, they go on a quest to defeat the darkness. Along the way, they will encounter many challenges and enemies. Be prepared for a wild, dangerous ride!

Waw! I read this book in one sitting. I could not put this book down! I was hooked from the beginning, from the first page. This story is so creative, so well-thought. It's fast-paced, exciting, action-packed. I loved the different POV's. It's great to see the story unfold from different points of view! The characters are magnificent and so original.

I did not want this book to end. And for some reason, I am always attracted to books that end with a cliffhanger! I need the second book right now, please!

Thank you, Keira, for creating this mesmerizing story!

This books was great the characters were likeable and Naomi’s growth throughout made you want to keep reading. The world building was excellent and made me feel like I was there. The plot was easy to follow and kept me interested. I enjoyed the story and the way it developed and I can’t wait to read the next book. I just wish there was more with the gargoyles I thought it made the story more interesting but we didn’t get enough of them.

Rating-
2.5/5 stars

Genre-
Romantasy

Age Rating For It-
13 or 14+ because there is some violence and fighting and stuff in this book, but there is also like no romance which is very sad and depressing because it's a very very slow “slow burn”.

Tropes-
Slow burn
Chosen one
Age gap (she’s like 18, and he’s like 187 but look’s her age)
Good vs. Evil
Orphan
Magical items

Quotes-

“‘I’m one-hundred-eight-seven years old. And I can’t wait to die’….’ Well,’ her voice cracked a little, ‘I’m glad you’re not dead.’”

“‘Don’t you think Thaen needs someone who can bring an end to the night?’ His voice was quiet, desperate.”

“‘Embrace the uncertainty.’ He looked down at her. ‘I already have’”

“‘The dark worries you,’ the voice hissed, like spider legs over crusted leaves. ‘But only in the darkness can you survive.’”

“Darling, you’re a part of me.”

“‘You say I’m kind,’ he murmured. ‘But it's your kindness that has awoken the goodness in me again.’...’ I don’t think your goodness was ever gone.’ she said. ‘You just thought so.’”

Thoughts/Would I Recommend This?-
I definitely did not love this book, I thought it had a lot of good potential and that it started out good using the potential pretty well. Then I felt it took that potential and threw it away for a really long, slow plot that made me want to dnf this book or finish it as fast as I could. I really liked the whole concept, but then I felt the concept was almost lost during the book and the ending left me very unsatisfied and annoyed and not wanting to read the next book really at all. So, all in all, l not a great book (no offense) and I just wouldn’t recommend it unless they change it up some and improve it and maybe add some more romance too.

This book started with so much promise but fizzled out for me through the middle.

I love a YA fantasy and enjoyed the world building since it didn’t feel like you are wading through dozens of pages of description bug it was too disjointed. The short chapters worked at the start of the book but felt choppy towards the end. It broke up the rhythm of the writing and made it hard to follow.

I felt so invested in Naomi and the fate of the gargoyles! I love the concept of them being guardians and would have liked more dialogue from their perspective.

I will likely read the next book and hope it flows much smoother. Big thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

Absolutely loved this YA fantasy!
The adventure, the action, the characters 🙌🏻
I so enjoyed the ending but hate that there isn’t more to read yet! 😅

Can’t wait for book 2 🥳