The Keeping Place : Book Review

"The Keeping Place" by Isobelle Carmody is the fourth installment in the captivating "Obernewtyn Chronicles" series. The novel follows the journey of Elspeth Gordie, a young woman endowed with psychic abilities, as she navigates a treacherous post-apocalyptic world. Set in the city of Sutrium, Elspeth uncovers a life-altering secret while unraveling the truth behind the ruling Council. However, she must also confront her own inner demons and make difficult choices with far-reaching consequences.

Carmody's writing in "The Keeping Place" is enthralling, seamlessly blending fantasy elements with the dystopian backdrop. The world-building is intricate and engrossing, with a well-crafted history and complex social structures. Carmody's descriptive prose creates vivid imagery, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the settings and connect with the characters. The book's pacing strikes a perfect balance, gripping readers and keeping them eagerly turning the pages.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Elspeth is a compelling and relatable protagonist, haunted by her past but driven by her own bravery and determination. The supporting cast is equally captivating, each possessing their own distinct personalities and motives. The intricacies of their relationships are explored with depth, adding emotional resonance to the narrative.

Beyond its engaging plot and riveting characters, "The Keeping Place" delves into thought-provoking themes such as power and corruption. Carmody skillfully explores these concepts, prompting readers to contemplate the nature of authority and control in their own lives. This layer of complexity adds depth to the story, enriching the reading experience.

In conclusion, "The Keeping Place" is a remarkable addition to the "Obernewtyn Chronicles" series. It offers a captivating story, memorable characters, and meaningful exploration of important themes. Fans of dystopian and fantasy novels will undoubtedly be enthralled by Carmody's skillful storytelling.

What are readers saying?

"The Keeping Place" by Isobelle Carmody has received a variety of reviews, with readers expressing both praise and criticism for the book. Many readers were captivated by the engaging storyline and the detailed world-building created by Carmody. They admired her ability to construct a post-apocalyptic setting that was both imaginative and realistic. The characters in the book were also highly regarded, with readers appreciating their depth and development throughout the story. They found themselves emotionally invested in the characters' struggles and triumphs, rooting for their success. Carmody's writing style was widely praised for its lyrical quality and descriptive prose, which enhanced the overall reading experience.

On the other hand, there were some readers who felt that the book didn't quite meet their expectations. They found the pace of the story to be slow, and the plot was at times convoluted and difficult to follow. Some readers mentioned that there were too many characters introduced, making it challenging to keep track of each character's storyline. In addition, a few readers felt that the book lacked the same level of excitement and tension as the previous books in the series.

The book also delved into darker and complex themes such as power, corruption, and the consequences of one's actions. Some readers appreciated the thought-provoking nature of these themes, while others felt that they were too heavy and overwhelming for a young adult audience.

Despite the mixed reviews, many readers overall enjoyed "The Keeping Place" and praised Carmody for creating a thought-provoking and immersive story. The book was commended for its unique blend of fantasy and dystopia, as well as its evocative writing style and well-developed characters. However, some readers felt that the plot was slow-paced and confusing, and that the dark themes were not suitable for the target audience. Overall, it seems that "The Keeping Place" evokes strong reactions from readers, garnering both praise and criticism.