Review of The Keepers
Posted: 24 Nov 2024, 23:53
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Keepers" by Michael D Komeshak.]
The Keepers by Michael D. Komeshak is an intriguing tale centred on Jonas, a young boy with mysterious and elusive powers, and the ensuing government involvement in his and his family’s lives. While the premise is promising, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The story begins by introducing the Torin household, offering a brief glimpse into their normal lives before plunging quickly into the primary conflict. As the narrative unfolds, we discover the depths of Jonas’ abilities while unravelling the government’s true intentions toward him.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is its creative incorporation of real-world conspiracy theories. These are intertwined with a foundation of Native American culture, which is explored in a fresh, respectful, and inquisitive way. This cultural inclusion adds a unique layer to the story, making it one of its standout features.
However, the book has significant drawbacks. The lack of a content page in the version I read was disappointing, as it hindered navigation. Additionally, after the Torin family's suburban life is shattered, the story relies heavily on exposition dumps and redundant dialogue. These moments often feel like the author doesn’t trust the readers to connect the dots themselves, diminishing the narrative’s impact.
The dialogue also falters, particularly with the children. Jonas and other young characters occasionally display unnaturally mature behaviour, explained only by their supposed maturity beyond their years—a trope that is distracting and weakens their believability.
Another major flaw lies in how Jonas and his powers are underutilized despite the synopsis promising a focus on them. Instead, the story leans heavily into military and government conspiracy themes, with parental love taking centre stage. While intriguing, in its own right, this shift feels misaligned with the expectations set by the synopsis.
The pacing drags significantly in the middle, recovering slightly before stumbling again near the climax. After the halfway point, the narrative feels stagnant, with little character growth or meaningful story progression. The ending, though happy, undermines the tension and stakes established earlier, leaving it feeling unearned.
That said, the highlight of the book is its exploration of multiple religions, philosophies, and beliefs, which are skilfully woven into the explanation of Jonas’ powers. The mystery surrounding these abilities remains intact, offering potential for sequels and spin-offs.
Overall, The Keepers is a charming yet flawed read that I rate 2 out of 5 stars. While the book has moments of brilliance, its shortcomings overshadow its strengths. It may appeal to readers who enjoy slower-paced narratives.
******
The Keepers
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Keepers by Michael D. Komeshak is an intriguing tale centred on Jonas, a young boy with mysterious and elusive powers, and the ensuing government involvement in his and his family’s lives. While the premise is promising, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The story begins by introducing the Torin household, offering a brief glimpse into their normal lives before plunging quickly into the primary conflict. As the narrative unfolds, we discover the depths of Jonas’ abilities while unravelling the government’s true intentions toward him.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is its creative incorporation of real-world conspiracy theories. These are intertwined with a foundation of Native American culture, which is explored in a fresh, respectful, and inquisitive way. This cultural inclusion adds a unique layer to the story, making it one of its standout features.
However, the book has significant drawbacks. The lack of a content page in the version I read was disappointing, as it hindered navigation. Additionally, after the Torin family's suburban life is shattered, the story relies heavily on exposition dumps and redundant dialogue. These moments often feel like the author doesn’t trust the readers to connect the dots themselves, diminishing the narrative’s impact.
The dialogue also falters, particularly with the children. Jonas and other young characters occasionally display unnaturally mature behaviour, explained only by their supposed maturity beyond their years—a trope that is distracting and weakens their believability.
Another major flaw lies in how Jonas and his powers are underutilized despite the synopsis promising a focus on them. Instead, the story leans heavily into military and government conspiracy themes, with parental love taking centre stage. While intriguing, in its own right, this shift feels misaligned with the expectations set by the synopsis.
The pacing drags significantly in the middle, recovering slightly before stumbling again near the climax. After the halfway point, the narrative feels stagnant, with little character growth or meaningful story progression. The ending, though happy, undermines the tension and stakes established earlier, leaving it feeling unearned.
That said, the highlight of the book is its exploration of multiple religions, philosophies, and beliefs, which are skilfully woven into the explanation of Jonas’ powers. The mystery surrounding these abilities remains intact, offering potential for sequels and spin-offs.
Overall, The Keepers is a charming yet flawed read that I rate 2 out of 5 stars. While the book has moments of brilliance, its shortcomings overshadow its strengths. It may appeal to readers who enjoy slower-paced narratives.
******
The Keepers
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon