"Keeper Series A Keeper!"
Fans the WB's paranormal programming will love "The
Keeper's Chronicles" a new fantasy series by Tanya Huff.
This series is suitable for both YA and Adult readers.
Summon the Keeper is Volume #1. We regular mortals live day to day in blissful ignorance of
the rifts in the universe created by our misdeeds, thanks
to the Keepers whose job is mend them. Descended from Adam
and his "first wife" Lileth, the Keepers are summoned to
danger spots where the demon"s of Hell might escape to
wreak havoc in our world. Born to two Cousins (people with lesser powers due to
diluted heredity), Claire Hansen is a Keeper, as is her
teenaged sister Diana. Unlike her unpredictable younger
sister, twenty seven year old Claire is down to earth,
grounded, defined by her responsibility. She has no time to
form relationships. Her wise-cracking cat Austin does his
best to keep her from taking herself too seriously. Her latest summons had led her to the Elysian Fields Guest
House. The name should have been a tip off. Before Claire
has a chance to determine the reason for the summons, she
finds herself appointed the new manager. With the help of
the only other occupants, the randy ghost of a deceased
French Canadian sailor, Jacques, and the hunky and virtuous
handyman, Dean, Claire soon discovers the reason for the
summoning. The guest house is aptly named. It has a portal
to Hell in the basement! The only thing keeping evil from
escaping is a field woven and tied to the last Keeper who
had been summoned to fix the problem. Corrupted and more
than a little dusty, Sara lies in suspension in room six. With no quick fix on the horizon, Claire isn't sure what
will drive her more crazy, dealing with Hell, or staying in
one place long enough to care about the Bystanders
(ordinary mortals), who aren't about to stand by and let
her deal with the situation alone. Will Claire find a way
to close the hole and contain the evil? Will she be tempted
by the sexy ghost who is a bit too dead, or the gorgeous
handyman, with all the virtues of a boy scout, who is a bit
too young and way too innocent? This tale is wonderfully written and totally hilarious. The
hotel's guests are unique to say the least. As for the
residents - Jacques, the persistent and persuasive ghost,
has all the charm, experience, and passion of a by-gone
era, making him the perfect foil for the honorable, pure of
heart, and socially awkward, Dean, his rival for Claire's
attention. One can't help but love them both. And of
course there is Austin (move over Salem) who is, well, a
superior being, he IS a cat after all! Just don't forget to
feed him! If Austin's wisecracks don't have you
rolling in the aisles, the running dialogue Hell has with
itself (and anyone even considering a minor infraction)
will. As for Claire, between ghostly propositions, and a
chivalrous young man who thinks HE should be protecting
HER, she just might learn not to take herself so
seriously. BTW if you are ever tempted to stay at the
Elysian Fields guest house, take the stairs - NOT the
elevator! For a fun foray into fabulous fantasy, I highly
recommend Summon the Keeper by Tanya Huff . Copyright © 1998
Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch
Posted August 7, 2001
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