What People are Saying About Kingdom Keeper
A bold journey about efforts, relationships, connections and inner strength. A richness of friends who face difficult challenges, together. Should become a movie!
- Carol H., Educator
NOTE: STORY ELEMENTS INCLUDED IN THE FOLLOWING REVIEW - SPOILER ALERT!!
R.A. Dunne bursts onto the fantasy scene with Kingdom Keeper, a rousing debut packed with danger, humor, and heart. She crafts a timeless adventure of courage and rebellion, retelling a classic tale of defiance with a voice that feels both fresh and familiar.
The story begins in the besieged kingdom of Mazgamor, an idyllic realm now shadowed by the sinister ambitions of Thane-Ra, a power-hungry warlord whose dark sorcery and army of raiders challenge the peace and beauty of the island kingdom. His ultimate aim is to rule Mazgamor by holding Queen Madelina and Princess Annabella captive in the formidable Pierce Island jail.
Enter Odemog, the Kingdom Keeper, a farmer, an unlikely hero with quiet strength, when ancestral tradition calls him to action, Odemog embarks on a perilous quest to rescue the abducted royals and save Mazgamor from Thane-Ra's ruthless conquest. But he does not travel alone. His constant companion is Skeeter,a talking squirrel whose quick wit and acrobatic daring provide both comic relief and unexpected heroism.
As Odemog journeys across Mazgamor, he is joined by Northern and Southern Mazgamor forces. Brothers, princes and freed prisoners; men and women once enslaved in Thane-Ra's bleak prison take up arms to save the Kingdom.
Together they advance across the land riding winged beasts from Constantia Glen to Pierce Island prison and onto Thane-Ra's castle at Khordom.They face ambushes from raiders in the shadowed forests. Each encounter reveals new layers of courage and sacrifice.
The climactic confrontation between Odemog and his nemesis Thane-Ra is tense and well-paced. With lives in the balance, Odemog unveils his secret weapon. Ancient treasure tapped by a pure heart and unbreakable will. The moment cements him as the hero, while leaving room for mystery and wonder.
Dunne’s writing is rich with atmosphere, painting vivid scenes of a kingdom both vulnerable and beautiful. The dialogue sparkles, especially in the exchanges between Odemog and Skeeter, the emotional core of the book. The pacing rarely falters, and though the plot follows a traditional arc of good versus evil, Dunne infuses it with enough humor, heart, and imaginative detail to make it feel wholly her own.
Kingdom Keeper: The Remarkable Adventures of Odemog of Mazgamor is not just a rescue story, it’s a story of the quiet power of hope. For a debut, it’s a promising career, blending classic fantasy with moments of real emotional depth.
4.5/5 stars — An old-fashioned quest told with gentle energy and charm. The Keeper may wield the sword, but Skeeter steals the show.
- Sandra L., Librarian
Kingdom Keeper is a thrilling fantasy adventure that blends royal intrigue, magic, and self discovery in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. The story follows characters who must navigate courage, loyalty, and identity while uncovering secrets that could change their world and their place within it.
What I loved most was the mix of magic and realism; it is a story of personal growth as well as a day dream. The pacing keeps you turning pages, immersing deeper into each scene.
If you enjoyed Eragon, Keeper of the Lost Cities, or The Rangers, you’ll likely enjoy this book too. It’s perfect for readers who love destiny, adventure, and a touch of royal drama.
- Skye D., 13-year-old Fantasy fiction fan
