Keeper of the Kingdom (Keeper Series)

H. J. Ralles
Top Publications (2003)
ISBN 9781929976034
Reviewed by Ian McCurley (age 14) for Reader Views (1/08)


“Keeper of the Kingdom” begins when Matt, a 2010 teenager, is sucked into a video game which takes place in 2,540 AD in the fictional country of Zaul.  In Zaul, the humans are called “workers” and are forced to work making Xeleron, an explosive material, in laboratories.  The 26 human Commanders share command with the “Keeper” over an army of thousands of androids called Cybergons with purple eyes and deadly Xelerays.  The Kingdom of Zaul is at war with its neighboring kingdoms, and the Commanders are forcing the humans to work harder and harder which is leading to their imminent deaths.  The objective of the video game is for the player to overthrow the evil Cybergons.  Thus, Matt finds himself in a hallway being chased by several Cybergon Protectors.  After he escapes them, he is saved by workers Dana, Balder and Norak.  Can Matt play the game from inside and free the workers from the oppressive Protectors?  Or will he be terminated? 

As a gamer, I noticed that the book was written more like a movie than a game and then wondered, if it were a game, how would it be played?  Fortunately, H. J. Ralles solved this problem by making the video game seem real.  H. J. Ralles’ writing style in “Keeper of the Kingdom” is perfect for young gamers (though from reading the book, I’m pretty sure that the game he was playing wouldn’t be a very good game).  The imaginative characters and the excellent combination of exciting action and unexpected plot twists make for a great read. 

“Keeper of the Kingdom” is for kids ages 10 and up who enjoy video games and science fiction.  Be sure to read the next in the series, “Keeper of the Realm.”

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