Book 2), The Keeper (Vega Jane

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i immediately downloaded this book when i saw it was authored by baldacci; this was not one of his mysteries but a sci-fi book, stories of which i have almost no interest in; i did finish it because it was well written but only recommend it to those who like stories of soccerers, who fly, & use magic to fight vile beasts while crossing forbidding lands with her collegues; if that is you, enjoy this book but shame on me for downloading the book before i discovered what the subject matter was

It's definitely an exciting story. Some of the characters from the former book, "The Finisher," were included, and I had to check back to a book I read the year before in order to connect the two. It was important that Vega Jane had magical powers, using the Elemental as a wand, the chain to help her fly, the stone to heal, and the ring for invisibility. She used them all to help her friends conquer the monsters and get out of the Quag.

I awaited The Keeper on pins & needles not sure if Mr. Baldacci would be able to hold our attention once again. Why did I give his ability a second thought. It was perhaps too short but I was again riveted to the I-Pad (Kindle) & finished it quickly. I can see a book 3 here without missing a beat & hope we will soon be told of its inception. Vega Jane is triumphant, insatiable, & determined to accomplish what she begins.

I've loved both The Finisher & The Keeper--what else can one say--different for Mr. Baldacci, Yes they are, was I surprised, Yes because these 2 books are on a different level than most of his writing. Speaks volumes of his talent doesn't it.

THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH FOR THE HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT MR. BALDACCI.

I previously wrote an unflattering review for this book, but that was before I read the first and third book. I recommend you read them in order; reading this as a standalone doesn't provide the context needed for the entire story. My apologies to David B - he remains one of my favorite authors and these books were very good considering they were meant for younger readers (teen).

Excellent book. Baldacci is a wonderful writer. I read the Finisher just before the Keeper came out. I wanted my grandchildren to read it and therefore I needed to read it before giving it to them. Baldacci has created a wonderful new world which revolves around a head strong Vega Jane's fifteen 'sessions'. I have to admit I've read just about every book he's every written but I was not expecting him to weave a children's story that would leave me waiting for the next installment like that of any of his other character books.
His writing is wonderfully imaginative and 'clean' for any child to be able to read it. Now my grand-daughters and I can share the story of Vega Jane between us. Thank you David Baldacci. I hope with all my heart that Book Three of Vega's journey shows up on the book shelves soon!

Unfortunately I abandoned the book! After reading most of Baldacci's novels this one was quite strange and unbelievable. The sort line bordered on fantasy and not what I was expecting! Waiting for another typical Baldacci thriller!

Seems this book got a little tedious to finish. Found myself skimming a lot. Too many monsters. Too many long drawn out monster descriptions. Never ending catastrophes. Little juvenile. Not sure I will read the next in the series.

I had no idea this was not David Baldacci's typical book. This was one of his newer strange children's books, which I do not read..
I do not usually ask for a sample when his books are involved. Obviously, I should hav. I did not even read it.

My mistake thinking this would be a normal Baldachi book.
Not my style at all. Wish I never purchased it. I did so without downloading a sample as I was overseas and needed a new book. I have loved every other Baldachi novel I have read. Not this one!! Couldn't finish it

I first purchased "The Width of the World" because it was written by David Baldacci, one of my favourite authors, but when I read the cover write-up, I found out that it was number three in the Vega Jane series, So then I purchased "The Finisher" and "The Keeper" (books one and two). It is an excellent series and I can recommend it to any reader interested in fiction. looking forward to a number four!

My granddaughter wanted this book for her birthday so I ordered the 2 books in the series for her. She hasn't read them yet but some of her friends want to read the books also when they found out she has them. She told them they couild read them as soon as she has read them first.

Baldacci is amazing in that he has incredible imagination. That is not to say his stories lines make any kind of normal sense. The keeper is one of those. His limited ability to express intimate encounters, sexual, shared by his characters is offputing. Whatever happened to tender, affectionate sex shared by willing participants?

I didn't know when I ordered this book it was for teenagers and a sci-fi. Should have read the review of it. Didn't open one page on the Kindle as I was fooled into the first one and pre-ordered this one. I read two chapters of the first one and went no farther. I had already ordered the next book. Fool me once but not again. Please advertise this as teen and sci-fi. I would appreciate it.

Baldacci is an excellent writer and the power of his imagination never ceases to surprise. I was surprised when I discovered the Vega Jane stories were meant for young adults (which I am not), and I was hesitant to read the second book in the series as I am a retired college professor and worried about enjoying works for young readers, but then I thought about Harry Potter and figured I was being a bit snobbish. I found the characters intriguing and memorable and the plot line fast moving and unpredictable...in other words, a good read. I will be sharing these books with my granddaughter who is a prolific reader knowing she will enjoy the fantasy aspect and strong female character portrayed.

I wish we could have a bigger banner alerting readers to young adult novels. I love Baldacci books and of course ordered this without reading the description. There are several authors who are now writing books for young adults along with adult stories. Good for them, it would have helped me when my kids were younger. Bit alas, I am past that stage and long for my books. I guess I'll have to read the synopsis from now on.

This is one of the very few books that I couldn't finish, that's very rare for me. I read book No. 1, "The Finisher" and although it was a "fantasy" story with paranormal parts, I was intrigued by the Vega Jane character. I preordered book 2 but was very disappointed with it, too much far out fantasy, she goes flying thru the air with her dog and friend, has various magical devices and experiences all kinds of sorcery and weird encounters with unimaginable beasts and human-like people. It might be OK for juveniles but it's not for me. Plus I didn't much care for the use of British words like blimey, bloody, tuck, bloke, it's nae a good idea...

The two new novels about Vega Jane are not the usual Baldacci content or theme. For me this was a major disappointed & I chose not to finish reading either, though those who like this stuff will still enjoy his writing style. Reader beware!

The great thing about author David Baldacci is that he not only is able to entertain readers of all ages but he gives them things to think about like only a gifted storyteller could do. This definitely comes through in THE KEEPER, book 2 in the Vega Jane series.

We are able to see have Vega along with her friend Delph are not just fighting for freedom but for the truth. They soon realize that both could come at a price but that doesn't stop them on their quest. Along the way they are accompanies by individuals who also are looking for a way out and are willing to help, knowing full well what it might cost.

I love the fact that Vega is able to tell the story in her voice, because it reminds readers of all ages of the power they have and how through their actions they can be a part of the problem or the solution. It also showcases that just because things get rough doesn't mean that is time to give up. If anything that is the time to fight harder.

The last lesson I want to showcase in this review is that along her way Vega was never alone, even if she wasn't expecting to have help or assistance. This reminds us that when it comes to doing what is right there are always others willing to stand up and do their part. What great encouragement when times get hard!

A fun read with lots of lessons to receive and share, THE KEEPER is a great literary adventure

3.5/5 stars

The Keeper is the second book in the Vega Jane series by David Baldacci. I'm going to be honest, I had no idea that David Baldacci even wrote young adult books. I have read, and really enjoyed a few of his adult action thrillers, so I was pretty pumped when I saw there was a new young adult series out. The Keeper is the second book in the series, but it is promoted as being able to stand on its' own. And I think it does. That being said, I do still wish that I had read the first book, The Finisher, first. I wasn't really lost at all while reading the keeper, but I think I would have gotten a fuller picture of the characters had I read the books in their intended order.

The Finisher and the Keeper both follow the same main character- a girl named Vega Jane. I loved the atmosphere of the story. It was very intense, and had me flipping pages quickly. There is an air of desperation, as the main characters try and outwit the Quag and escape the village. I loved the world that David Baldacci created, which is why I am kicking myself even more for not reading The Finisher. I loved the magic and the creepy feeling of the Quag. It all made The Keeper seem much more fast paced and intense. I can easily see this turning into a blockbuster movie hit. I think it was written to be shown on a big screen.

These characters have a lot thrown at them, and this book is pretty lengthy. The kindle edition comes in at almost 500 pages, so there is plenty of time for multiple plot twists and road blocks. Personally, I am really into longer length books- especially when they are high stakes- like this one, because I love seeing the heroine overcome something big, just to be hit in the face with something else. (does that make me weird?) and I feel like there just isn't enough time for that to happen repeatedly in shorter books. I enjoyed my time spent reading The Keeper, and I can't wait to read The first book now. But don't be like me- read this series in order. I think you will appreciate it more that way.

*Disclaimer- I got a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my thoughts.

The Keeper takes off with Vega and Delph stumbling through the Quag in order to discover the magical world that lays beyond Wormwood and the Quag. Vega’s life in Wormwood only tells of the tale that anyone who ventures into the Quag meets a horrible death. But after discovering a certain truth, Vega starts to question everything she has been taught throughout her life. The question is though whether Vega Jane and Delph are ready to handle what the Quag throws at them?

The Quag presents an interesting setting. It feels like a living-breathing entity that can make life very difficult for anyone who enters it. There are several beasts that Vega and Delph face off with. To further complicate things, there is someone who is trying to raise an army in order to destroy Wormwood.

Needless to say, that there is a ton of action in this book to keep a reader going. However, there are times when I wondered if the plot was progressing at all because despite all the action, the pace of the story seemed to be lagging. It felt like a whole lot of hullabaloo for nothing. What does work in the book is the character developments. Both Vega and Delphi makes huge progress from the juveniles that they were in the first book. The things they see and must survive really makes them grow leaps and bounds.

In general, I did like the turn the story takes in this book. It makes me wonder about what else the author has up his sleeve for us in the next book. The drama and the action keeps the book going and the author’s crisp narrative makes up for the few places where the pace lags.

I would recommend this series to people who like a mix of fantasy and dystopia.

Wanting to learn the truth about her world which for the last fifteen sessions of her life has revolved around her home in Wormwood, Vega Jane and her friend Daniel Delphia (Delph) in "The Keeper", the second novel in the highly imaginative "Vega Jane" fantasy series tumble into the Quag, a dark sinister wilderness haunted by bloodthirsty monsters and unbelievable magic. To find "Peace, Hope and Freedom" beyond its confines Vega Jane must learn to control the innate power inside her so she and Delph can survive the Quag.

Set in the living, breathing and evolving organism that's the Quag the fast-paced and action-packed plot heats up as Vega Jane and Delph struggle to escape the clutches of the ekos King who's determined to raise an army and destroy Wormwood; learn the true history of the magic that created the Quag; and develop their power and skills to survive the dangers lying in wait in its " Five Circles". The power of the story intensifies as suspense ratchets up after Vega's training with "the Keeper of the Quag" as she Delph confront deadly creatures and make new alliances in their search for the way out of each new maze.

Skilfully David Baldacci builds a history of a land protected by the magic of the losers of a war with the conquering Maladons. With surprising twists as Vega begins to unravel secrets and lies it soon becomes apparent that centuries of seclusion could come to an end with her quest. Pulsating with magical objects including a stone that can heal; "the Destin" a chain that enables Vega to fly; a ring of invisibility; and the Elemental a gold spear that becomes a wand it seems as if she can't fail until tragedy strikes that transforms her forever. Often the tension and violence is diluted with dry wit and humor, and with even an element of romance as sparks fly with Delph's attraction to the pretty Furina, Petra Sonnet.

The personalities of Vega Jane and Daniel Delphia dramatically mature in this story as they face their inner demons and doubts while enhancing their strengths. A loner in Wormwood Vega finds friendship and soon a leadership role as she ,Delph, Lackland Cyphers and Petra Sonnet struggle to survive the dangers in four of the circles. Stubborn and temperamental Vega has relied on Delph's calmness, strength and logical insight in the quest but quickly learns self-sacrifice, reliability and resourcefulness just as he has learned to overcome his feeling of inadequacy. All these characters and others suffuse this story with high-energy, and drama.

I liked "the Keeper" as secrets are exposed and their survival draws them closer to freedom. David Baldacci builds a world filled with strange creatures and incredible magic that will keep readers glued to every page in Vega Jane's latest adventure.

I enjoyed this book. If you have a difficult time reading books with odd names and made up words this might not be your cup of tea but since this is book 2 you'd probably know that already. I was a little nervous the book would be boring but it had a lot of twists that kept Vega Jane and Delph on their toes. There are still so many unanswered questions but the book has a good ending that can easily continue to book 3 or end where it does. I'd rather see it continue on. I can't imagine what the author sees for the next book but I'd be willing to buy it to find out!! The good thing is that you do learn a lot of history that you didn't understand before (such as the origin of the Stacks and the people where they came from ).

Strictly a fantasy story for children who are into that sort of thing. There are lots of newly made up monsters with strange names and magic flying belts and swords and all that which apparently the young fans of the Harry Potter genre enjoy but it's just WAY over the top into fantasy land for anyone much beyond the age of puberty to even follow all the magical and fantastical creatures and settings. I struggled to get through the first chapter but it just kept getting more and more silly and I could not continue. I like Baldacci's novels for adults but this is nothing like them.

The Keeper is a fast and furious paranormal romance that introduces us to the Keepers, Betrayers, and Watchers – all in a role to save or destroy humanity - without humans even aware of this other world around them. Finding herself living a shell of a life without any knowledge of the world around her until Nick steps in to save her – and opens her eyes to the other world around her and love as well!

Full of adventure and romance, this book is quite the escapade! I thought Libby’s easy acceptance of Nick’s assertions a bit surprising, but otherwise, it was a well-built​ story, very enjoyable.

Reviewed by Jo

Baldacci delivers even more action and fun in The Keeper than in The Finisher. Strong teen Vega Jane is back with her smart, faithful friend Delph and her loyal canine Harry Two. In this installment they enter the deadly Quag where they must fight to survive as they seek answers to the mysteries of the past. The farther in they go, a little more of the truth unravels and the quest to win an ancient war begins... IF they can survive the treacherous Quag and discover what lies beyond. I CAN'T wait for the next adventure! I'm completely attached to the characters. Very well done!

This is an unlabeled young adult novel. The story made no sense to me but this may be due to the fact that I have not read volume 1 of the series. It is also fantasy which is not in the top 10 of genres I like and read. I quit reading this book about 1/3 of the way through. Like some other readers, I bought this book because it had David Baldacci as the author I will check his books better when I see a new one come out.

**** REVIEW ****

The Keeper by David Baldacci

Review by Nicola - 4 Golden Apples

**This review comes having NOT read book 1**

The Keeper is book 2 from the Vega Jane series by David Baldacci and is not his usual writing style so please be aware of this before you one-click or buy, that being said it turns out I'm turning into a huge Y/A fan and this book definitely didn't let me down.

David steps away from his usual thriller style writing to bring us an action packed read of Vega Jane. With twists, turns and some pretty Wild sounding and looking animals on their trail it makes you wounder if Vega, Delph and Harry Two should have ventured into The Quag.

The story flowed so well I actually lost track of time reading, not always a good thing with a baby and night feeds to be had but I just couldn't put it down! And I love the drawings throughout the book, especially the map at the front. Also the guide to Wormwood and beyond was a fab idea.... I'm just glad the likes of Adar's and Outlier's are firmly in Baldacci's books and not of the real world!!
With a great mix of characters, both main and secondry, I felt they each brought their own to the story.

This book has had me reserving book 1 at the library so I can really get into the world of Wormwood and read Vega Jane's story from the beginning........ now all we need is book 3!

a rare miss by mr. baldacci. story was slow, unlike the finisher, which i couldnt put down. the story smacked of familiarity to another story, actually a movie...oh i remember.."clash of the titans". im not saying Baldacci plagiarized " The Clash", Im just saying he must have been inspired. The witches in the cave in search of the finn was one. The fairyman on the river was another one right out of the clash. Oh, lets not forget the monsters with the serpents on top of their head where one look would make you commit suicide. Sounds like Medusa. Again from the clash. Sorry, David. More fact checking next time.

I loved this book even more than The Finisher. The book picks up quickly right away, but the second half of the book was even more fast paced. I had a harder time wanting to put this book down, there was always something new happening every chapter that it kept you on your toes. There is a lot of information in this book that it did feel slightly overwhelming but thankfully there is a dictionary in the back to help you better keep track of all the new things. The book ends in a really good place, it leaves you wanting more but the adventure on the Quag is now over.

"Read" the audio version of The Keeper. I was not disappointed. The second book in the Vega Jane series was as enthralling as the first. I listened as I drove and I was hard put to actually get out of the vehicle at my destination because I wanted to hear just one more minute (that turned into five) before I had to stop listening for a while. The ending left me wanting more and I am so glad to see there is another one. Another great series from David Baldacci.

I find this series to be a cross between Harry Potter and Hunger Games. I like the fact that I can never see where the story is going to go, keeping it fresh and suspenseful. Truly enjoying this genre of writing fro David Baldacci.

When I first started reading The Finisher, the first of these 2 books, I thought David Baldacci had started writing children's novels, but before into it very far, I was hooked by the imagination and Vega Jane! I could hardly wait to read Book 2, and the adventure and imaginative life of Vega Jane continued to be entertaining and well written! Very impressed with the amazing imagery and imagination illustrated in both books!!!

I loved book 1, but book 2 really does belong in the juvenile section of the library. Ridiculously laughable creatures, poor attempt at Harry Potter wizardry and the narrator was much worse than the first book!

Hello people, this book is by David Baldacci but it's not a spy novel. I love his spy novels too and I also love distopia fantasy type series like hunger games and divergent, etc.. So Baldacci has tried his hand at it and has done a good job, so expect this series to be like that, original but not that original, a little fantasy cliche, and constant conflict resolved only to find more conflict around the corner. Baldacci has created good, fun, relatable characters like he does within a good story in an alternate world. So if you read this book/series, expecting something besides this, you're going to be disappointed. If you want a fun,fast moving, creative but fairly typical fantasy distopia series, you won't be disappointed .

I've never been a fan of fantasy fiction. I suffered through ten percent of the outlandish gibberish then threw in the towel. I can't imagine an accomplished author like Baldacci resorting to this drivel.

I liked this book, the first one set the background necessary for full enjoyment of the second.

My question to all "readers"; Are you digesting what you read when looking for a book? Do you comprehend the description of said book? I ask because this book's genre is fantasy and Mr. Balducci's target group is Young Adult.

I enjoy David Balducci, but when shopping for any new book I read the "jacket" just to make sure of what I'm getting. Don't blame the author if you intend to buy based on his previous books. It's a free country (last I heard) and the author, therefore may make this choice.

Really nothing new in this book. Over abundance of chase scenes with one miraculous escape after another. David must have hired a ghost to write this for him, he is generally very good. I am afraid that he has them right back where they started in the first book

I read all of Baldacci's fiction. The Vega Jane series (read both books) shows that juvenile fiction is not a good match for his skills. Even as juvenile fiction, they aren't competitive with other author in the genera IMO. Baldacci would be better off sticking to his adult fiction.

Well worth reading!
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This book is full of action, to the detriment of character development and description of the many monsters that are faced. The book is definitely written for the younger set, so while I found it trite, it might appeal to that age group.

I have read and enjoyed many Baldacci novels. This is my first time to encounter the Vega Jane series and I am not a fan. I just got started and hit the futuristic/monster stuff and quit. Not a good sample of the book but if you like the " normal" Baldacci work, you might not be interested either.

Good second book in the series, it grew on me as did the first book. I think this one moved much better than book 1 with many more characters and such developed. Now that I have read both, I look forward to more in the series.

The Keeper is a riveting & critical novel in the quest being attempted by Vega Jane and her close companion Delph on their amazing journey. I am eagerly awaiting the Book 3 novel as well. This is an amazing work by the skilled author, David Baldacci, one of my very favorite and most respected writers..

The writing was fine, and the author has a good imagination. However, the first Vega Jane book was much more of a stand alone tale. This feels too much like a bridge to assure sales of the next book in the series.

David ....... what the hell were you thinking ???? Or rather ..... what was I thinking? I saw the "New Baldacci Book" and automatically clicked without much reading. I mean, "How could I go wrong?" The only thing missing out of this misbegotten Lord of the Rings is Frodo Baggins. If you are looking for a good Baldacci move along there isn't one here.