The Book of Em: The Last Gatekeeper by Richard Brant 5 Stars
Blurb:
Fifteen-year-old Ben moves with his abused mother and alcoholic step-father from Chicago to a sprawling East Coast estate inherited from a distant cousin. Creole, a half-breed faerie, mourns the loss of her father, the former Gatekeeper, responsible for preventing the discovery of the world of Em by the world of man. When the two meet, the dominoes of fate begin toppling, one after another, leaving them to fulfill their destiny, or die trying. The Book of Em: The Last Gatekeeper will make your heart weep, your soul soar, and restore your faith in the power of love. Caught in his volatile day by day existence with an alcoholic, violent, step-father, Ben risks everything to protect his mother from harm. Creole, a young faerie with serious anger issues, seeks shelter from the storm her life has become since the death of her father. He in the world of man - She in the world of Em. Destined to meet, albeit in the most unexpected circumstance, Ben soon finds himself rehabilitating in Em with Cree’s mother, Arielle, tending his injuries. The senior faerie tells him about Em, about its creation to keep safe the magical creatures that once existed in his world, and about the role of the Gatekeeper. She says he’s the next Gatekeeper; the one who will take over for her former partner, Creole's father, and his distant cousin, Arthur. More than that, she informs Ben he may even be the last Gatekeeper, foretold by prophecy to close the gate between the two worlds for good. Recovered, Ben and Cree embark on a journey back to the gate; He, happy to return to his world. She, more than happy to send him there. Unbeknownst to the two teens, forces in Em are forming, good and bad, to support them in the fulfillment of their destinies, or stop them using any means possible. Only the cementing of their friendship, and hearts, will protect them from the coming storm.
ADR S&S Book Review
Holy. Cow! If you love myth and fairy tale, then this is the story for you! Chock full of every creature, foul and fair, you have ever imagined, The Book of Em: The Last Gatekeeper will keep you engaged from beginning to end. Fifteen-year-old Ben is a force to be reckoned with when he finds himself embroiled in the affairs of this fantastical world. Cree, his teenage fairy protector and accomplice, brings color and humor to the story, with her feisty banter and never-say-die attitude. Where these two lead, adventure is sure to follow. Fast paced with a sweet love story that will have you cheering the whole way through. The best part? There is more to come! Keep writing, Mr. Brant. Your fans are waiting!
