**Disclaimer: I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review from as part of a tour from TBR and Beyond Tours.**
Title The Keeper of Night
Author Kylie Lee Baker
Release Date October 12, 2021
Date Finished August 18, 2021
Description
Death is her destiny.
Half British Reaper, half Japanese Shinigami, Ren Scarborough has been collecting souls in the London streets for centuries. Expected to obey the harsh hierarchy of the Reapers who despise her, Ren conceals her emotions and avoids her tormentors as best she can.
When her failure to control her Shinigami abilities drives Ren out of London, she flees to Japan to seek the acceptance she’s never gotten from her fellow Reapers. Accompanied by her younger brother, the only being on earth to care for her, Ren enters the Japanese underworld to serve the Goddess of Death… only to learn that here, too, she must prove herself worthy. Determined to earn respect, Ren accepts an impossible task—find and eliminate three dangerous Yokai demons—and learns how far she’ll go to claim her place at Death’s side.
Initial Thoughts
I was super excited to get an e-ARC of this book on NetGalley – it was one of my most anticipated October 2021 reads!
Some Things I Liked
Japanese folklore and culture. I loved the elements of Japanese mythology used in this story and I also really loved the contrast between traditional myths and their “English counterparts”. I thought the blend between history and fantasy was so well done.
Multi-Cultural representation. I adored this element. As a person of mixed races, this theme resonated so strongly with me. I loved the challenges Ren faced because of her heritage as well as the realism of feeling like she didn’t belong. I can’t wait to continue her story and see more of how she grapples with this struggle.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
The pacing was a touch off for me. The beginning was a slow build and then we did a 180 and flipped to a new setting with all new rules and concepts. I think the scenes in London (while very enjoyable from a world building element) made the plot drag a bit. I actually put this book down for a few weeks because I found I was bored during the first 30-35%.
Series Value
I definitely want to continue this story. I love the world the author created and can’t wait to see more. I can also easily see spin off stories set in this world in addition to a direct sequel.
Final Thoughts
I’m glad I finished this book. After tackling the initial hurdle of the slow build, I found I was unable to put the story down. I can’t wait to read more from this author and read the rest of Ren’s story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Links
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56030267-the-keeper-of-night
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Night-duology/dp/1335405666
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-keeper-of-night-kylie-lee-baker/1138317760?ean=9781335405661
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Keeper-of-Night-Kylie-Lee-Baker/9781335405661
Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-keeper-of-night/9781335405661-item.html
IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335405661
About the Author
Author Links
Website: https://www.kylieleebaker.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KylieYamashiro
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylieleebaker/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20095503.Kylie_Lee_Baker
Books Over Everything 