Seventeen-year-old Liam O'Connor's life takes a dark turn when his nightmares predict a classmate's murder. In Keepers of the Crossing: The Dark Friars, the first book in a new YA urban fantasy series, Liam's investigation plunges him into a hidden world of magic, monsters, and the ancient order of Keepers. Guided by the enigmatic Tariq, Liam must confront the menacing Dark Friars while juggling the pressures of college and friendship. This thrilling blend of fantasy, action, humor, and horror features a slow-burn queer romance and a richly imagined world reminiscent of The Mortal Instruments and Cemetery Boys. Can Liam embrace his destiny and protect Sarumbourne from the encroaching darkness?
Review Keepers of the Crossing
I absolutely devoured Keepers of the Crossing: The Dark Friars! From the very first page, I was hooked. Ryan J. Hamshaw has crafted a truly captivating world in Sarumbourne, a city brimming with both the mundane and the magical, a place where ancient secrets and modern anxieties collide. The blend of urban fantasy elements felt fresh and exciting, not overly reliant on tired tropes. The magical system, with its Guild, Serisberi stones, and the clear hierarchy of Keepers, was easy to understand and follow, making the story accessible even for someone like me who isn’t deeply immersed in the fantasy genre. Hamshaw manages to weave in complex lore without ever letting it bog down the pacing.
The characters are what truly stole the show for me. Liam, our protagonist, is a relatable, flawed character. He’s not your typical brooding hero, starting as a somewhat slacker student unexpectedly thrust into a world of magic and danger. His journey of self-discovery, adapting to his new reality with a refreshing lack of insistence on returning to a “normal” life, felt genuine and resonated deeply. His relationship with Tariq is a highlight, a slow-burn romance that’s both heartwarming and exciting. The playful banter and shared secrets between them were absolute perfection, a delightful mix of tension and affection that kept me eagerly anticipating their next interaction. The author masterfully builds their connection, leaving me desperate for more in the subsequent books. The supporting characters, Opel and Nathaniel, also added depth and intrigue to the narrative, offering different perspectives and adding to the overall richness of the world.
The story itself is a thrilling ride. The mystery surrounding the Dark Friars and their sinister plans keeps you guessing, while the action sequences are well-paced and exciting. Hamshaw expertly balances the darker elements of the plot with moments of humor and heartwarming interactions, creating a well-rounded and engaging reading experience. While the book is dialogue-heavy, this works effectively to develop the characters and their relationships. I particularly appreciated the author's decision to focus on showing rather than telling, particularly regarding the characters' emotional journeys. While I personally would love to see a bit more world-building and descriptive passages in future installments (perhaps a few more "showing" moments), this is a minor quibble in an otherwise fantastic read.
The pacing is excellent, keeping you engaged from beginning to end. The ending, while satisfying in its own right, left me with a burning desire to immediately dive into the next book in the series. Keepers of the Crossing: The Dark Friars is a highly recommended read for fans of urban fantasy, especially those who enjoy stories with compelling characters, engaging plots, and a touch of queer romance. It’s a self-published gem, and a testament to the power of a well-crafted story with genuine heart. I eagerly await the next installment!
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.82 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 326
- Publication date: 2024
Preview Book
