THE KEEPERS Book One: A Wizard Named Nell

Young Nell is a princess in a kingdom whose imperial wizard no longer has the strength to maintain the balance between good and evil. Although her father is amused by the little bits of magic she has mastered, he doesn’t view her, a girl, as a serious contender to succeed him. But when boy after boy fails in trying out to become the wizard’s apprentice, Nell decides to take matters into her own hands. Davina Porter is an engaging and versatile storyteller who emphasizes Nell’s resourcefulness and fortitude as she seeks to prove herself. Porter’s intelligent reading illuminates the archetypal roots of this story of self-determination and quest. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]