Kelly Nelson

ABR's full The Keeper’s Calling audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

This was a surprising listen. It was a well thought and planned out series of events in this book and narration expertly done. I could predict that Kelly Nelson is looking at a long career as an author of YA. From the storyline, narration and characters it certainly was a shame that this book took this long to be made into an audiobook from the published book date. Kelly Nelson’s YA read/listen audio even though meant for YA. I am in older age group I enjoyed every moment of it as I know others would. I was drawn right into the story and as I listen to it could actually visualized the events, the scenery, the support cast of characters. I probably could have listen to this all in one day but starting later in the day finished up the next day. A lot is packed into the 9+ hrs.

Kelly has intertwined the main characters of Chase Harper and Ellie Williams. Seeing how Chase is from 2011 and Ellie Williams is from 1863 still the same age was able to build a relationship between them. This book has combined the best of magic, time travel, history, love and most of all adventure!

Starting in 2011 Chase Harper is ending his summer vacation on a family camping trip in Zion National Park. Being bored and no one wanted to join him for a bike ride on this particularly hot day he heads off on his own. Coming upon a cave he decides to explore and cool off. When dropping his flashlight between some rocks his adventure begins with the discovery of a box containing a watch. A very special watch. Thought here we go – like any other time travel book. This one however has a nice and yet subtle flow.

Upon opening the box and discovering the watch and opening it up. Chase like any typical teen sees the glowing buttons is only curious and presses the one. As he departs the cave notices some major changes and the start of his adventure. Seeing Ellie being lead away by 2 men on horse, Chase thinks it is a movie being filmed. Then he realizes its not. Following the men Chase thru events helps save Ellie and their time travel begins.

As with any teen story throw in an assortment of the teens family and friends. Trying to keep their stories straight with the help of his twin sister Jessica. Helping Ellie adjust from the culture shock of the 21st century. Chase learning he is now the Keeper of the watch. Learning how to use it. His body changes that has people questioning him. His time travel mishaps.

Learning that him and Ellie have people out to kill them. Will Chase protect them? Does Ellie go back to her own time? Who is after them?

The narrator James Simenc was a perfect choice By Kelly for the start of this series. When I started to listen to this I could tell this was a young man narrating. Perfect since I find it hard to listen to a YA read by someone older. Not only was he a convincing Chase. But, surprisingly did well with the multiple female parts. Distinguishing voices for the males parts. Hoping that he continues with the following books in this series. Nothing is worst than a change up of narrators. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Will actually need to read the series since I don’t think I could wait for the audio to come out.

Audiobook provided for review by the author.… (mais)