THE TREASURE KEEPER

Author: Shana Abé ISBN: 9780553806854 4/2009 FANTASY Publisher: BANTAM

The drákon are at war, surrounded by an enemy they have every reason to fear. The sanf inimicus are no ordinary human beings but the most dangerous of hunters. They’ve sworn to exterminate the shape-shifters whose presence they now can detect, and they’ve already claimed a prize prisoner: Lord Rhys Langford. It’s a blow the drákon clans feel from Darkfrith, England, all the way to the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania. But it strikes no one harder than Zoe Cyprienne Lane. A mere seamstress’s daughter, Zoe isn’t even in the same league as Rhys. In fact, as an unwed male in the Alpha line, according to drákon custom, he owns her. So nothing could be more outrageous—or personally ruinous—than the mere notion that she might set out on her own to find her childhood friend...and first true love. But the unexpected is exactly what Zoe intends to do. For years she’s been hiding two extraordinary Gifts that have set her apart from other drákon females: the power to become invisible and the power to feel others’ emotions. Now, guided by a link to Rhys—his presence and touch as electric as if he were beside her in the flesh—Zoe uses both Gifts to infiltrate the sanf inimicus. And for Rhys, whose time is running out, Zoe is his last lifeline to a world—and a love—he never thought he’d regain. Only together again, hunter and huntress, can they save the drákon from the traitor in their midst who would destroy them all.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

TREASURE KEEPER is absolutely enchanting! A true fantasy, it pulls the reader along on a journey that is filled with magic and romance, and proves that every being has the capacity to love—and to be loved.

The book begins with journal entries, meant to explain the thoughts and actions of one sister to the other. They give an insight that brings Zoe to life instantly, showing her as one who is open and loving, as well as intelligent and adventurous. Just from the entries, I felt I knew so much about this character. When the entries came to a close and the action began I was already attached to Zoe, and cared what happened to her.

There are many books written about dragons, and with dragons as characters, but never before have I felt an understanding for the dragons’ motivations and feelings so clearly. Zoe is in love, and when the object of her affection is taken away, she feels compelled to try and rescue him. It doesn’t matter that she may not be the most qualified for the position of rescuer; she reacts instantly, simply following her heart. The quest takes her from England to Paris, where she shows how life in the 1780s was in explicit detail.

I enjoyed this book for so many reasons. The storytelling is superb, with rich imagery that makes everything come clearly to life. The characters are sympathetic and relatable, despite the broad time difference. Moreover, this story ends on a high note but does not answer all of my questions. This leads me to believe that there will be another book to follow this one, something that pleases me very much.

Kay James