Review: The Twelfth Keeper by Belle Malory

The Twelfth Keeper by Belle Malory
Publication Date: January 22, 2013
Publisher: Belle Malory
Number of Pages: 439
Format: Ebook
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When sixteen-year-old Kennedy Mitchell is proclaimed the world’s last keeper, she thinks it’s a cruel joke. Come on- her? Impossible. She’s no warrior. She isn’t wise beyond her years, or more importantly, capable of keeping Earth safe.

Except...no one will listen. And since all evidence says otherwise, the job is hers whether she likes it or not.

During the highly demanding training regime that follows, Kennedy struggles to fit in with Earth’s renowned protectors. Especially Phoenix Jorgensen, who openly despises her. Problem is, he may be the only one she can trust. The keepers have big secrets surrounding them. Secrets Kennedy isn’t comfortable knowing, much less being apart of. With Phoenix’s help, she’ll have to find a way out.

Either that, or die trying.

First I would like to thank Belle for giving me the opportunity to review her latest book.

At first I wasn't too sure how I feel about the book. It took a little bit to get into, but at the same time kept me interested enough to keep reading. The setting is kind of confusing. You can tell that it's set sometime in the future, but not sure exactly when. I've read books before where the first book isn't about world building. It just gives you enough information so you're not totally lost, but at the same time keeps you guessing. I like it. It leaves a lot to your imagination.

The concept of the plot is interesting. Earth was build with its own protectors, the keepers, born from  one of the twelve constellations. The Defense of Extraterrestrials, or DOE as it's more commonly referred as, has found all the Keepers but the last one; until now. Kennedy Mitchell has gone through a lot. With the death of her dad, her mom not only had to work two plus jobs, but had to move across the island they live on. When DOE insists that she is the twelfth keeper, she knows they made a mistake. There is nothing special about her. But when Kennedy realizes how much money trouble their family is in she agrees to go with DOE and train.

Enter Phoenix, keeper number nine and the first keeper that was found. Calaya, a stargazer, has been telling Phoenix that he will have a special bond with the twelfth keeper. That he will fall for her and will want to be her hero instead of Earth's. Phoenix is determine to not let that happen, nothing is more important than his responsibility of protecting his planet and the people. But when Kennedy's life is endangered Phoenix can't keep his emotions in check anymore.

I wasn't too big on Phoenix completely ignoring and keeping his distance from Kennedy and then wham all of a sudden he can't stay away. It's been done before, but I wish there were some kind of a communication between the two before the incident. But the time they had spent together, I couldn't help but fall in love with Phoenix. Not to mention laugh at Kennedy's comments about his coffee making skills. She should give him a few pointers.

Of course with being YA there are some guarantees. Enter Hunter, Kennedy's best friend. On the day she left he had kissed her and with that had told her his real feelings for her. I see a love triangle brewing in the near future. Instead of the usual snarky bff, we have Matilda, the latest robot to assist Kennedy. And there were times when I forgot she was just a robot. The comments she would make were hilarious, and especially love the fact she calls Kennedy Cupcake. Has to be my favorite thing about this book.

Then there are a few things that kind of bugged me. There were a few senteces that I had to read a few times to understand what was going on. Nothing big. And then there were the occasionally use of words like shit and fuck. Now I don't have a problem with it, but I don't think are very appropriate for YA.

Last but not least there's a few things that I keep wondering. Why does Kennedy refers to her mom by her first name? I want to know more about the keepers and the constellations. I want to know more about they day Kennedy's father died. What really happened to Kennedy that day? And why did the doctor lie to Kennedy about the phone?

Overall this book has me intrigued, and I can't wait to see what else is in store for Kennedy and the rest of the keepers.

Rating: 4/5