The Spirit Keeper by K. B. Laugheed

Author: K. B. Laugheed
Publisher: Plume
Date of publication: September 2013

The thirteenth child conceived of miserable Irish exiles, Katie O’Toole dreams of a different life. Little does she know that someone far away is dreaming of her.

In 1747, savages raid her family home, and seventeen-year-old Katie is taken captive. Syawa and Hector have been searching for her, guided by Syawa’s dreams. A young Holyman, Syawa believes Katie is the subject of his Vision: the Creature of Fire and Ice, destined to bring a great gift to his people. Despite her flaming hair and ice-blue eyes, Katie is certain he is mistaken, but faced with returning to her family, she agrees to join them. She soon discovers that in order to fulfill Syawa’s Vision, she must first become his Spirit Keeper, embarking on an epic journey that will change her life—and heart—forever.

The Spirit Keeper is a wonderfully written story about about one woman's journey through the wild frontier.  Katie O'Toole is taken by 2 "savages" because they believe she is special.  Being abused most of her life by her family, she chooses to go with the men on their journey.  Syawa is a Seer and Hector his closet friend.  As she travels with them, she slowly learns their language and their way of life.  Along the way, she learns more about herself and finds love.

 The book was really interesting and kept my attention.   It was actually a very quick read, but probably because I couldn't put the book down.  I really enjoyed reading Katie's story.  Despite her young age, she was a strong, smart woman who had a will to survive.  I also loved Hector's character.  The way he takes care of Katie was very endearing.  I loved what Katie realizes in the end about her "gift".  It was very fitting.

There were only two things that I didn't enjoy about the book.  I kind of wish that we got more than just Katie's point of view.  I know she was writing her story, but I would have liked Syawa or Hector's point of view.  Also, at times, I felt like the dialogue was a bit too modern for the 1700s and a little juvenile.  But, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story.  There was one open question that I had in the end.  I never found out where Syawa and and Hector are from.  I would have liked to know where the journey was going to end. I definitely recommend this debut book.  This isn't my normal type of story and I'm glad I gave it a try.

About the author:

K.B. Laugheed is an organic gardener and master naturalist who has spent a lifetime feeding the earth.  Her efforts have culminated in The Spirit Keeper, her first novel and largest contribution to the potluck so far.

For more info on K. B. Laugheed and her work, visit her website, kblaugheed.com.

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