The Keepers’ Tattoo by Gill Arbuthnott

Orphaned and taken in by strangers, Nyssa has never really known the meaning of the crane tattoo on her arm—and how much danger it puts her in. Nyssa soon learns that she is a Keeper, a member of an ancient clan whose knowledge was widespread through the Archipelago. Unfortunately, the tyrant Alaric and his Shadowmen have been hunting her kind for years, and now Nyssa must flee. With the help of another disguised Keeper, Nyssa will embark on an epic adventure. And when she discovers that she may be part of the key to bringing down Alaric’s rule, the stakes are higher than ever. Does Nyssa have the courage and the strength to save her people?

The Keepers’ Tattoo is a wonderful and engaging fantasy. Arbuthnott displays amazing skill for a debut author, particularly in her ability to create characters and weave plot. I was very impressed with Arbuthnott’s writing as a whole. The story has a great many twists and turns, and the characters go back and forth between locations and choices many times; however, it never feels too repetitive, probably because the circumstances and details are always changing. Arbuthnott’s world in The Keepers’ Tattoo will sweep readers away into a fascinating place. Additionally, readers will be able to connect to many of the characters, particularly the heroine Nyssa and her uncle Marius. Arbuthnott has incorporated everything from adventure to magic to the importance of friendship and family and even a tad of romance into this exciting and memorable read, sure to win readers’ hearts.

The Keepers’ Tattoo will be enjoyed by fans of Raiders’ Random by Emily Diamand and Trickster’s Choice and Trickster’s Queen, both by Tamora Pierce.

Rating: 4.0

Review copy from publisher Scholastic