The Keeper's Calling

The Keeper's Saga, Book 1

By: Kelly Nelson

Narrated by: James Simenc

They come from two different worlds. One fateful discovery will bring them together. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.

Chase Harper's to-do list for senior year never included fall in love and fight for your life, but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest imagination.

In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected rescuer comes to her aid.

©2012 Walnut Springs Press (P)2014 Kelly Nelson

Great Adventure-Clean Romance

Would you consider the audio edition of The Keeper's Calling to be better than the print version?

I wouldn't say it is better than the print version, they are both good but I like that I can listen while doing other things like driving, house and yard work, etc.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Chase Harper was my favorite character. I like knowing what he is thinking during all the unusual situations he gets into.

Have you listened to any of James Simenc’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this is the first audio book I have listened to narrated by him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I loved the blossoming romance between Chase and Ellie.

Any additional comments?

I am 67 years old and though this book is about young people, I like that all ages can enjoy this fun adventure/romance. I can recommend it to my grandchildren and know there won't be any bad language or sex in it. I hope the other books in the Keeper's Saga are also put on audio, I thoroughly enjoyed reading them all and want to listen to them too.

A great start to an adventure in time!

If you could sum up The Keeper's Calling in three words, what would they be?

Sweet, funny, adventurous

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Keeper's Calling?

When Chase was with the other Keeper working on the Erie Canal.

Which character – as performed by James Simenc – was your favorite?

Chase

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, but I listened to it as often as I could.

Any additional comments?

I normally don't listen to audio books, because I'm always afraid of what the narrator will sound like. For some books, I've heard that the narrator can ruin the book, but the guy who narrated Keeper's Calling was actually pretty great.This book is about Chase Harper, a senior in high school, and one of the sweetest male protagonist I've read about in a while--which I'll get to in a minute.Chase and his family were enjoying the last bit of summer camping in Zion's National Park in Utah, when he decides to go off and explore on his own. In a dark cave, Chase finds a golden pocket watch, and messes with a few strange buttons on the inside. Suddenly, Chase sees three people dressed like they were from the late 1800's. His reaction was perfect. He thought that he was on the scene of a western movie set. It is only when he sees that the two men were going to hurt their captive--Ellie Williams--that he begins to realize there's something beyond any explanation he could think of going on.It is then that he discovers the gold pocket watch he now carries actually a time traveling device.Can I just say how much I love time travel stories?With Ellie by his side, Chase begins to learn how to use the counter. A whole new world--or should I say times?--was opened up to him. He was faced with many problems. How to keep Ellie safe from the Sniffers, how to control where and when he landed when using the counter, the Erie Canal, and what exactly his purpose was as guardian of his counter.Although I thoroughly enjoy the time-travel aspect of the story, I was grateful that Chase maintained contact with his family. With most time-travel stories I've read or watched, it seems the minute the character goes into the past or future, they leave behind their family until their journey is over. Chase however used his current time-line as an anchor, always coming back when the small tasks he accomplished were over. It made him more relate-able, because had I been in his place, I would have gone back if I could too.Now to explain why I think Chase is one of the sweetest male protagonists I've ever read about. I won't spoil the story, but the romance in this book was so cute--and it was realistic, in the fact that he didn't suddenly fall head over heels. The attraction was there in the beginning, obviously, but it took time for Chase to discover his feelings for Ellie. And it was just so cute! He treated her like a princess and did anything he could to keep her safe. Oh, it was super sweet. I loved it!Overall, this was a clean and fun story about the beginning of a boy's journey through time. And, I'm excited for the next books! In this one we only get a small taste of the bigger picture, and I'm very intrigued to see what exactly that picture will be.I give this a 5 out of 5!

Engaging time travel/YA romance

Chase Harper is in his senior year trying to figure out how best to prepare for college. He is on a camping adventure with family when he discovers a box containing an old, odd item that resembles a pocket watch. He touches the dials and a soft light glows. He stumbles and awakens in a landscape that is strange although similar. He tries to find his way back to the campsite but nothing is quite right. Then he sees two Mexican cowboys riding off with a woman. He follows and rescues Ellie in 1863.

Ellie is charmed by the young man who rescues her but she is more concerned with finding her grandfather and his secret treasure. She is distressed to discover that Chase has the time tracker but she explains that it is his now since it responded to him. She chooses to travel with him to 2011 so she can explain more of what is happening.

A strong attraction develops between Chase and Ellie although they try to pretend they are just friends to ward off any difficulties with Chase’s family. Chase has to learn the use and meaning of the gadget and decide if he wants to accept the responsibilities of using it. He and Ellie will face danger as they try to find a way to protect each other.

I felt the story started a bit slowly but after a short while I was pulled in by the mystery, travel and suspense. I enjoyed the main characters and really liked the gentle, sweet level of the teenage romance. There are some underlying faith comments that also warmed my heart. The travel plot has interesting twists that build background for the series and make this more than a YA romance. I recommend this as an entertaining listen for those who enjoy YA romance and time travel adventure.

Audio Notes: James Simenc does a fine job with the narration. His voice suits Chase as the primary character and he does a good job with distinguishable voices for the female characters as well as other male voices. I enjoyed this as an audio listen.

I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

This was a surprising listen

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.

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So stinking good!!!!!

I actually have all of these books. But I wanted to listen to them on audible because well, busy life. Not a lot of time to sit down and read. They are just as good as what I read them back in 2015. The story of Ellie and Chase is enchanting, romantic, adorable, And very exciting! You got time travel, action, romance, doesn’t get much better than that.

AWESOME Time travel book!!! Great narrator

What did you love best about The Keeper's Calling?

I loved the time travel aspect. It was so much fun to read. Exciting, and interesting. I felt like I was right there with the characters during the whole book. It was just fantastic.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I think I have two favorites. Chase and Ellie. I loved them. Chase was the type of guy I would want my daughter to bring home. Too bad he is fictional ;). He is kind, brave, strong, handsome, and above all a gentlemen. Ellie is sweet. She cracked me up. Coming from 1863 it was so fun to see her view on our modern conveniences :)

What about James Simenc’s performance did you like?

I loved it. I prefer men narrators to women. They seem to be more "interactive". I don't know why. Maybe because they can do voices better than women. In my opinion. I think they just have a smoother voice, and are able to connect me to the characters more.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES! Unfortunately I couldn't. I loved it so much I hated it when I had to turn it off to do my "regular mommy" duties :). It was just fantastic!

Any additional comments?

I love the way the author brought the past to life for me. The story was put together very well. It moved smoothly and the narrator was AWESOME!