The Treekeepers

by Laura McGee Kvasnosky and Susan McGee Britton

Book Overview

Bird is a tough, streetwise urchin, stealing and begging to get by. In this stirring fantasy, a murderous leader has taken over the land where Bird lives and destroyed the tree that gives life. He will do anything to find the Opener-one who is prophesied to save the people. A few other orphans and a sad, mysterious caretaker lead Bird to a special locket that, amazingly, opens easily in her hands. It reveals just a seed. When planted, it will grow...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525469443
• ISBN13: 9780525469445
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 245 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

thought-provoking

I love this book, and I can not stop thinking about it. Both my daughters have read it and could not put the book down. As a Christian, I loved all the symbolism. The thalasse makes me think of the Holy Spirit, the "mark" all believers bare. It is nice to be able to read this book as a great fantasy, but also enjoy its deeper meanings.

Well-written and loads of fun!

My daughter and I both read The Treekeepers and enjoyed everything about it. The writing, the characters, the story, the emotion. It was an amazing first novel and one that neither of us wanted to put down. Here's hoping for more from Susan Britton, and a sequel of The Treekeepers.

Satisfied Customer

I live with a thirst that is seldom quenched, a hunger that is nearly impossible to satisfy. At the age of ten, I began reading the greats of fantasy - T.H. White, Lloyd Alexander, Tolkein, Lewis, etc. - and so developed a taste for tales of other, magic worlds. Those authors fully removed me from earth and placed me elsewhere, enthralling me with their rich, powerful works. Since then, I have not stopped questing for works of similar power, but the pickings have been slim. It is with great pleasure, then, that I read Britton's work: here, finally, is another volume to add to the list of treasured fantasies that I read and re-read through the years.

A riveting, believable fantasy novel

The Treekeepers is one of the best fantasy novels I have read. Susan McGee Britton's use of language is captivating. The closest match I could name would be Tolkien, but Britton's writing style is fresh and unique. It is not a pale imitation of Tolkien, as so many fantasies seem to be. The "quotations" at the beginning of each chapter are poetic and fascinating. Bird, Dren, Farwender, Soladin and the other characters quickly became real people to me as I read. Although a fantasy, I was caught up in their courage, fear, love, anger and jealousy. I found myself caring deeply about them, and what happened to them. Again, I compare this to so many fantasies whose characters seem wooden or cartoonish. The story itself was fascinating, with numerous subplots woven in. Britton created a unique world, yet as I read I was constantly reminded of the struggles, betrayals and adventures we experience in our world. Her characterization of the evil king Rendarren was great, and I thought the scenes with Sebeelyo and Benwin were extraordinary. This book stands by itself. The ending was unexpected and satisfying, but enough mysteries were hinted at to make me hope a sequel is in the works. I agree with Booklist (American Library Association) and the School Library Journal: This book is riveting and believable, enriching the traditional conventions of the fantasy genre.

Read this book!!

I wanted Treekeepers to go on forever--I couldn't put it down. The story is told in a vivid way that makes it more like watching a movie than reading a book. The main character is an orphan girl named Bird who thinks of herself as tough and brave, which she is. But she also has a tender heart. As she battles her way through life, looking for her father and a way to heal her land, her heart slowly grows in tenderness. She finds people she can love--and who love her. But also, she fails miserably in her quest, until in the end, well, you have to read the book. There is something comforting about the way this story is told. It's like being wrapped up in a warm blanket in front of a fire on a cold night. I will soon be 40, but I still crave such stories.