Fifteen-year-old Greyson Jones is the middle kid of his family. He’s always felt like the “support”—while his older and younger sisters excel in their hobbies, he serves as the “man of the house” in his late father’s stead. But, unbeknownst to him, he’s about to take on a far greater role: one that could save an entire realm, or throw it into chaos. His journey begins when a substitute teacher gifts him with a strange tattoo, and another stranger steals away his little sister, Annabelle. To rescue her, Greyson accompanies a man named Talbot to Ensonio: a realm of magic, divided into nine regions, each ruled over with the guidance of a sacred relic. Gathering the relics could create power for either great good or great evil. To that end, only one person knows the location of all nine relics: the Mapkeeper, a role passed down through generations. And this is the legacy handed down to Greyson. If he delivers them all to Jakob, Annabelle’s captor, she will be returned safely.

Natalea Waller and Emily McKeehan’s MAPKEEPER: Journey Through the North relays the first leg of this journey. Greyson and Talbot enlist the assistance of 16-year-old twin guides Winston and Jemma. The duo become fast friends and confidants and, in the case of Jemma, perhaps something more. But their mission is fraught with peril. Secrets and deceptions abound, as gaining these relics requires everything from subterfuge to deadly risks. Every new region presents its own joys and perils, too—ranging from wild animal attacks to sno-cone festivals. And, of course, there’s the biggest challenge of all to face: young love. The world of Ensonio is different enough to be alluring, but familiar enough to speed-run some enchanting worldbuilding. The Cold North echoes the friendliest parts of the American Midwest; meanwhile, the revisionist history of Wildwoode is a jarring reminder of real-world injustice. The balance between familiar and foreign is just right, and allows for a read that is immediately immersive. This is only part of Greyson’s journey, however. Ending on an emotionally charged cliffhanger, the story is hugely enticing. And as readers look forward to the next leg of Greyson’s adventure, questions loom. There’s more to come, and if what’s next is nearly as good as this, it will be worth the wait.

Authors Emily McKeehan and Natalea Waller join forces to weave an exciting tale of magic, intrigue, and surprisingly relatable young adulthood in MAPKEEPER: Journey Through the North.

~Kara Dennison for IndieReader