The Keeper of the Mist

January 4, 2016
Neumeier (The Floating Islands) begins her delightful YA fantasy with Keri, who grew up as a working-class baker. However, as the illegitimate daughter of the Lord of the country of Nimmira, there was always a chance that Keri might be the heir. When a surprised Keri becomes Lady of Nimmira, she finds that the magic that protects Nimmira from the outside world—a mist that both not only keeps outsiders from entering the land, but also from remembering its existence—has faded almost entirely away. Keri is soon contending with an embassy from the South, a troop of soldiers and a prince from fierce Tor Carron, and a mage from the northern land of Eschalion, the country of the ancient Wyvern King who has spent centuries trying to conquer the world. After a slow start, Neumeier delivers intriguing political problems, complicated and charming personal relationships, and magic running the gamut from the domestic hominess of Nimmira to the terrifyingly gorgeous enchantments of Eschalion. The book’s rewards make up for its initial hesitations. Ages 12–up. Agent: Caitlin Blasdell, Liza Dawson Associates.

December 15, 2015
When a land concealed by blood magic can choose its own ruler, sometimes it selects a well-bred guy--and sometimes it anoints an unassuming working-class girl able to walk the line of diplomacy and defense while whipping up one mean layer cake. Keri is a baker in Glassforge, a lovely town in the fecund land of Nimmira. Measuring, mixing, and making ends meet are her quotidian ingredients, until the magic of Nimmira decides that Keri, illegitimate child of the deceased lord, is next in line to rule. Nimmira is protected by a mist that keeps the land concealed from two bordering domains, but with Keri's father's death, the mist begins to fail, and for the first time, representatives from the neighboring lands cross the magic border. Under this neophyte Lady, will Nimmira be taken by the Bear soldiers of Tor Carron or absorbed by the malicious sorcery of Eschalion? And why is everyone in a tizzy when the Lady just needs to bake an indulgent cake to de-stress? Neumeier explores the importance of understanding the true talent, weakness, and intent of friend, foe, and self as Keri perseveres as Lady. The only blights in the delicious details of this horn of plenty are the frequency of malleable descriptives ("not exactly mist, and not exactly shadow") and the failure to populate the book's medieval-esque setting with a notably diverse cast. Overall, an enchanting fantasy treat. (Fantasy. 12-17)

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Starred review from January 1, 2016

Gr 7 Up-Everyone knows that Keri's father is the Lord of Nimmira, even though she's had nothing to do with him since she was born. Since her mother's death, Keri has been running their bakery on her own, just managing to keep it afloat. So she has reason to be surprised when the country's Timekeeper walks through the door and informs her that Lord Dorric Ailenn has died and Nimmira has chosen her as the new Lady. When she tries to protest, the Timekeeper reiterates that Keri is the chosen one and whisks her off to the Lord's-now Lady's-House in the center of the town. Keri's three older half-brothers, who were raised in Lord Dorric's House, are not happy at being overlooked and treat her as a silly girl, attempting to undermine her at every chance. When visitors from outside the country arrive, she discovers that her father was not an honest man. Keri realizes that she's the only one with the common sense to rule Nimmira, but she has to determine whom she can trust to support her. VERDICT This is a beautifully written story that emphasizes intelligence and diplomacy. Recommend to fans of Patricia Wrede and Tamora Pierce, as well as lovers of traditional fantasy.-Marlyn Beebe, Long Beach Public Library, CA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2016
In a single unexpected moment, poor baker Keri becomes the chosen Lady of Nimmira; she and her friends and advisors must restore the fading Mist around Nimmira and defend the country from land-hungry armies and evil wizards. The political and social complexities, though well constructed, make the plot drag; still, Neumeier's realistically flawed characters are easy to root for.

(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)