The Keepers' Tattoo - Hardcover

Arbuthnott, Gill

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0545171660 ISBN 13: 9780545171663

Publisher: Chicken House, 2010

Synopsis

What is the mystery that marks her? A lush, multitextured fantasy introducing a captivating heroine, Nyssa, descendant of seers, vessel of their secrets.

Ten years ago, Alaric, leader of the Shadowmen, killed most of the Keepers--teachers of ancient knowledge that threatened his barbaric rule. Young Kit was captured, but his twin sister, Nyssa, escaped. Only later will she learn that both she and her lost brother bear the secret words of their people: three lines each of strange, unintelligible writing tattooed on their scalps. Now the Shadowmen are on the attack again, determined to quell a growing rebellion. Nyssa must find her brother, and together they must unlock the meaning--the power--behind the mysterious words.

About this title

About the Author

Gill Arbuthnott lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she works as a biology teacher. The Keepers' Tattoo is her debut novel.

Reviews

Grade 6 Up Nyssa is a cheerful young cook and tavern maid in a medieval-like world. But, as with many lowly orphans in fantasy novels, she has a secret identity. She has a mysterious tattoo on the back of her head, one half of an inscription in a language long forgotten, that of the Keepers, a civilization based on science and reason. Nyssa also has nightmares so concrete that she wonders if she is living inside another person's mind. When the terrifying Shadowmen arrive and seem to be pursuing her, she is aided in her escape by her uncle Marius and a dance hall girl named Aria. Central to the plot is Nyssa's discovery of her twin brother, who has been badly abused by Alaric the White Wolf, a cruel dictator bent on empire building. Once Nyssa and her friends rescue Kit, they are on the run again. Can they translate the tattoos that mark the siblings before the White Wolf's Shadowmen catch them? Will the secrets of the past give them power to save the world? Coincidence plays a big part throughout, including the climax, but the story has interior charms. Nyssa is an earnest and fiercely independent girl, her friendship with Aria is lively and nonjudgmental, and both girls grow into lives that satisfy their true natures. When readers meet Kit, he is a starved, battered, and speechless slave boy, the alter ego of Nyssa's nightmares. Slowly, in the company of his loving sister, he develops into a thoughtful and expressive young man. A pleasing adventure for fantasy fans. Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
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Fifteen-year-old orphan Nyssa works in a tavern in mythical Archipelago. She flees with a man claiming to be her uncle after her life is threatened by the Shadowmen, a group of assassins working for the tyrant Alaric. These men are trying to destroy any remaining Keepers, an ancient cult of people with incredible knowledge. All that remains of a life Nyssa can't remember are bad dreams and a few lines of ancient text tattooed on her neck. But her neck only holds half of the message—the other half belonged to her twin brother, who was murdered along with the rest of her family. As Nyssa's dreams intensify, she realizes that her brother is still alive and in Alaric's hands. Readers hoping for another fantasy of dark wizards should look elsewhere; this debut novel is about myths and legends, not magic. The material (long-lost twin, tyrannical ruler, dangerous journey) may not feel fresh, but the strong, female protagonist and action-adventure will engage both boys and girls. Grades 5-8. --Kimberly Garnick

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From The Keepers' Tattoo
Marius put a finger to his lips, oblivious to the blood dripping from where she'd bitten him. For the first time, Nyssa noticed the sword at his side. No longer the mild, friendly man from the inn, a stranger now stood between her and the door, his hand on the hilt of the weapon

She cast the scattering of dust in his face, and took to her heels.

"Wait!" he called after her. "Nyssa, you're not safe!"

Edition details

• Publisher: Chicken House
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0545171660
• ISBN 13: 9780545171663
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 432