Keeper of the Archives

Keeper of the Archives by Lynne Stringer (Wombat: Rhiza Edge) PB RRP $22.99 ISBN: 9781761111563

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

When the first paragraph of a new book likens thick smoke to choking tentacles, you know you are in the heart of the story and it’s set for immediate action.

By the end of the first page, we know that Eden Fittell is the strength in her family, protecting her mother and her siblings, Lenny and Jed, from their drunken and abusive father who only ‘visits’ when he needs more money for drink. And, by the end of the first chapter, we are firmly on Eden’s side – albeit concerned for her welfare and wondering how this young teen is going to manage.

In the grand scheme of things, Eden’s father is the least of the family’s worries when you consider their city is being targeted by crime boss Kore Luddan, who has the terrifying freak known as Izrod on his team kidnapping the people of Sendirian City.

The stakes are quickly raised when Eden obtains a position as a junior keeper in the Government Archives – replacing Kore’s most recent victim. Her mother is concerned, but what choice does Eden have; her family needs the money.

Supervisors in the Archives are on high alert, with stringent securities in place but, as with all good suspense situations, it is soon clear that these will be no match for Kore and Izrod. The question is, will Eden be stronger?

Author Lynne Stringer brings contemporary issues to play throughout the story, including domestic violence and alcoholism, along with considering themes of family dysfunction, the power of social status and the ‘masking’ of personal fear, and deals with these in a hard-hitting but compassionate way.

With well-developed characters who feel real, Keeper of the Archives is a fast-paced, high-tension story about a post-apocalyptic world, and will definitely appeal to young adult readers who enjoy science fiction and the surreal.