Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Keeper of the Gremkat Key: Legend of Galivett Book One by Brad Lyon and John Lyon is an adventurous children’s novel that follows eleven-year-old Harper Graybridge. Harper's life changes dramatically when he discovers a mysterious metal cylinder in a junkyard, leading him to meet Lyt, a three-foot-tall bug-man. Lyt reveals that the cylinder is a ‘keeper,’ essential for accessing the underground realm of Murkmor. Together with his new friends Lyt and Crowll, a bird-like warrior, Harper navigates a world filled with dangers like poisonous jelly monkeys and treacherous ruins while evading the malevolent Baron Vyndot, who seeks the keeper for his own nefarious plans. The authors have crafted a richly detailed and imaginative underground world in Murkmor, filled with whimsical and frightening creatures that are certain to intrigue and entertain their young readership. Their ability to transport readers into this vibrant realm showcases their highly original creativity and establishes a captivating backdrop for Harper's adventure.
Within this fantastical setting, some truly memorable and utterly charming characters come to life, particularly the brave and curious Harper, whose energy for adventure and bright dialogue is sure to help young readers fall in love with him and root for him in times of struggle. The unique personalities of Lyt and Crowll are warm and friendly, as well as packed with comic relief, and their interactions with Harper offer valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of embracing differences. In terms of its pacing and plot, the adventure is filled with fast-paced action and suspenseful moments to keep young readers engaged from beginning to end. Brad and John Lyon expertly balance these thrilling escapades with moments of quiet reflection, allowing readers to digest Harper’s growth and the lessons he learns along the way. Harper's journey serves as a metaphor for personal growth, teaching young readers that facing fears and overcoming challenges are essential parts of life, and the tender narrative structure offers this lesson in an accessible and entertaining way. Overall, Keeper of the Gremkat Key is a highly entertaining adventure and a meaningful coming-of-age story that I would not hesitate to recommend.
P. Rosenthal
Murkmor is a thriving civilization hidden deep beneath the earth's surface. It is filled with exotic creatures and mysterious secrets. In Keeper of the Gremkat Key by Brad and John Lyon, an after-dark trip to a junkyard turns into a heart-pounding quest. Eleven-year-old Harper Graybridge faces real danger in an obscure underground world when he is thrust into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game against the notorious Baron Vyndot. Alongside his new friends, Lyt the Dredgebug and Crowll the Birdman, he races against time to protect the keeper. The fate of the realms depends on it. As they journey through treacherous lands and face deadly enemies, Harper realizes his prized metal cylinder holds much more significance than a junkyard treasure.
“We have started something that needed to begin.” Brad and John Lyon introduce readers to young Harper Graybridge, a sometimes-reckless protagonist with his own brand of courage. In addition, Keeper of the Gremkat Key presents a host of memorable and unique characters. With stunning physical descriptions, enchanted beings seize young readers' imaginations. Some characters are given a unique style of speech that adds to their appeal but none is more interesting than the lyrical backward speech of the Dredgebug, Lyt. Themes of good versus evil, bravery, loyalty, and honor are not lost in the fast-paced action. Join Harper on his quest and discover a world of fantastic possibilities. Fans of fantasy adventures, myths, and legends will not want to miss out on this thrilling exploit filled with mysticism, friendship, and danger.
Liz Konkel
Keeper of the Gremkat Key by Brad Lyon and John Lyon is the first book in the Legend of Galivett series. Harper is excited when he spots a strange light in the junkyard and is driven to investigate, leading him to a shocking discovery. A strange metal cylinder is unlike anything he has ever seen before and neither is the bug-man he encounters. Lyt has ventured from his underground world in search of the cylinder, which he calls a keeper. Harper is instantly drawn into the adventure and, after striking a deal with Lyt, he’s whisked away to a mysterious world called Murkmor. He quickly discovers this world is filled with many wonders and dangerous creatures from giant worms to poisonous jelly-monkeys. To navigate these obstacles, he enlists help from a bird-like warrior named Crowll who promises to keep him safe. The further he travels the stranger his adventures become and soon he catches the attention of the wicked overlord Baron Vyndot who is determined to seek him out.
The story is fast-paced, immediately piquing readers' interest. An assortment of characters help give life to this world through their various personalities and quirks which pair well with the strange and wondrous elements of Murkmor. Brad and John Lyon incorporate unique dialogue that makes it easy to determine who is who, which is ideal for younger readers. Harper’s travels through this world are rooted in curiosity and the longing for adventure which proves to be more than he bargained for as he encounters the evil baron. Fine details such as original terms create an otherworldly realm. Names like gremkats and sparkseeds further the excitement of the adventure. These elements catch children’s attention and successfully maintain it throughout each obstacle that Harper faces. Whether it’s sliding down a giant worm or trekking through ruins, each part of the adventure keeps readers turning the page to see what will happen next. A charming, exciting, and entertaining adventure, Keeper of the Gremkat will appeal to all ages with strange, humorous, and dangerous obstacles that a young hero must face.
