Content levels
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Cole Randolph still can’t believe the way his life has been turned inside out. Stuck in a strange land far from home, he found his friend Dalton and has survived the first two kingdoms of the Outskirts. But none of that has prepared him for the magnetic highways and robotic bounty hunters of Zeropolis. Ruled by Abram Trench, the one Grand Shaper who stayed loyal to the evil High King, the government of Zeropolis uses advanced technologies to keep tight control. Luckily, the resistance in Zeropolis is anchored by the Crystal Keepers—a group of young rebels with unique weapons. On the run from the High King’s secret police, Cole and Dalton venture to find more of their lost friends—and help their new friend, Mira, locate her sister Constance. But as their enemies ruthlessly dismantle the resistance, time is running out for Cole to uncover the secrets behind the Zeropolitan government and unravel the mystery of who helped the High King steal his daughters’ powers. Will Cole be able to fix what has gone awry with the magic in The Outskirts, or will he be stranded forever in a world between reality and imagination?
Is Crystal Keepers appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
Kids face robotic bounty hunters and government surveillance in a tech-dominated kingdom, with mild action violence and themes of resistance. No profanity or romance, appropriate for middle grade readers.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include captivity and violence.
Who'll love this
Readers will love the blend of futuristic technology with magic, exciting chases, and the friendships that help Cole survive in a strange new world.