Summon the Keeper (1998)

by Tanya Huff

Series: Keeper's Chronicles (1)

Members	Reviews	Popularity	Average rating	Mentions
1,494	38	12,308	(3.93)	92
Austin was a black and white, far-from-young cat. Not just any cat, mind you, he was the Keeper's cat, a very outspoken feline with extremely strong opinions he was always willing to voice. After all, who knew better than Austin what was best for the well-being of Claire-and for the not-quite-as-important rest of the universe? Claire Hansen was a Keeper, a member of that select group that kept the universe in one piece. And now she'd been Summoned to the Elysian Fields Guesthouse, a rundown bed-and-breakfast that seemed to attract the most unusual clientele. And Claire was not happy about this latest assignment, not happy at all. Not when she'd been tricked into taking over here by a horrible little gnome of a man who'd abandoned his post before she'd even figured out who he really was. Not when room six held a resident who'd been sleeping there for so many years that she really needed a good dusting-except that it was far too dangerous for anyone to get that close to her. Not when she found herself surrounded by "helpers" as distracting as Dean, the hunky-yet-innocent handyman, and Jacques, a ghost with a real lust for life. And especially not when it looked like this might be the not only her most challenging mission, but one she'd be stuck handling for life . . .… (more)

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Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips (infiniteletters)
infiniteletters: One section of Summon the Keeper matches Gods Behaving Badly.

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Showing 1-5 of 38 (next | show all)

This book started out so well. A witty voice, great writing, a talking cat... What's not to like? Unfortunately, it fell apart for me in the middle. While the main plot line with Aunt Sara and the gate to hell was interesting, I felt like much of the book had nothing to do with those central issues. Claire does renovations, pines after a guy and a ghost, deals with a nosy neighbour, and welcomes a series of guests who are just passing through. I thought 60% of the story could have been cut without detracting from the main plot line at all. The whole thing felt episodic and pointless, for the most part. I liked the author's writing style quite a bit, but I will not be continuing with this series. (

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Elizabeth_Cooper | Oct 27, 2023 |

A light horror/fantasy novel about a Keeper (member of a run-of-the-mill "secret organization that protects the universe!") who unwillingly inherits a bed-and-breakfast with a portal to Hell in the basement. Wacky hijinks ensue.

Hell is the best character in the book: it talks to itself in ALL CAPS and sulks whenever things aren't going its way. I loved Hell; Hell made the book for me. The other characters were a little less special -- Huff likes to give her characters one trait and one conflict and, by god, they are going to reinforce that trait/conflict over and over like a sledgehammer to your brain. But the writing is snappy, plus you've got a chatty Hell who knows his Orson Welles movies! Who could ask for anything more? (

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proustbot | Jun 19, 2023 |

I can’t remember where I read about this, but people spoke so highly of it, I bumped it up on the to-read pile. Although not as funny as I was expecting, I did enjoy the talking cat and the all caps commentary from Hell. The plot meandered for a large chunk of the book but picked up nicely toward the end, and I liked how it wrapped up. Claire was super cranky, and I never really warmed to her as a heroine. I did like her sister Diana, so I might at least read the third, which is more from her POV.
Just kidding—I’m not capable of skipping the middle book in a trilogy, but it sounds like a very free-spirited thing to do.

I’m not sad I read it, but I don’t feel a strong urge to dive right into the next.
(

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Harks | Dec 17, 2022 |

DNF @ 8%

I can't do it. I'm throwing in the towel.
This does not spark joy, thus it must go.

It started out fine, but it fails to hold my interest at all.
(

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QuirkyCat_13 | Jun 20, 2022 |

I went into this book knowing only that there was a hole to hell. That's it. And boy, did it surprise me.
Hell, was funny. Claire was badass. Austin, I want him as my pet. Dean and Jacques? Lovely and too pure for this world (maybe not so much in Jacques' case).
It was a really fun read, surprisingly wholesome too.
I am definitely reading more about Claire, Dean and Austin's adventures and more about this author. I am a new fan. (

)

Nannus | Jan 17, 2022 |

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Belongs to Series

Keeper's Chronicles (1)

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Is contained in

The Complete Keeper Chronicles by Tanya Huff

▾Awards and Honors

Awards

SF Site Editor's Choice (1998)

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Canonical title

Summon the Keeper

Original title

Alternative titles

Original publication date

1998

People/Characters

Important places

Kingston, Ontario, Canada

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Epigraph

Dedication

For the real Austin, and for Sid and Sam and Sasha. And in loving memory of Emile and Ulysses. Because there's no such thing as just a cat.

First words

When the storm broke, rain pounding down in great sheets out of a black and unforgiving sky, Claire Hansen had to admit she wasn't surprised; it had been that kind of evening.

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▾Book descriptions

Austin was a black and white, far-from-young cat. Not just any cat, mind you, he was the Keeper's cat, a very outspoken feline with extremely strong opinions he was always willing to voice. After all, who knew better than Austin what was best for the well-being of Claire-and for the not-quite-as-important rest of the universe? Claire Hansen was a Keeper, a member of that select group that kept the universe in one piece. And now she'd been Summoned to the Elysian Fields Guesthouse, a rundown bed-and-breakfast that seemed to attract the most unusual clientele. And Claire was not happy about this latest assignment, not happy at all. Not when she'd been tricked into taking over here by a horrible little gnome of a man who'd abandoned his post before she'd even figured out who he really was. Not when room six held a resident who'd been sleeping there for so many years that she really needed a good dusting-except that it was far too dangerous for anyone to get that close to her. Not when she found herself surrounded by "helpers" as distracting as Dean, the hunky-yet-innocent handyman, and Jacques, a ghost with a real lust for life. And especially not when it looked like this might be the not only her most challenging mission, but one she'd be stuck handling for life . . .

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