The Keep's Secret

The Crescent Sword Series, Book 1

By: Cassandra Gillies

Narrated by: Meg Runyan

The realm of Krestoria was shattered; torn apart by a feared witch and a Fae king whose war left scars that never healed. From the war rose the Guardians’ Keep, a fortress built to protect children from magic’s destruction… or so the world was told.

Avery Ashgrove has spent her entire life behind the Keep’s stone walls and iron gates, taught to believe that magic is darkness—and those who once wielded it were monsters. But as her time in the Keep nears its end, a forbidden passage reveals itself, and whispers of long-buried secrets begin to rise.

Guided by cryptic warnings, suspicious victories, and the gaze of a silent observer, Avery begins to question everything: her teachings, her memories, and the true reason she was taken from her family.

The Keep didn’t just protect her.

It imprisoned her.

And the thing it tried hardest to hide… is waking.

As her journey leads her into forgotten ruins, mystical mountains, and the ashes of a past she was never meant to uncover, Avery must face a legacy soaked in betrayal and power.

Some secrets are locked away for a reason.

And some are born to burn their way out.

©2026 Flock Publishing (P)2026 Northern Lake Audio

Good

This is my first book by Cassandra and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Avery's characters and what an amazing journey this story took me on. #TheFlockonTour

Great

Avery

The narrator did a great job. This is a new author to me. I enjoyed listening to Avery's story. Avery is on a mission to find her birth parents. I found this to be entertaining. Avery goes through a lot and discovers a bunch of secrets and betrayals. This does end in a cliffhanger. Look forward to the next book.

New author

overall the narrator did a good job.

the world building is very interesting, I like the elements that are brought I to the story.

I must admit as much as I liked the story there are so many conflicting emotions that the MFC goes through that it was a challenge for me to really appreciate the story. I will be reading it in a physical book form to see if that would be better.

Surprises around every corner

This is an interesting and surprising story. I liked the setting and the characters. The world built here drew me into the story as I as well as the characters tried to figure out what was happening. Avery is trying so hard to be a grownup and figure out her life. She has a lot of emotional turmoil (betrayal is the worst!) and yet she has surprises around every corner. The does end in a cliffhanger with the story continuing in the next book. Meg Runyan does a great job with the narration and all the character portrayal.

Avery’s Journey

Absolutely loved this listen! Avery goes through a lot of emotional turmoil and her betrayals were heartbreaking! Meg did an amazing job bringing Avery’s story to life! Can’t wait for book 2!