Seed (Keepers of Genesis #1)

Seed (Keepers of Genesis #1)

by D.B. Neilsen

4 out of 5

Synopsis
A powerful, hidden artefact is unearthed in modern day Iraq and, with its discovery, an ancient conflict is reignited. Seventeen-year-old Sage Woods, the daughter of an eminent archaeologist working at the British Museum recently relocated from Australia, uncovers the artefact’s disturbing secret and is placed in terrible danger. Unwittingly, she has stumbled into an invisible war between two primordial dynasties of a supernatural order – a war in which she has a fateful role to play in a race to control the power of the SEED. Embroiled in a quest that takes her from the British Museum to the Louvre to the Vatican Secret Archives, Sage realises that her blossoming romance with the mysterious, alluring St. John Rivers is inextricably tied to the artefact. Up until now, St. John has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Sage is determined to delve deeper to uncover his dark secret and his connection to the SEED. It is a decision that will have a devastating effect on humankind… 



Review
After Sage's parents drag her away from her home and friends in Australia, to live in England, the 17 year old girl stumbles onto something her father, and the British Museum, don't want her to know about.  When Sage comes across a mysterious artefact, she is thrown into a bigger story than she could ever hope to read about.

I really enjoyed this début novel by D.B. Nielsen.
I have to come right out and say that I love how she captures the setting so brilliantly.  I lived in London for a few years, and Paris has long been one of my favourite escapes, I almost feel defensive about them when they come up in books.  But Nielsen has done a fantastic job bringing the cities to life, both the more popular and the lesser known parts, so it was actually lovely to revisit them.

I liked Sage a lot.  A bookworm who acts twice her age, has no skill with guys, and spends her free time looking after younger siblings... no, I have no idea why I connected!
She is sensible and smart, but also resourceful and independent.  After seeing the artefact and feeling a connection with it, she stops at nothing to uncover the truth that has been buried for centuries.  She doesn't let her father, museum security, or even fallen angels stop her.

The other lead character, the wonderful and gorgeous St John, didn't really do it for me.  Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the story of the relationship between Sage and St John, but the character himself was rather annoying.
He treats Sage like a child one moment, then acts like she's the object of all his desires.  Swears he wants to keep it strictly platonic until she's older, then quickly throws that plan out the window.  And ((mild spoiler)) for someone how has devoted his many long years of life to a single duty, doesn't seem very clued up about certain facts and threats.

The plot... the plot was like The Da Vinci Code vs. The Devil Wears Prada.
An ancient mystery, with nicer clothing.

I'm not a girly-girl, most of the designer references went over my head, but it doesn't detract from the story.
The rest of the plot is a slow build to discovering the truth.  There is an awful lot of information to process, so I wouldn't recommend it as a quick and easy read.
It also doesn't have any real threat or climax, and the way it ended felt like it was cut off mid-story.  It felt more like this was the novel that prepares you for the rest of the series; for something bigger and more exciting.

All in all, a very strong début, and a series that I can't wait to follow.

Goodreads link
Amazon.co.uk

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