• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7

A thrilling middle-grade adventure set in Newfoundland, featuring mermaids, intrepid explorers, and ancient secrets.

Every town has a secret. And Brigus in Newfoundland and Labrador is no different. For hundreds of years the Pact of Protection has held, and the seaside fishing town has guarded an ancient and dangerous knowledge. But when business tycoon Mr. Grey begins blasting rock for a tunnel, it's more than rock that is blown apart: the pact itself is weakened and bits of the secret begin to slip out.

In their search for hidden pirate treasure, twelve-year-old Alistair and his friends Ben and Sadie stumble into the middle of this mystery. The more they learn about the pact, the more the shrieking song, the unexplained leaks in fishing vessels, and the mystery ship in the harbour begin to make sense.

Partnering with the pact keepers, Alistair, Ben, and Sadie must re-instate the agreement for the benefit of all. If they don't, a lot more than a few ships will be harmed. Everything the good people of Brigus understand about the sea could be in danger.
A magical middle grade novel full of intrigue and adventure, Keepers of the Pact will inspire bravery in intrepid explorers and mystery seekers everywhere.

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After reading Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and The Land of Stories, the author's son said, "I've run out of things to read. Why can't I find more books about kids my age who love adventure?" So, Karen Kelloway wrote Keepers of the Pact. The good news? Not only does the author's son, Tristan, approve, but so does her daughter, Gabrielle. Kelloway's first novel, Raphael's Riddle, was chosen as the Grade 5 book club read for all Nova Scotia classrooms. A portion of all Karen's book sales goes to school breakfast programs.
In her other life, Karen is the Founder/CEO of the Career Story Project. She works with organizations, executives, and entrepreneurs to create a rewarding career path and believes in the power of storytelling to learn life lessons. Karen lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her husband, two teenagers, and their fluffy black-and-white Havanese, Chewie. Find her at karenkelloway.com.

Karen Kelloway's profile page

"Fast paced, with equal parts mystery and intrigue, this middle grade novel will keep readers up past their bedtimes in their race to finish it and uncover the secrets that are skillfully revealed by the book's ending." — Lana Shupe, Atlantic Book Reviews.

"Karen Kelloway beautifully weaves together strands of adventure tales, mythology and lore, and the relatable lives and wonderings of young people, creating a fun and rollicking page-turner. Readers of all ages will learn from this culturally and historically rich book, and feel like they have taken a plunge into the waters of Brigus Bay with Alistair and his friends."
— Dorothy Lee, former Executive Director of LitWorld and co-creator of World Read Aloud Day

"I was very much intrigued and moved by this awesome story. As I was reading, I could actually see it in my head like a movie. It brought back beautiful memories of the merpeople that were told to me by my Ami."
— Elder Gloria Johnson

"Suspenseful, believable, and original, this tale will have readers fascinated from the first secret treasure hunt in the Misty Cove caves, through the puzzle of a strange creature held prisoner in a schooner's hold, to the satisfying ending. Alistair, Ben, and Sadie, three intrepid youngsters, with the help of Ben's kiju and Chief Jo, discover answers through their own hidden gifts and strengths. Keepers of the Pact is a delight!"
— Janet Barkhouse, co-author of Pit Pony: The Picture Book

"Beautifully written. Captivating, mysterious, and fun! A fantasy taking place in my hometown, love it!"
— Raelene Wall, Librarian at the Brigus Public Library

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"Keepers of the Pact is sure to not only engage middle-graders but their teachers as well. With 34 short chapters, this would make a great classroom read-aloud novel. There are even some insightful and thoughtful discussion questions and a writing exercise at the end." — Sue Slade, East Coast Editor, Miramichi Reader

"Keepers of the Pact is an original and suspenseful page turner, set in an atmospheric, small, Newfoundland fishing village. The writing style flows seamlessly, and the plot, containing a variety of threads and substories, holds one's attention from beginning to end. The story merges aspects of local history, native wisdom, folklore, mythical creatures, mystery and adventure." — CM: Canadian Review of Materials.