The Kingdom Keepers series uses “vivid imagery and fast-paced writing"
BY RACHEL BENNETT
The Kingdom Keepers series by Ridley Pearson is a hit with readers and critics alike. Readers find enjoyment in the world that Ridley creates while learning information about the Disney parks that they never knew before. Critics are blown away by his writing style. Sarah Sawtelle from kidreads.com, a popular website with readers from ages 6 to 12, says that The Kingdom Keepers series uses “vivid imagery and fast-paced writing” that gives readers “numerous [Disney] references — from Cinderella’s Castle and the Haunted Mansion to the characters Mickey Mouse and Tom Sawyer. THE KINGDOM KEEPERS is a very cool book and a must-read for everyone, regardless of whether or not you’ve had the opportunity to visit the famous theme park.”
Any fan of the series will tell you that it is best to read the books in order, starting with Disney After Dark to truly understand the story. Readers can follow along with the heroes, a group of five normal kids named Finn, Charlene, Maybeck, Willa, and Philby, who were chosen by the Imagineers to become Disney’s first Daylight Host Interactives, or DHIs. Although this is their official title, the kids are called different things by various groups. The Imagineers are the only ones who call them DHIs. Visitors to the Disney parks, as well as people outside the parks, call them Kingdom Keepers, since they protect Disney from the villains who want to take it over. The Disney characters call them the Children of Light because the kids appear to glow in the holographic form that is the only means for them to interact with the characters.
Throughout the series, the Kingdom Keepers team up with beloved Disney characters like Minnie, Ariel, King Triton, Lilo and Stitch, Elsa, and many more. They are also joined by two “fairlies” named Jess and Amanda, who are kids with a very interesting secret. With the help of an old man named Wayne and a variety of Disney cast members, the five Kingdom Keepers must stop a group of Disney villains called the Overtakers who seek to rule not only the Disney parks, but also the world outside. The Overtakers are first led by Maleficent. Next, they are led by what many consider to be the most powerful villain Walt Disney has ever created. Chernabog was created by Walt Disney for the 1940 Disney animated feature film Fantasia. Chernabog is a massive demon who appears as the villain in the “Night on Bald Mountain/Ave Maria” segment of the film.
Readers were introduced to the five Kingdom Keepers in Disney After Dark, the first book in the series. Finn is the first Kingdom Keeper we meet when he is transported to The Magic Kingdom as he sleeps. There he meets Wayne, a veteran Imagineer. Wayne explains to Finn that he was chosen to be a Daylight Host Interactive. This pre-recorded hologram of Finn would be be played throughout the day, giving tours and providing information to guests as they walk around the park and go on rides. Finn and Wayne work together as Charlene, Maybeck, Willa, and Philby join the group.
However, the Kingdom Keepers have another responsibility as well. As an increasing number of people believe in them, Disney villains are starting to appear in the real world as a result of Disney magic. The Kingdom Keepers must act as guardians to stop the villains and protect the world from their evil plans. Readers follow the Keepers through their fight against the Overtakers, a conflict that spans seven books in the series. They fight Blackbeard, face off against Maleficent, confront their deepest fears, and battle hyenas. We see them build friendships and fight evil. Readers meet unforgettable iconic villains and solve mysteries along the way as the Keepers grow and move from middle school to high school.
Oh you may think that I forgot about Mickey. Well that is a secret that is not mine to tell.
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