Record Keeper

A rainy-day ritual--a tea party between three little girls--becomes the framework of not only their friendship, but their lives. Redheaded, curly-haired Zoe is openhearted, kind and free-spirited, and dreams of becoming a famous actor in New York City. Shy Emily struggles with mental health but has the heart and soul of a writer. And Shannon--tall, athletic, strong--has a deep sense of loyalty that will serve her well when she heads off to military college. As Zoe, Emily and Shannon grow into women--forging careers, following dreams and finding love--they'll learn that life doesn't always unfold the way they want it to, but through it all, the one constant is each other, and their regular tea parties. And when the unthinkable happens, the girls must come together to face the greatest test of all.

The Record Keeper is a visceral and thrilling near-future dystopia examining past and present race relations. After World War III, Earth is in ruins, and the final armies have come to a reluctant truce. Everyone must obey the law--in every way--or risk shattering the fragile peace and endangering the entire human race. Although Arika Cobane is a member of the race whose backbreaking labor provides food for the remnants of humanity, she is destined to become a member of the Kongo elite. After ten grueling years of training, she is on the threshold of taking her place of privilege far from the fields. But everything changes when a new student arrives. Hosea Khan spews dangerous words of treason: What does peace matter if innocent lives are lost to maintain it? As Arika is exposed to new beliefs, she realizes that the laws she has dedicated herself to uphold are the root of her people's misery. If Arika is to liberate her people, she must unearth her fierce heart and discover the true meaning of freedom: finding the courage to live--or die--without fear.

Return to the startlingly original dystopian world of The Record Keeper in this stunning sequel. Join Arika Cobane as she continues her fight for freedom. With General Arika Cobane at the helm, the Rebels take control of the Kongo territory and elect a Council to negotiate peace. Everything changes when the Council concedes to a last-minute English demand: the war criminal, Arika Cobane, must stand trial for crimes carried out during the revolution. A fugitive of the law, Arika flees north; determined to prove the Council has been infiltrated. As she uproots lies and uncovers secrets, the line between English and Kongo, friend and foe dissolves--her hatred festers and she fears even her beloved Hosea Khan can't be trusted. Convinced she is the One to save her people, Arika ventures in search of a dangerous book powered by an ancient religion. If it doesn't kill her, the Heart of Incantations will give her the power to destroy her enemies and install herself as the Head of the Council. On the brink of ultimate revenge, the whole truth is revealed and Arika is devastated; the fate of her people depends on the one thing she swore she'd never give.