The Keeping Place
Fourth book in the Obernewtyn Chronicles.
The fourth book in the Obernewtyn Chronicles, *The Keeping Place* is a science fiction novel by Australian author Isobelle Carmody set in a post-apocalyptic world. The story begins when Rushton, the Master of Obernewtyn and Elspeth’s betrothed, is kidnapped after a meeting with rebels. The Misfits receive a letter threatening his life unless they join the rebellion, which they do under Elspeth’s command. However, they are betrayed by the rebel Malik, who hates Misfits, leading to heavy casualties among beasts, Misfits, and soldierguards—losses that would have been worse without the help of Swallow, a gypsy recently made D’rekta of the Twentyfamily gypsies.
On the east coast, the rebellion succeeds without trouble from the Landfolk, but the west coast remains under Council control after a traitor informs the Herder Faction. The Misfits cannot identify the traitor, likely because they wear a demon band that blocks mental probes. While freeing prisoners in an abandoned Herder cloister in Sutrium, the Misfits find Rushton, heavily drugged and suffering delirium and convulsions. Back at Obernewtyn, Elspeth travels to the City under Tor to see a glass monument made by Cassy, a Beforetimer she encountered in dreams; the monument is of Elspeth herself, suggesting Cassy had futuretelling abilities.
Meanwhile, the Misfits experience dreams and nightmares of a dragon—Dragon’s form on the Dreamtrails—while Dragon herself lies comatose, her strong aura causing nightmares in others. Summoned by the oldOnes onto the Dreamtrails, Elspeth enters Dragon’s mind with Maruman, her cat, and learns that Dragon’s delirium stems from losing her mother, the Red Queen. Inside Dragon’s mind, Elspeth finds and saves Rushton, who appears as a wounded bear. Afterward, Dragon awakens with no memory of Obernewtyn, and Rushton begins a slow recovery. Elspeth now understands she must continue her quest for the five signs left by the Beforetimer seer, Kasanda.
Quick Facts
- Author
- Isobelle Carmody
- Country
- Australia
- Language
- English
- Series
- Obernewtyn Chronicles
- Genre
- Fantasy, science fiction, post-apocalyptic fiction
- Publisher
- Viking Press Australia
- Release Date
- 1999
- Media Type
- Print (paperback)
- Pages
- 754
- Isbn
- 0-14-029579-8
- Oclc
- 48607283
- Preceded By
- Ashling
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Misfits at Obernewtyn are all experiencing dreams and nightmares in which they are terrorized by a dragon, Dragon's form on the Dreamtrails. Dragon herself remains in a comatose state and is unable to be reached mentally by the healers. Her strong aura causes all around her in Obernewtyn to experience nightmares. Rushton, Master of Obernewtyn and Elspeth's betrothed, is kidnapped while returning from a meeting with the rebels in Sutrium. The Misfits receive a letter disclosing that Rushton will lose his life if the Misfits do not join the rebellion. They immediately believe that a rebel has kidnapped their Master as Rushton had refused letting the Misfits join the rebellion. With Rushton missing, and under Elspeth's command, the Misfits join the rebellion, offering limited aid. However, they are betrayed by the Misfit-hating rebel, Malik in a decoy scheme involving soldierguards, leading to significant loss of life for beasts, Misfits and soldierguards alike. This bloodshed would have been greater if it weren't for Swallow, a pureblood gypsy recently appointed as D'rekta, 'King' of the Twentyfamily gypsies.
Reader's Guide
The Keeping Place advances the overarching narrative of the Obernewtyn Chronicles, deepening the quest of protagonist Elspeth to destroy the Beforetime weapon machines. The novel introduces key plot developments: the forced alliance of the Misfits with the rebellion, the betrayal by Malik, and the rescue of Rushton from a drugged state. Elspeth's journey into Dragon's mind on the Dreamtrails reveals Dragon's tragic past and the loss of her mother, the Red Queen, and allows Elspeth to save Rushton in the form of a wounded bear. The book also reveals a glass monument made by Cassy, a Beforetimer with futuretelling abilities, depicting Elspeth herself. The story sets up Elspeth's continued quest for the five signs left by the seer Kasanda, linking the Misfits' past and future to her mission. The novel's significance lies in its expansion of the series' mythology and the personal stakes for Elspeth.
Did You Know?
- The Misfits are betrayed by Malik, a rebel who hates Misfits, in a decoy scheme involving soldierguards.
- Rushton is found heavily drugged and suffering from delirium and convulsions in an abandoned Herder cloister.
- Elspeth enters Dragon's mind on the Dreamtrails with Maruman as guide and protector.
- A glass monument made by the Beforetimer Cassy depicts Elspeth herself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Keeping Place and who wrote it?
The Keeping Place is the fourth novel in Isobelle Carmody's Obernewtyn Chronicles, a post-apocalyptic science fiction series in which genetic mutation is stigmatised and suppressed. Carmody is an Australian author, and the book continues Elspeth's story at the compound of Obernewtyn.
What event sets the plot of The Keeping Place in motion?
Rushton, the Master of Obernewtyn and Elspeth's betrothed, is kidnapped after a meeting with rebel forces. The Misfits then receive a letter demanding they join the rebellion or lose his life, forcing them into action under Elspeth's command.
Who betrays the Misfits in The Keeping Place?
The rebel Malik, driven by a deep hatred of Misfits, orchestrates a treacherous ambush on the group. The resulting battle inflicts heavy casualties among the beasts, Misfits, and soldierguards.
How does Elspeth lead the Misfits through the crisis?
Elspeth takes direct command of the group during the rebellion, making hard tactical decisions under pressure. With the assistance of Swa, she helps prevent the losses from becoming even more catastrophic.
Why is The Keeping Place a turning point in the Obernewtyn Chronicles?
It is the book where Elspeth and the Misfits are thrust from a position of relative safety into active, open rebellion against the wider society. The betrayal and its aftermath reshape the group's dynamics and raise the stakes for the remainder of the series.
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