Book Review: Smoke And Key by Kelsey Sutton

Smoke And Key

By: 
Kelsey Sutton

Publisher:
Entangled Teen

Release Date:
April 2, 2019

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Source:
eARC from publisher for honest review

Book Synopsis:

A sound awakens her. There's darkness all around. And then she's falling... 

She has no idea who or where she is. Or why she's dead. The only clue to her identity hangs around her neck: a single rusted key. This is how she and the others receive their names—from whatever belongings they had when they fell out of their graves. Under is a place of dirt and secrets, and Key is determined to discover the truth of her past in order to escape it. 

She needs help, but who can she trust? Ribbon seems content in Under, uninterested in finding answers. Doll’s silence hints at deep sorrow, which could be why she doesn't utter a word. There's Smoke, the boy with a fierceness that rivals even the living. And Journal, who stays apart from everyone else. Key's instincts tell her there is something remarkable about each of them, even if she can't remember why. 

Then the murders start; bodies that are burnt to a crisp. After being burned, the dead stay dead. Key is running out of time to discover who she was—and what secret someone is willing to kill to keep hidden—before she becomes the next victim…

 

My Thoughts:

Smoke And Key was a unique story.  It begins with "Key,"  hearing a voice urging her frantically to "Please wake up."  She finds herself lying down in darkness, and starts to panic when she realizes she is trapped inside of a casket.  As she tries to break out by hitting, kicking, and screaming, she finds herself falling to down below.  She soon learns that she is in a place where nobody has memories of their names, or their pasts; including herself.  Instead, everyone refers to themselves by an item that they had on them when they woke up in "Under."  She had a key around her neck, therefore "Key" becomes her new name.  

Nobody really knows what under is, other than a place where each of it's inhabitants fell from their caskets to down below or under.  This place is made of dirt, with no sky, homes or civilization as we know it.  The inhabitants have made the best of this place.  Friendships have been made, individuals have their roles to play, and there are those that are nice and welcoming, as well as those with malicious intent.  Some inhabitants in under are well-preserved, while others are grotesque looking.  

In Under, Key meets Ribbon, Spoon, Doll, Journal, Handkerchief, Tintype, and many others.  However, no one catches Key's eye the way that Smoke does.  He instantly becomes her protector, and these two share a connection.   Shortly after arriving in "Under" "Key" begins to have memories of her past return to her.  Simultaneously, murders are taking place in Under, and the bodies are being burned.  Key is desperate to uncover her past, and the closer she gets, the closer she comes to becoming the next victim.

Smoke And Key was an intriguing mystery.  I rapidly read the story, and was riveted with each new memory that Key unlocked.  There was danger, magic, romance, deceit, a curse, and love interwoven throughout the plot of Smoke And Key.  While the beginning of the story had a slower start, and had me confused at times, the second half of the story had me devouring pages and excited to unravel the mystery of Key and Smoke's past, as well as all of the other inhabitants down in Under.  If you enjoy a story heavy on mystery, light on romance, and a mixture of paranormal and historical fiction; Smoke and Key will be a delight for your senses! 

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Book Teaser:

About the Author:

Kelsey Sutton is a young adult and middle grade author. She lives in Minnesota, where she received a dual bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Bemidji State University. She will soon have a master's degree from Hamline University. Her work has received an Independent Publisher Book Award, an IndieFab Award, and was selected as a Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of 2013. When not writing, Kelsey can be found watching too much Netflix, ordering a mocha at the nearest coffee shop, or browsing a bookstore. You can visit her online at www.kelseysuttonbooks.com, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter or Instagram.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Smoke And Key by Kelsey Sutton

Smoke And Key

By: 
Kelsey Sutton

Publisher:
Entangled Teen

Release Date:
April 2, 2019

Add to:
Goodreads


Book Synopsis:

A sound awakens her. There's darkness all around. And then she's falling... 

She has no idea who or where she is. Or why she's dead. The only clue to her identity hangs around her neck: a single rusted key. This is how she and the others receive their names—from whatever belongings they had when they fell out of their graves. Under is a place of dirt and secrets, and Key is determined to discover the truth of her past in order to escape it. 

She needs help, but who can she trust? Ribbon seems content in Under, uninterested in finding answers. Doll’s silence hints at deep sorrow, which could be why she doesn't utter a word. There's Smoke, the boy with a fierceness that rivals even the living. And Journal, who stays apart from everyone else. Key's instincts tell her there is something remarkable about each of them, even if she can't remember why. 

Then the murders start; bodies that are burnt to a crisp. After being burned, the dead stay dead. Key is running out of time to discover who she was—and what secret someone is willing to kill to keep hidden—before she becomes the next victim…

 

Purchase At:

Amazon | Amazon Australia | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada 
Barnes and Noble | IndieBound | BAM! |  iBooks | Kobo

Book Teaser:

About the Author:

Kelsey Sutton is a young adult and middle grade author. She lives in Minnesota, where she received a dual bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Bemidji State University. She will soon have a master's degree from Hamline University. Her work has received an Independent Publisher Book Award, an IndieFab Award, and was selected as a Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of 2013. When not writing, Kelsey can be found watching too much Netflix, ordering a mocha at the nearest coffee shop, or browsing a bookstore. You can visit her online at www.kelseysuttonbooks.com, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter or Instagram.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

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Book Review: The Summer Marked (The Winter People #2) by Rebekah L. Purdy

The Summer Marked 

(The Winter People #2) 

by 

Rebekah L. Purdy

 

Expected publication: 

September 22nd 2015 

by Entangled: Teen 

ARC for Review 

Summary

The sequel to the chilling Winter People returns to the world of Faerie, and is a romantic and enchanting follow-up.

Salome left humankind behind to be with her boyfriend, Gareth, in the Kingdom of Summer. But now forces of darkness are rising. Her happily-ever-after is coming apart, and the Kingdom is on the brink of war.

Newly-single Kadie Byers is on her way home for Thanksgiving, imagining a visit filled with hot chocolate, a hot guy for a little rebound action, and some girl time with her bestie, Salome. Except she receives a message from Salome with two important words: PLEASE HURRY.

When Kadie rushes to help Salome, she’s ripped from the human world and pulled into the kingdoms of Faerie, where she's shocked to learn that Salome's monsters are real, and that she's now at the mercy of one extremely vengeful Winter Queen...

Now both Salome and Kadie must find a way to survive the deadly chaos...or lose themselves to Winter's deadly, icy grasp.

The Spirit of the Faerie Knows Ones True Heart

Wa-wa-wa-WHAT?!! If it were raining right now I’d be out there singing. TALK about MAGIC!!! GAH! Rant, Rant, Rant, RANT! Okay um Purdy flipping kills it with this installment. There was so much action and Faerie horror but underneath it a strong message of hope. One thing I learned about the authors writing style is she likes to cleverly develop things. Once the truth is revealed or we get closer to finding out what’s happening it is like MIND EXPLOSION!! I did not want to put this book down. Any one that enjoys books involving Faerie will love this series. So far this is my favorite in the series Ms. Purdy set the bar high with this one my eyes are aglow with all of the awesomeness that is coming. Almost a perfect read for me I will be pacing seriously pacing until the next comes out and we get all the intricate beautiful fantastic conclusions this series is sure to bring.
The Story, my oh me oh my. I want to spill my guts but I’m going to try and keep it vague for those that haven’t read this. Summer Marked picks up shortly after the end of The Winter People. Salome has chosen to live in love with Gareth! I love these two together pretty freaking hard. Well, although Salome has broken the curse from the previous book, the winter queen has decided not to take any further chances. The Winter Queen allowed a human witch to carry out the curse and failed. Now she will do things herself. Ruling all of Faerie with darkness and evil is her ultimate plan and she will stop at nothing to have her way. This is where Kadie comes in, through trickery she becomes a prisoner. Forced to face terrors beyond her wildest imagination she focuses on her strength to keep from breaking. Unfortunately the Queen has dark manipulative ways of getting what she wants, breaking people is one of her greatest joys. The story alternates between Salome and Kadie where we get to see two very different sides of Faerie. Kadie is surrounded by desolation and despair threatening to undo her very soul. Salome is surrounded with beauty and opulence but faces peril at every turn. All she wanted was to live with her love for the rest of her days but there is a much bigger picture than anyone could imagine. These girls are challenged to the brink and I hope its not too late.


The Characters, I mentioned the challenges Salome faced it is these experiences within Faerie that help develop her character to one I admire fully. I typically like the bad “A” firecracker character that comes with a punch. However, Salome brings a quiet, humble, innocence that is fueled by love. Her steadfast commitment to Gareth never wavers but becomes stronger through their many challenges. Gareth loyal and strong his heart belongs to Salome but he is bound by honor and duty. He is willing to sacrifice his own desires for the good of the people especially during these times of darkness where danger looms close by. We learn so much about Faerie and its inhabitants it was wonderful. Things are not as they seem and we find out more about the history behind why Faerie is on the brink of destruction by the hands of the winter queen. Kadie always so strong broke my heart and I don’t see how she will come out of this but I’m not worried I know the author will do what is best regardless of which way it goes. The Queen is vile and disturbed, there are few brief moments when we see glimpses of loss and pain. My heart wanted to go out to her but I can’t help and think it is a twisted distortion of the truth. I could go on and on about all of the wonderful characters but I will say this. Purdy presents a beautifully dark and complex array of characters that touch your heart and bring the smell of all the seasons. This is a magical experience that everyone who has ever seen a fairy tale needs to read. The words contained in Summer Marked are a gateway into a stunningly captivating story of growth, sacrifice, loyalty, and the willingness to fight darkness until there is nothing left.


The End, talk about shocking Ms. Purdy does not hold back several different things that were developing come out and the result is nothing short of amazing. Salome knows that secrets have always lead her down a dark and dangerous path. Knowing she has to do something to change the past she will open up as much as she can. Love runs through her veins, a love that wants to right all of the wrongs. Love that forgives and allows second chances. Faced with so much she wants to do Salome doubts her ability because as we all know wanting is not the same as doing or having. The strength is there with every chapter the reader sees growth, all that is left is tapping into it and not being afraid of failure but proud of achieving. There are Four Courts, Summer, Winter, Spring and Autumn each one is an integral part of what makes this story so magical. This was almost perfect for me…I can’t wait to see what adventure Ms. Purdy takes us on in the next installment. This is one I highly, highly recommend!!!

My Rating

4.75 Adaba, Magic, Kelpie, Sword, Faerie Queen, The Sister Holds The Doorway Open, Marked, Faerie Knows, War is brewing while light is returning, Holy canola I’m beyond exited about what comes next filled stars!! Bravo! Purdy Nails it!

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About the Author

I was born and raised in Michigan (just look for the mitten-shaped state on the map). I’ve lived here most of my life other than the few years I spent in the U.S. Army. At which time I got a chance to experience MO, KS, SC, and CA. 

I work full time for the court system and in my free time I write YA stories. Pretty much any genre within the YA realm is game for me, but my favorites are fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, thrillers, light sci-fi, and some time travel.

I also have a big family–I like to consider us the modern day Brady Bunch. When my hubby and I met and got married, he had 3 children from a previous marriage, I had 2 and we have 1 together. It’s a lot of fun though.

And I can’t forget my other family members–yep, we’ve got some pets: 4 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 turtle. Everyone in the family has one…I won’t bore you all with their names (unless you really want to know). Okay, you talked me into it! Jack, Pearl, Grr…(yes that’s my dog’s name), Callie, Shadow, Mooshoo, Grouchy, and Sorbert. Other than writing some of my other hobbies include: reading (mostly YA of course), singing, swimming, football, soccer, running, camping, sledding, church, hanging with my kids, and traveling.

I belong to a fabulous writing group called YA Fiction Fantatics (YAFF) and you guessed it we all write YA!

Find Rebekah L. Purdy Online:

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Book Review: The Vault of Dreamers (The Vault of Dreamers #1) by Caragh M. O'Brien

The Vault of Dreamers 

(The Vault of Dreamers #1) 

by 

Caragh M. O'Brien 

Pub September 16th 2014 

by Roaring Brook Press 

ARC for Review

Summary
The Forge School is the most prestigious arts school in the country. The secret to its success: every moment of the students' lives is televised as part of the insanely popular Forge Show, and the students' schedule includes twelve hours of induced sleep meant to enhance creativity. But when first year student Rosie Sinclair skips her sleeping pill, she discovers there is something off about Forge. In fact, she suspects that there are sinister things going on deep below the reaches of the cameras in the school. What's worse is, she starts to notice that the edges of her consciousness do not feel quite right. And soon, she unearths the ghastly secret that the Forge School is hiding—and what it truly means to dream there.

Could Someone Tell Me Whats Up With the Eye?

Why is this not tagged as horror? I feel like it should be there are a lot of insane people running around and the things happening at the forge school are nothing short of horrifying. I’m not going to lie folks this one wasn’t my type of read. There will be no gushing of any kind in this review. HOWEVER, having said that I could not put this book down. I wanted to know what the heck was really going on and wether or not Rosie would resolve anything. Just when I thought I came to a stopping point…BOOM something would happen and I would have to just keep going. The author did a wonderful job of keeping the reader engaged. Definitely YA to the core Rosie has a love interest but its all superficial I think she does develop feelings for the boy but in all honestly i’d like to see her end up with someone else.

The story, as I mentioned there are a lot of crazy things going on in this school there is an explantation as to how the school came about and that was all good and well. What was either not explained or I totally missed is the part where the dean goes bonkers and starts going all Island of Dr. Moreau on these poor kids. I really enjoyed the Forge Show angle it kind of reminded me of the hunger games and the way the audience interacted w/ the contenders. As the story progresses something happens within Rosie and she story takes a different more sinister turn.

The characters, Rosie our main girl does not by any account seep extraordinary. Heck she is told several times how ordinary if not awkward she is. This girl goes from zero to hero based on all the drama she brings to the show. That isn’t all of it though once she is cornered by the deranged dean she is doomed. The reader knows she is special to the dean but the specific as to how is not revealed. Don’t get me wrong the why is very much spoken about but not the why her…Does that make sense? Like what is different between her and lets say her friend Janice…The result is told however particular is not explained it is still a mystery. UGH I’m not doing a good job of explaining its just hard I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Trust me when I say you want to read all the twists and turns from the beginning. Organic baby! Linus, he is Rosie’s love interest but I’m not really a fan he was pretty cryptic and Rosie didn’t trust him…Actually she didn’t trust anyone. I’d have to say thumbs down to this guy he is good looking and her first kiss so I’ve probably once again favored the wrong guy. Burnham, this is the guy I want for Rosie without being prompted he is the sole reason she remains on the show and he wants to find out what is going on just as much as she does. I want her to fall in love with him and live happily ever after. The rest, every character added richness and depth to the story but I didn’t care for several of them.

The end, boy oh boy can it get anymore cliffy? This is where the fantasy slash Sci-Fi portion comes into play heavily. Several things happened that are beyond explanation but I am looking forward to finding out what happens next. As I mentioned before this one wasn’t for me I thought it was twisted and morbid and really crazy all around…thats not my usual cup, if its yours then eureka this one is for you!! I will say that I am fascinated enough to want to continue this series. I hope the second is better than the first and I’m eager to find out.

My Rating

3.5 Show, School, Filmmaker, Blip Reading, Sleep Pod, Dreams, Mining, Seeding, Dean, Ash, Kitchen, Kiss, Game, Failing, Pills, Yellow, Coma, Note, St. Louis, Contract, Crowbar, Time Loss, Hopeful Discovery, Leap of Faith Stars!

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About the Author

Caragh M. O'Brien is the author of the BIRTHMARKED trilogy and THE VAULT OF DREAMERS, both from Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Ms. O'Brien was educated at Williams College and earned her MA from Johns Hopkins University. She recently resigned from teaching high school English in order to write young adult novels. For more information, visit http://www.caraghobrien.com.

Book Review: Be Not Afraid by Cecilia Galante

Be Not Afraid

By:
Cecilia Galante

Release Date:
April 28, 2015

Publisher:
Random House Books for Young Readers

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GR's Summary:

Marin spends a lot of time avoiding things. She avoids thinking about her mother's suicide and what she could have done to prevent it. She avoids looking at people directly-because she can see their pain as bright, colorful shapes. And she avoids Cassie Jackson, who used her in a sinister ritual months ago, although Marin's not exactly sure why. 

When Cassie stands up at school, screaming, raking her nails down her cheeks, and pointing a finger at Marin, whispering "YOU," Marin's days of avoidance come to an abrupt end. Cassie's older brother believes that Marin holds the secret to Cassie's illness. So they team up to solve the mystery of what Cassie has unleashed. But as they look deeper into the darkness and things begin to go bump in the night, can Marin trust what she sees? 

Cecilia Galante, author of The Patron Saint of Butterflies, presents a chilling story with horror-movie thrills and nail-biting suspense. Perfect for fans of American Horror Story, Paranormal Activity, and The Exorcist, and readers who love to feel goose bumps.

My Thoughts:

I love horror stories, and it has been way too long since I've read one.  Be Not Afraid reeled me in, and hooked me.  I devoured this story.  I hadn't read anything written by Cecilia Galante, but after this story, I am looking forward to reading more of her work.  Let me tell you why!  For one, I love Ms. Galante's writing style.  Her prose are hauntingly beautiful, and there's almost a poetic feel to her writing.  The way she describes everything is perfect!  She doesn't over describe, where you get bored and bogged down by too many details, and she doesn't under describe.  She tells the story in such a way where you can picture the setting, and the events unfolding perfectly inside of your head; to the point where you feel as though you are a part of the story right alongside the characters.

If you are looking for a fast-paced, entertaining, and addicting young adult paranormal horror story, have I got one for you!  Be Not Afraid was superb!  I cannot gush enough about this supernatural story full of unexpected twists, and on the edge of your seat plot developments!

The main character, Marin, can see people's pain.  As she looks at a person she can see various colors that indicate to her if a person has any type of pain, from trace amounts, like a cut, all the way to more serious types of pain, like heart trouble.  She came in to this ability after her mother's tragic suicide.

Cassie, a classmate of Marin's that attends the same private Catholic high school, has a bone chilling, traumatic episode at mass.  Cassie's older brother, Dominic, seeks Marin's assistance in trying to figure out what is wrong with his sister.  Cassie is no longer herself.  She has been acting strange, and violent.  Dominic thinks that Marin might be the key to solving Cassie's condition, due to the fact that his sister singled out Marin at Mass, keeps begging for her presence, and her behavior changed after Marin visited her one day six months ago...

Be Not Afraid was a sinister story that was full of mystery.  Ms. Galante spoon feeds us bits and pieces of the puzzle, until we end up with the terrifying conclusion.  I loved every moment of trying to figure out more about Marin and her ability, as well as Cassie's condition, and what happened between the two girls six months ago.  The anticipation had me speedily turning the pages, as I tried to solve the mysteries.  

My Rating:

I give, Be Not Afraid, by Cecilia Galante, 4 Eerie, Insidious, Malevolent, Twisted, Mystery Filled Stars!  Fans of books and movies on demon possession, and exorcism, that involve horror and paranormal events will enjoy this creepy and chilling tale.

My Favorite Quote:

"You still have things to do, places to see.  But you won't be able to do them unless you make the choice again to believe in yourself.  To believe in your own goodness.  Because I'm pretty sure after all this time, that that's what God is.  The goodness in us.  That's his gift to us.  Our blessing."  (eARC, Loc. 3450)

~Marin

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About Cecilia Galante:

Cecilia Galante was born in June of 1971. Raised in a religious commune until the age of fifteen, she subsequently settled with her family in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where she attended high school, and graduated from King’s College. A high school English teacher for several years, she went on to complete her MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College, Vermont, and is currently teaching fiction at Wilkes University’s Graduate Creative Writing Program. 

Cecilia honestly can’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing something. From very early stories (passed down from her father) about two baby bears named Ruby and Looby, to horrible poetry about sadness and chocolate cake in her teen years, she has pretty much found the time to write it all down. She didn’t set out to be a children’s author, either. That just sort of happened, the way a lot of things do in life. It also took her a long, long time to get published. Years and years. And then a few more years after that. She wanted to give up lots of times. As in too many to count. But she didn’t. For some reason, the burning desire to tell her stories was stronger than the worst despair on the absolute worst day. And so she kept at it. She’s glad she did. Now, she is the author of numerous young adult and middle grade novels, as well as a chapter book series for early readers.

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