Book Title: Smoke and Key
Author: Kelsey Sutton
Published by: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: April 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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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 need 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 stay apart from everyone else. Key’s instincts tell her there is something remarkable about each of them, even if she can’t remember why.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour hosted by YA Bound Book Tours.
MY THOUGHTS
Holy cow, this was fantastic! I know I say that often about books, but this really was a spectacular read. I even doubt I’ll be able to give the book justice by this review, but here’s to trying anyway…
Set in the mysterious place called Under, Key tries to uncover the truth about why she’s fallen out of her grave and, more importantly, who she really is. Because all her memories are gone, and so are those of the other undead there. I love the mystery itself in this one. It was so mind-boggling since readers’ knowledge are limited to what Key witnesses. Also, considering the fact that everyone in Under doesn’t have memories as well just adds to the thrill!
The main character wasn’t that interesting but the whole concept of the book absolutely won me over. I wouldn’t normally enjoy books that have boring MCs but I was surprised to have loved this. It was so engaging to find out more about the past, the place and how everyone got to be in Under. The backstory wasn’t what I expected, but it certainly was fantastic nonetheless!
Unique and exhilarating, Smoke and Key really deserves 5-star ratings. I could not put this book down!
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 http://www.kelseysuttonbooks.com, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter or Instagram.
GIVEAWAY
Win a prize pack (signed copy of Smoke and Key and a key necklace–a $20 gift card will be substituted if the winner is international)
Mind of Luxe 
Ohhh, I always am intrigued by a well done backstory! Glad you liked this one. Wee, hope your next reads follows the streak.
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Yay!! Thank you, and I’m fairly certain my current read would be phenomenal. ❤
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