Smoke and Key by Kelsey Sutton (ARC Review)

Hi Blisses,

TITLE: Smoke and Key
BY: Kelsey Sutton
GENRE: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy
PUBLICATION: April 2nd 2019 by Entangled Teen

RATING: 4 Blissful Pages

REVIEW:

The story opens with a dead girl who fell down from her grave into a world called Under. She has no recollection of her past or why she fell down. She didn’t even know that she’s dead. The only thing that connects her with her past is a key in a chain around her neck, so eventually she was named Key. As everyone else in Under, she’s named after the only possession she has with her. In Under, she met Smoke, Doll, Journal, Ribbon, Tintype and others. All of them had bodies that looked like they already started decaying. Key, though, is different. Her body is intact. Then she started remembering things. And 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…

The beginning of the novel really pulled me in, it started right where the interesting part of the story begins. It was so intriguing and atmospheric. First, because Key and the others are being too mysterious, mainly because they can’t remember a thing about their lives before they died. Like, who are they? I was immensely curious. And they kept me interested in them till the last page. I also think their character ARCs are well done and even though there are sad parts about the characters’ lives, I was content as to how everything ended for everyone. Especially Key. The reveal of her past and her relationship with Smoke. It was really interesting and intriguing.

And there’s Under. I find Under as one of the most interesting fictional world I’ve ever read. It’s so eerie and so secretive. Like something would pop out in its walls any moment.

As for the overall plot, it’s worth reading. I love the idea of dead people being murdered and a setting that’s a pure mystery. My only issue on this book is at some point, the pacing turns too slow. I put down my tablet (it’s where I read since I haven’t bought a new Kindle yet after I lost my old one) twice before I finished the whole novel. There are also parts, that for me, are just fillers and the novel can do without. Same with the Romance. It was fine it’s part of the story, but even if it’s not, it would be fine.

Overall, this is an amazing read. It’s actually a little refreshing. I know this won’t be the last book I’ll read from this author. Kelsey Sutton’s writing is almost lyrical and really atmospheric. I just love her devices and overall writing style. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


Thank you for reading this review and be sure to add this on your TBR.

Happy Reading.

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4 thoughts on “Smoke and Key by Kelsey Sutton (ARC Review)

  1. Glad you liked the book! I finished my arc a few weeks ago, and I enjoyed it as well! I do agree that the romance in the book was sort of unnecessary, but I didn’t mind it either! Wonderful review! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Smoke and Key is one of my great reads so far this year and I’m so glad you liked it as well! I totally agree about the eerie factor of Under, which made it all the more interesting to read about. The suspense and finally getting to know the mysterious characters were also so thrilling to read about. Although I do see some negative reviews for this one, especially for its pacing at times, I still really enjoyed it too. Fantastic review, Lili!

    Liked by 1 person

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