The Key
by Kym on September 27, 2011
I don’t write book reviews the way many people do. I’m not going to give you a back-cover style blurb to read (you can find that here). I’m not going to compare the book to others in its genre and make intellectual commentary on the plot, the pacing, the characters, etc… Why? Because I find book reviews like that BORING. Also, whether intentional spoilers are included or not, I prefer to open (or download) a book with an unprejudiced mind. There’s something so wonderful about delving into a story and being open to surprise and delight.
And that? Is what author Andrea Pearson delivers with The Key of Kilenya.
As I read, I found myself wishing for my children to age at a phenomenal rate so I could share it with them. I wanted to read it out loud to them at bedtime every night, and share the wonder of the world, characters, and story that Andrea brought so vividly to life. That, for me, is the mark of a book that belongs on our family bookshelf. I’m not going to be content with just an e-book copy of it. The Key of Kilenya has earned the enviable status of “Hardcover Worthy” in the VanderHorst household.
One of the reasons I targeted my novel S.U.P.E.R. at the 12-16 age range, is the number of friends who’ve told me how frustrating it is trying to find reading material for their young teens. Books are either too babyish or too scary and intense, and there seems to be so little in between. This is another reason The Key of Kilenya belongs on my hard-copy bookshelf. I am slowly amassing a home library of books that I won’t just be “okay” with my future teenagers reading, I’ll be thrilled for them to read. Because sharing worlds of wonder and imagination with my children is one of my very favourite parts of this parenting gig.
Kudos to Andrea Pearson for creating a world and story that I simply can’t wait to share!
Want to experience and share The Key of Kilenya too? Click here and enjoy. I know you will!
13 comments
Oh, I’m going to grab this for my kindle app!!
by LisAway on September 27, 2011 at 11:08 am. #
Oooh, I guess you didn’t like my review of Josi’s book, then. ;)
Sounds great! I’ll have to take a look at it.
by Luisa Perkins on September 27, 2011 at 1:46 pm. #
I have never before purchased a book from reading a review–until now. It was your high recommendation (and I SO value your opinion and taste in books) that led me to purchase an e-book copy from Smashwords a few moments ago. I can’t wait to read it!
by Rebecca on September 27, 2011 at 5:34 pm. #
Aw, Kim, you are so awesome! Thank you so very much for this review (and don’t tell anyone, but I agree… the traditional review format gets boring. :-) :-)).
by Andrea Pearson on September 28, 2011 at 6:14 am. #
This is just the kind of review I like!
by Kate on September 28, 2011 at 6:54 am. #
I’ve heard it said that one should never judge a book by its cover. But I am guilty of that. I would never even pick this book up to see what it was about if I saw it sitting on a library shelf. But since you recommend it, maybe I’ll give it a try.
by Summer on September 28, 2011 at 9:04 pm. #
OOOO, sounds really cool!
by Kazzy on September 28, 2011 at 9:34 pm. #
That sounds really cool! I had that problem when my older kids were in that young teenager range. There were just no books that interested them. I can’t wait to read this one.
by VirtualSprite on September 29, 2011 at 6:43 am. #
awe-some! (to hear that the way i am saying it, you need to sing each syllable.) i am ever in search of The Next Great Read. so fyi, hurry the powers that be along on SUPER, ’cause this girl is itching to read some kim!
by nic on September 30, 2011 at 5:52 am. #
“I am slowly amassing a home library of books that I won’t just be “okay” with my future teenagers reading, I’ll be thrilled for them to read.”
This is a fabulous project and goal. With a statement like that tatooed on the inside of my wrist, I might be able to overcome my skinflint tendencies and BUY MORE BOOKS.
by Lee Ann Setzer on September 30, 2011 at 9:13 pm. #
Love the review! I will check it out, just as soon as I finish reading the 10 books that I’m in the middle of. . .
Okay, it’s not really 10, but close. :)
(And, Luisa, your review was soooo not normal. It’s not possible for you to do a boring book review!)
by Eowyn on October 7, 2011 at 8:05 am. #
With that kind of recommendation, I’m putting this on my to-read list NOW.
by the Damsel in Dis Dress on October 15, 2011 at 7:24 am. #
Thanks again for your review. :-) I still think it’s one of the most original reviews ever. :-)
I’m wondering how open you’d be to posting it on Amazon and Goodreads? I’d really, really appreciate it! :-)
Amazon (Kindle):
http://www.amazon.com/Key-Kilenya-ebook/dp/B0058KBQRS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1323978764&sr=1-1
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12416944-the-key-of-kilenya
Thanks soooo much! :-) Also, I’m wondering if you’d be okay with me using bits of your review for blurbs and such? Let me know here (in case I don’t find your response to my comment):
apATandreapearsonbooksDOTcom. Thanks!
by Andrea Pearson on January 13, 2012 at 11:47 am. #