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Secret Defenders #1
The Key
A teenage girl suffering from a family tragedy, Maddie Clevenger is oblivious to the ancient mystery surrounding her. She's young and incredibly unlucky, in life and in love. She should be enjoying her senior year of high school, but instead she is tormented by a reoccurring nightmare and a very real stalker. But all that changes when Chase Donovan, an Air Force brat with a protective streak, shows up at school. Will Chase be the key to helping her solve her stalker problem? Will he be the key to solving the mystery surrounding her family's past?
236 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2010
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November 22, 2011
I got this book to read and review from the Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics! My thoughts:
I liked how the story began, even though Twilight has wrecked all future high school scenes for me.
Stephanie was just too over the top for me. I know she was supposed to be a drama queen but c'mon, how many mean girls have you seen who faint?
The instant attraction that Chase and Maddie felt should have felt unreal but they seemed as surprised by it as I was, so it was okay. However, Chase offering to marry her was taking it too far.
I also liked how Maddie seemed to care about little things like what Chase'd think of her bike-it made her more believable.
The scenes with Dougal and Serena were just confusing. There was no indication when the scene began and I found it off putting.
Granma was so secretive and Maddie didn't show any curiosity to find out what she was hiding-that was too hard to believe. I also found her "tricks" disturbing. It was a manipulation of her grand daughter's feelings, even if it was for a good cause. It creeped me out.
How could Maddie not figure out Alasdair was Chase? Or who her granma's friend was-the one that took her shopping? That wasn't believable at all.
And I guess Dougal can have a name for his alter-ego since he's been around for a while but where did the name Alasdair come from?
There were no good fight scenes at all. I would have loved a blow by blow account for the fight between Gregory and Doran.
Also, it took Chase and Maddie a VERY long time to figure out the mystery of the "key" when it was so obvious.
We find out that Serena's Dougal's mother and then suddenly she isn't? That was just confusing as if the author couldn't make up their mind.
The ending really sucked. It was weak and felt unfinished.
I liked how the story began, even though Twilight has wrecked all future high school scenes for me.
Stephanie was just too over the top for me. I know she was supposed to be a drama queen but c'mon, how many mean girls have you seen who faint?
The instant attraction that Chase and Maddie felt should have felt unreal but they seemed as surprised by it as I was, so it was okay. However, Chase offering to marry her was taking it too far.
I also liked how Maddie seemed to care about little things like what Chase'd think of her bike-it made her more believable.
The scenes with Dougal and Serena were just confusing. There was no indication when the scene began and I found it off putting.
Granma was so secretive and Maddie didn't show any curiosity to find out what she was hiding-that was too hard to believe. I also found her "tricks" disturbing. It was a manipulation of her grand daughter's feelings, even if it was for a good cause. It creeped me out.
How could Maddie not figure out Alasdair was Chase? Or who her granma's friend was-the one that took her shopping? That wasn't believable at all.
And I guess Dougal can have a name for his alter-ego since he's been around for a while but where did the name Alasdair come from?
There were no good fight scenes at all. I would have loved a blow by blow account for the fight between Gregory and Doran.
Also, it took Chase and Maddie a VERY long time to figure out the mystery of the "key" when it was so obvious.
We find out that Serena's Dougal's mother and then suddenly she isn't? That was just confusing as if the author couldn't make up their mind.
The ending really sucked. It was weak and felt unfinished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2011
The Key by Felicia Rogers
Felicia Rogers has created this book around a different type of paranormal creatures; there are no vampires or even werewolves in her story she introduces us readers to the world of the Gryphons.
This is a paranormal mystery/romance book and it’s a nice change to read a story about a different type of paranormal creature.
So we are introduced to Maddie a senior attending a new high school, with no friends not even a locker to store her books in. She rides her bike home every day with her books weighing her down just like her life. Her story is a sad one her parents died in a house fire, she has moved in with her great grandmother and she having horrible nightmares reliving the fire that took her parents life. She also starts to have strange dreams she has no idea why and what is going on in them. Maddie can barely have a full night of sleep due to her nightmares.
Just a typical day at school in walks two new boys Dougal who for some reason seems to just stare at her giving her chills down her back. The other new student is Chase Donovan who has the complete opposite effect on her, when they touch she feels electrical currents running up her arm.
The author tells us this story giving us different points of views and it works well, not to confusing the story flows right to the end of the book. We the readers get to see what Chase is seeing and feeling as well as what Dorian is up to.
Of course we fall for handsome Chase Donavon, who doesn’t love a handsome hero type figure and he is perfect for Maddie.
What can I say about this book without giving away too much besides read the book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I definitely recommend this book for reading.
Also want to thank Felicia Rogers for giving our group Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics copies of her book to review. And thanks to Kay for arranging this for all of us readers.
.
Felicia Rogers has created this book around a different type of paranormal creatures; there are no vampires or even werewolves in her story she introduces us readers to the world of the Gryphons.
This is a paranormal mystery/romance book and it’s a nice change to read a story about a different type of paranormal creature.
So we are introduced to Maddie a senior attending a new high school, with no friends not even a locker to store her books in. She rides her bike home every day with her books weighing her down just like her life. Her story is a sad one her parents died in a house fire, she has moved in with her great grandmother and she having horrible nightmares reliving the fire that took her parents life. She also starts to have strange dreams she has no idea why and what is going on in them. Maddie can barely have a full night of sleep due to her nightmares.
Just a typical day at school in walks two new boys Dougal who for some reason seems to just stare at her giving her chills down her back. The other new student is Chase Donovan who has the complete opposite effect on her, when they touch she feels electrical currents running up her arm.
The author tells us this story giving us different points of views and it works well, not to confusing the story flows right to the end of the book. We the readers get to see what Chase is seeing and feeling as well as what Dorian is up to.
Of course we fall for handsome Chase Donavon, who doesn’t love a handsome hero type figure and he is perfect for Maddie.
What can I say about this book without giving away too much besides read the book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I definitely recommend this book for reading.
Also want to thank Felicia Rogers for giving our group Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics copies of her book to review. And thanks to Kay for arranging this for all of us readers.
.
November 19, 2011
I received this book as a part of Read 2 Review program.
When the story began, I had high expectations. I thought I was going to love it. In the end, it fell short and giving it three stars is generous. Why am I being generous? Because the story had so much potential. I’ll begin with the good things. The mythology for the paranormal entity was original and had my interest peeked. The trajectory of the romance was great (however see the spoilers). Unfortunately, it didn’t make up for the bad.
Despite all the plot holes, I found myself continually picking up the book after I put it down because of the unrealistic parts. So that has to say something.
I would encourage everyone to read and come to their own conclusions. There were some really good things about this story. Some of the readers may not notice the flaws I found and thoroughly enjoy the story.
When the story began, I had high expectations. I thought I was going to love it. In the end, it fell short and giving it three stars is generous. Why am I being generous? Because the story had so much potential. I’ll begin with the good things. The mythology for the paranormal entity was original and had my interest peeked. The trajectory of the romance was great (however see the spoilers). Unfortunately, it didn’t make up for the bad.
Despite all the plot holes, I found myself continually picking up the book after I put it down because of the unrealistic parts. So that has to say something.
I would encourage everyone to read and come to their own conclusions. There were some really good things about this story. Some of the readers may not notice the flaws I found and thoroughly enjoy the story.
December 1, 2011
Warning this is going to be long - mostly because I feel the need to completely express why I am so disappointed with this book after having the pleasure of receiving a copy of the work from the author due to problems with my kindle edition.
This story does have original points and ideas, but it is also the same as everything else. Original elements include the addition of gryphon shifters and the mythology about the gryphon tribes and the human families who could lead to the freedom or their downfall. Sadly though, these great original elements were written into the same boring plot we see with every YA book these days.
A loner girl who has a terrible past? CHECK.
A hot guy who wouldn't normally be interested in her? CHECK.
One of the characters having missing parents and relatively little parental oversight? CHECK.
A love triangle? CHECK.
She is the only one that can save the world? CHECK.
To make matters worse the original plot points just could not overshadow the characters and their weird dialogue, the inconsistencies in both the scenes and the plot, the rushed pacing, or my biggest pet peeve of all - the face that this book is all about telling the reading something instead of showing it to them.
First up - the characters. Maddie and Chase are supposed to be 17 and 18 years old but they speak as if they are 77 and 78. Using phrases like "If you would desire that?" and "I fear something terrible has happened to him". There is no slang, no text speak, no bastardized English at all. It's as if they are both trying to act as mature as possible but are instead channeling the early 1900's. It was incredibly distracting from the story and made me trip up while reading each and every time as I would stop to think to myself "Really? REALLY? Just who are you trying to be here?" And second of all Maddie is one of the most naive and unobservant characters I can remember reading in a LONG TIME. Every other scene I am practically slapping myself on the forehead in annoyance with her. Also, she is just flat out stupid sometimes. She is told that if you do action A then B will be the result. Then she goes through with action A and is completely shocked when B is the result!!! ARGH!!!!
Next we have the inconsistencies. This book could have really used one of those people they have on movie sets that keep track of how the placement of a persons hair, glasses, hands, etc from one shot to another. Anyone seen the YouTube videos of all the oops moments in the Harry Potter films? Like in one scene Harry has no scar, then he has a scar, then he has no scar, then he has a scar again - this book was a bit like that at times. There were several inconsistencies throughout the book as the perspectives changed from character to character. For example in a scene near the beginning of the book Chase takes Maddie to his home to meet his family. His mother is giving the dogs a bath in the tub, then they escape, then Chase is chasing them in the backyard, then he dumps Maddie in the tub. What is never explained is that the tub must be some kind of trough or something as that is the only way to explain that the characters must have been in the back yard the entire time and that the dogs were not in fact being bathed in the tub in the house which is how the text makes it seem. These slight inconsistencies really pulled me out of the story and forced me to reread portions of the scenes to understand just what was going on.
Then there was pacing, which really threw me. Seriously. Maddie meets both of the main male characters ,Chase and Dougal in the very first chapter, and is already completely creeped out by one and fascinated by the other as he is already acting like her best friend and loyal protector. Both Maddie and Chase's romantic relationship and Maddie and Dougal's weird creepy relationship are insanely rushed. The whole book is INSANELY RUSHED. Like the characters are all tripping ourselves as if it were a race to the finish. Little time is spent on fleshing out the settings, or even the characters intentions and reasons for their actions. It reads almost as if the author was trying to fit as many actions scenes as possible into the number of pages she had allotted for the work as a ton of bad shit happens to these characters but they are also pulled from it and survive with ease.
Finally, there was my greatest pet peeve of all. When I read a book I want the author to SHOW ME, NOT TELL ME. A GLARING example of this is when Grandma Draoi is introduced the author literally put "(pronounced Dree)" after her name to specifically tell the reader what it was supposed to sound like. WTF?? When I read fantasy novels half the fun of the characters names is figuring them out for myself so that when I imagine the character in my head I also imagine their name pronounced a certain way. Or you could do it the brilliant way (i.e. the J.K. Rowling way) and have the pronunciation worked in to the story like when Hermione was trying to tell Victor Krum how to say her name even with his accent. Don't just interrupt the ENTIRE STORY to TELL ME! Other times the author used phrases like "Maddie opened her eyes that she had previously shut in fear" and "she faced the creature as she walked away". Please can I get an adjective, a simile, something to describe these actions instead of just blurting them out. And I am not saying I want this done for every action but at least for a couple of them.
What it all boils down too though is editing. This book was in serious need of a professional editor. One that would catch the typos, the poor formatting (you can't justify the print when there is only 3 words on a line - it looks silly when a whole like of text looks like this), and the inconsistencies. All of these things yank a reader clean out of the story and make them focus on the minutia of the work instead of the work as a whole. More over a good editor could have read the book and realized which sections still needed work, needed to be reordered, needed to be omitted, and just needed to be changed completely. A great editor can take an ok book and make it into a fantastic book. The Key needs/needed this badly. The original plot was there and is good - it just needs some more help and more work.
Despite my probably somewhat harsh words and low rating I am extremely pleased with the author herself as I originally purchased this book on kindle through Amazon and somehow ended up with a draft copy of the novel complete with notes, and severe formatting issues (although somethings like the name pronunciation thing that I took to be a editing error was still in the paper copy). She quickly contacted me through goodreads and tried to make it right by offering and quickly sending a personalized copy of the book so that I could finish reading it, with a note thanking me for bringing the kindle issue to her attention. I really appreciate the fact that she didn't just gloss over it or pass on the problem to Amazon or the publisher but sought to correct it herself and in a very timely manner.
*
Original Review:
I am holding off on reviewing this book as I am hoping to get my hands on a paper copy or at least an updated kindle copy (one that is sans editors notes and with proper formatting). I am pretty sure the copy I got was one of the first drafts for the book - and if it wasn't - then damn this book is awful. But I am crossing my fingers that the publisher is just awful for putting the unfinished work out into the world.
This story does have original points and ideas, but it is also the same as everything else. Original elements include the addition of gryphon shifters and the mythology about the gryphon tribes and the human families who could lead to the freedom or their downfall. Sadly though, these great original elements were written into the same boring plot we see with every YA book these days.
A loner girl who has a terrible past? CHECK.
A hot guy who wouldn't normally be interested in her? CHECK.
One of the characters having missing parents and relatively little parental oversight? CHECK.
A love triangle? CHECK.
She is the only one that can save the world? CHECK.
To make matters worse the original plot points just could not overshadow the characters and their weird dialogue, the inconsistencies in both the scenes and the plot, the rushed pacing, or my biggest pet peeve of all - the face that this book is all about telling the reading something instead of showing it to them.
First up - the characters. Maddie and Chase are supposed to be 17 and 18 years old but they speak as if they are 77 and 78. Using phrases like "If you would desire that?" and "I fear something terrible has happened to him". There is no slang, no text speak, no bastardized English at all. It's as if they are both trying to act as mature as possible but are instead channeling the early 1900's. It was incredibly distracting from the story and made me trip up while reading each and every time as I would stop to think to myself "Really? REALLY? Just who are you trying to be here?" And second of all Maddie is one of the most naive and unobservant characters I can remember reading in a LONG TIME. Every other scene I am practically slapping myself on the forehead in annoyance with her. Also, she is just flat out stupid sometimes. She is told that if you do action A then B will be the result. Then she goes through with action A and is completely shocked when B is the result!!! ARGH!!!!
Next we have the inconsistencies. This book could have really used one of those people they have on movie sets that keep track of how the placement of a persons hair, glasses, hands, etc from one shot to another. Anyone seen the YouTube videos of all the oops moments in the Harry Potter films? Like in one scene Harry has no scar, then he has a scar, then he has no scar, then he has a scar again - this book was a bit like that at times. There were several inconsistencies throughout the book as the perspectives changed from character to character. For example in a scene near the beginning of the book Chase takes Maddie to his home to meet his family. His mother is giving the dogs a bath in the tub, then they escape, then Chase is chasing them in the backyard, then he dumps Maddie in the tub. What is never explained is that the tub must be some kind of trough or something as that is the only way to explain that the characters must have been in the back yard the entire time and that the dogs were not in fact being bathed in the tub in the house which is how the text makes it seem. These slight inconsistencies really pulled me out of the story and forced me to reread portions of the scenes to understand just what was going on.
Then there was pacing, which really threw me. Seriously. Maddie meets both of the main male characters ,Chase and Dougal in the very first chapter, and is already completely creeped out by one and fascinated by the other as he is already acting like her best friend and loyal protector. Both Maddie and Chase's romantic relationship and Maddie and Dougal's weird creepy relationship are insanely rushed. The whole book is INSANELY RUSHED. Like the characters are all tripping ourselves as if it were a race to the finish. Little time is spent on fleshing out the settings, or even the characters intentions and reasons for their actions. It reads almost as if the author was trying to fit as many actions scenes as possible into the number of pages she had allotted for the work as a ton of bad shit happens to these characters but they are also pulled from it and survive with ease.
Finally, there was my greatest pet peeve of all. When I read a book I want the author to SHOW ME, NOT TELL ME. A GLARING example of this is when Grandma Draoi is introduced the author literally put "(pronounced Dree)" after her name to specifically tell the reader what it was supposed to sound like. WTF?? When I read fantasy novels half the fun of the characters names is figuring them out for myself so that when I imagine the character in my head I also imagine their name pronounced a certain way. Or you could do it the brilliant way (i.e. the J.K. Rowling way) and have the pronunciation worked in to the story like when Hermione was trying to tell Victor Krum how to say her name even with his accent. Don't just interrupt the ENTIRE STORY to TELL ME! Other times the author used phrases like "Maddie opened her eyes that she had previously shut in fear" and "she faced the creature as she walked away". Please can I get an adjective, a simile, something to describe these actions instead of just blurting them out. And I am not saying I want this done for every action but at least for a couple of them.
What it all boils down too though is editing. This book was in serious need of a professional editor. One that would catch the typos, the poor formatting (you can't justify the print when there is only 3 words on a line - it looks silly when a whole like of text looks like this), and the inconsistencies. All of these things yank a reader clean out of the story and make them focus on the minutia of the work instead of the work as a whole. More over a good editor could have read the book and realized which sections still needed work, needed to be reordered, needed to be omitted, and just needed to be changed completely. A great editor can take an ok book and make it into a fantastic book. The Key needs/needed this badly. The original plot was there and is good - it just needs some more help and more work.
Despite my probably somewhat harsh words and low rating I am extremely pleased with the author herself as I originally purchased this book on kindle through Amazon and somehow ended up with a draft copy of the novel complete with notes, and severe formatting issues (although somethings like the name pronunciation thing that I took to be a editing error was still in the paper copy). She quickly contacted me through goodreads and tried to make it right by offering and quickly sending a personalized copy of the book so that I could finish reading it, with a note thanking me for bringing the kindle issue to her attention. I really appreciate the fact that she didn't just gloss over it or pass on the problem to Amazon or the publisher but sought to correct it herself and in a very timely manner.
*
Original Review:
I am holding off on reviewing this book as I am hoping to get my hands on a paper copy or at least an updated kindle copy (one that is sans editors notes and with proper formatting). I am pretty sure the copy I got was one of the first drafts for the book - and if it wasn't - then damn this book is awful. But I am crossing my fingers that the publisher is just awful for putting the unfinished work out into the world.
November 27, 2011
I want to thank the author and the R2R program for giving me a copy of this book.
Reviewing this book is really going to be hard for me. WHY?
If you check this book here on GR you will see it as part of a List BOOKS THAT GET YOU HOOKED. Well, I agree, this book got me hooked from the very first page, though I am not really sure why. Now don't go judging me, but I personally don't think the story is original, it did remind me a lot of TWILIGHT, and I did have some issues that bothered me a lot. But before explaining the WHY's for not thoroughly enjoying this book, let me say few words regarding the plot.
Maddie just moved to a new town to live with her grand-mother. She is a senior attending the local High School, and of course, she feels like an outcast. Everyone out there seems to belong to a group, or already has a lot of friends. Two months after her arrival, Chase Donovan, also a senior starts attending the same school. He seems to like her from the very first day, though he is not quite sure why. Dougal Lachlan is the weirdo, the creep that is constantly stalking Maddie, staring at her for hours and making her feel very uncomfortable. From the very first day he arrives at the school, Chase becomes Maddie's protector, getting even into a fight with the weird Dougal guy.
Why does he feel so over protective over a girl he'd just met?
Well sure, it could be love..but it could also be the fact that Maddie is THE KEY.
Gryphons, mythological creatures, nightmares, shifters and of course, romance..this book has it all.
And now I come to the part "why I rated this book 3/5?"
First thing that bothered me was the plot resemblance with some other paranormal books. I don't know, it just didn't feel the story was original (though there were Gryphons involved).
But what bothered me the most were the dialogues between Chase and Maddie, and some of the other reviewers seem to "see" this as a problem as well. Well, Chase and Maddie are supposed to be 18, but somehow I felt them as they were grown ups. What I love the most in YA books is the teenage spirit, behavior, problems, way they act when in love..well, in this book it seems like the characters were not developed in the right direction. They surely don't seem like teenagers to me (or am I just old fashioned? Hmmm)
Despite the flows I think the book has, I did enjoy it, especially the first half of the book. The second part I found a bit slow paced.
So, do I recommend this book? Well...YES.
Would I read the sequel 'Mara's Secret'? Oh absolutely!
Reviewing this book is really going to be hard for me. WHY?
If you check this book here on GR you will see it as part of a List BOOKS THAT GET YOU HOOKED. Well, I agree, this book got me hooked from the very first page, though I am not really sure why. Now don't go judging me, but I personally don't think the story is original, it did remind me a lot of TWILIGHT, and I did have some issues that bothered me a lot. But before explaining the WHY's for not thoroughly enjoying this book, let me say few words regarding the plot.
Maddie just moved to a new town to live with her grand-mother. She is a senior attending the local High School, and of course, she feels like an outcast. Everyone out there seems to belong to a group, or already has a lot of friends. Two months after her arrival, Chase Donovan, also a senior starts attending the same school. He seems to like her from the very first day, though he is not quite sure why. Dougal Lachlan is the weirdo, the creep that is constantly stalking Maddie, staring at her for hours and making her feel very uncomfortable. From the very first day he arrives at the school, Chase becomes Maddie's protector, getting even into a fight with the weird Dougal guy.
Why does he feel so over protective over a girl he'd just met?
Well sure, it could be love..but it could also be the fact that Maddie is THE KEY.
Gryphons, mythological creatures, nightmares, shifters and of course, romance..this book has it all.
And now I come to the part "why I rated this book 3/5?"
First thing that bothered me was the plot resemblance with some other paranormal books. I don't know, it just didn't feel the story was original (though there were Gryphons involved).
But what bothered me the most were the dialogues between Chase and Maddie, and some of the other reviewers seem to "see" this as a problem as well. Well, Chase and Maddie are supposed to be 18, but somehow I felt them as they were grown ups. What I love the most in YA books is the teenage spirit, behavior, problems, way they act when in love..well, in this book it seems like the characters were not developed in the right direction. They surely don't seem like teenagers to me (or am I just old fashioned? Hmmm)
Despite the flows I think the book has, I did enjoy it, especially the first half of the book. The second part I found a bit slow paced.
So, do I recommend this book? Well...YES.
Would I read the sequel 'Mara's Secret'? Oh absolutely!
October 27, 2011
I didn't know this when I started this book but The Key is about SHIFTERS!!! And we all know how much I love my forever changing, most of the time furry friends, and the take on a whole new bread of shifters was no exception.
Maddie lives with her great-grandma after losing her parents in a house fire. She tried desperately to save them before she somehow ending up sitting in the grass outside her home surrounded by fire fighters, paramedics, and flashing lights...not really sure how she got there. One minute she's crawling to her parents room, the next there is a arm wrapped around her waist, and then she is outside the burning house. Leaving Maddie parent-less she moves in with her great-grandma Drioa. She may be in a new town. In a new house. But the nightmares are always the same.
Running in a field of heather, a white tower...and then fire and destruction back in the house with her parents.
It's been four months since Maddie started a new school. For months of sitting alone in the back of every class. Being invisible to everyone. Not even having a locker to store her books in. She only live 5 miles outside of town but the school bus system says they won't go that far so she rides her bike to school everyday. I mean how can you not feel sorry for this girl? Then to make matters worse she doesn't think there is anything wrong with the fact that people treat her this way. In fact she thinks she deserves it for not being able to save her parents. And I'm not talking in a Woe is me, pity party kind of way. I am talking This is my life and I have accepted, embraced, and understand it. kind of way which makes it even more heart felt. Love and attention for Maddie is like toys to an kid that didn't know they ever existed. How can you miss something you don't even know about?
Then she meets Chase...
Chase's dad retired from the military and moved his family to live in this small town. If only he knew what he was getting his son into. Chase's first day at school was pretty typical. Locker assignments, class schedule, weird guy staring at pretty loner girl with amazing emerald green eyes...wait, what? Why is he staring at her like that? And why does he instantly feel like he needs to do something about it? Chase decides to sit next to Maddie, and find out what this guys deal is. Come to find out...the creepy guy is new here too.
I don't want to give to much away, but I will say that the shifters in this story are Gryphons! Yep yep half eagle/half lion flying creatures. How awesome is that?! This is the first story I've read about them and I loved the lore behind them.
Now I only had one problem with this book really...and it was the dialogue. It just seemed all old timey in spots. Ok like in a LOT of spots. At one point I actually went back to check the publication date, wondering if maybe this was a re-released book that was originally done in the 60's or something. I mean Maddie's dialogue wasn't as bad, but Chases'? OMG he sounded like a teenager back in the 50's or something. Saying things like "Honey why don't you get in the car dear." this is not an accurate quote, but rather a take of it from my memory. Which left me wondering was this 18 year old Chase actually a 60 year old grandfather? When I found out that the book was released, for the first time, in 2010 I decided to chalk it up to maybe the writer just hasn't spent much time around teens in this decade. But the story, and it's originality with the Gryphons, was good enough to outweigh my issues with the dialogue. As I'm sure you can tell since I gave it 4 stars;)
Overall I say pick this book up and dive into a world with half eagle/half lion creatures, and get to know just how hot a gryphon can be. lol *winks*
Maddie lives with her great-grandma after losing her parents in a house fire. She tried desperately to save them before she somehow ending up sitting in the grass outside her home surrounded by fire fighters, paramedics, and flashing lights...not really sure how she got there. One minute she's crawling to her parents room, the next there is a arm wrapped around her waist, and then she is outside the burning house. Leaving Maddie parent-less she moves in with her great-grandma Drioa. She may be in a new town. In a new house. But the nightmares are always the same.
Running in a field of heather, a white tower...and then fire and destruction back in the house with her parents.
It's been four months since Maddie started a new school. For months of sitting alone in the back of every class. Being invisible to everyone. Not even having a locker to store her books in. She only live 5 miles outside of town but the school bus system says they won't go that far so she rides her bike to school everyday. I mean how can you not feel sorry for this girl? Then to make matters worse she doesn't think there is anything wrong with the fact that people treat her this way. In fact she thinks she deserves it for not being able to save her parents. And I'm not talking in a Woe is me, pity party kind of way. I am talking This is my life and I have accepted, embraced, and understand it. kind of way which makes it even more heart felt. Love and attention for Maddie is like toys to an kid that didn't know they ever existed. How can you miss something you don't even know about?
Then she meets Chase...
Chase's dad retired from the military and moved his family to live in this small town. If only he knew what he was getting his son into. Chase's first day at school was pretty typical. Locker assignments, class schedule, weird guy staring at pretty loner girl with amazing emerald green eyes...wait, what? Why is he staring at her like that? And why does he instantly feel like he needs to do something about it? Chase decides to sit next to Maddie, and find out what this guys deal is. Come to find out...the creepy guy is new here too.
I don't want to give to much away, but I will say that the shifters in this story are Gryphons! Yep yep half eagle/half lion flying creatures. How awesome is that?! This is the first story I've read about them and I loved the lore behind them.
Now I only had one problem with this book really...and it was the dialogue. It just seemed all old timey in spots. Ok like in a LOT of spots. At one point I actually went back to check the publication date, wondering if maybe this was a re-released book that was originally done in the 60's or something. I mean Maddie's dialogue wasn't as bad, but Chases'? OMG he sounded like a teenager back in the 50's or something. Saying things like "Honey why don't you get in the car dear." this is not an accurate quote, but rather a take of it from my memory. Which left me wondering was this 18 year old Chase actually a 60 year old grandfather? When I found out that the book was released, for the first time, in 2010 I decided to chalk it up to maybe the writer just hasn't spent much time around teens in this decade. But the story, and it's originality with the Gryphons, was good enough to outweigh my issues with the dialogue. As I'm sure you can tell since I gave it 4 stars;)
Overall I say pick this book up and dive into a world with half eagle/half lion creatures, and get to know just how hot a gryphon can be. lol *winks*
November 23, 2011
2.5 Stars
I got this book through Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Fanatics Group for R2R.
I hate giving a bad review. If I can't get into a book, I usually don't review it.
When Twilight first came out, the series made it okay for two people to feel an attraction out of no where. To be honest, it should be criticized for this reason. Here's the deal with The Key - it follows the path of Twilight but in a way that made no sense. As soon as I started this novel, I couldn't help but notice a few grammatical errors. I'm usually not fussy about things like that because they don't determine how good the book is. However, when these errors are combined with abrupt sentences without any fluidity, it ruins the reading experience for me.
I couldn't connect with Maddie or Chase. I felt that their characters lacked depth. I had to get to know them first to feel any attachment, which is why I couldn't accept that from the time they met, they seemed at ease and felt the 'chemistry'. Maybe it's just me, but for whatever reason, I just couldn't deal with the randomness that this book had going on. From the first page when Maddie got into English class and some chick was being dramatic because Dougal spoke to her, I began to get annoyed. Like I said, there was no continuity into each scene. Even the paranormal part of the novel didn't do much for me because I was distracted by other things that I didn't like.
I just couldn't get into this writing and this is just my opinion. The Key does have potential, though it needs some fine-tuning.
I got this book through Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Fanatics Group for R2R.
I hate giving a bad review. If I can't get into a book, I usually don't review it.
When Twilight first came out, the series made it okay for two people to feel an attraction out of no where. To be honest, it should be criticized for this reason. Here's the deal with The Key - it follows the path of Twilight but in a way that made no sense. As soon as I started this novel, I couldn't help but notice a few grammatical errors. I'm usually not fussy about things like that because they don't determine how good the book is. However, when these errors are combined with abrupt sentences without any fluidity, it ruins the reading experience for me.
I couldn't connect with Maddie or Chase. I felt that their characters lacked depth. I had to get to know them first to feel any attachment, which is why I couldn't accept that from the time they met, they seemed at ease and felt the 'chemistry'. Maybe it's just me, but for whatever reason, I just couldn't deal with the randomness that this book had going on. From the first page when Maddie got into English class and some chick was being dramatic because Dougal spoke to her, I began to get annoyed. Like I said, there was no continuity into each scene. Even the paranormal part of the novel didn't do much for me because I was distracted by other things that I didn't like.
I just couldn't get into this writing and this is just my opinion. The Key does have potential, though it needs some fine-tuning.
November 14, 2011
The Key was such a cool story to read! A modern fairy tale full of adventure. And of course there is a great love triangle. Maddie and Chase are both new in school and instantly drawn to one another. With the presence of Maddie's stalker around, Chase feels the need to protect her. Little did he know, this need to protect Maddie was stemmed from a war long before his time. Maddie soon learns more details about her parents death, and that she is in the middle of a paranormal war. Her and Chase struggle to find the answers to their ancestors history, and realize they may be the answer to the end of this war. This story also has another paranormal twist...I wont spoil it for you, but it doesn't contain the usual vampire, werewolf paranormal elements. This book really surprised me...I was expecting the norm and was totally wrong. Wonderful, out of the box thinking on this one. I think paranormal readers of all ages will really enjoy this book.
November 16, 2011
The Key is a story about Maddie who is now living with her great grandmother after her parents died in a fire. She has been at her new small town school for two months, but has made no friends. On the same day two new boys start at school and both take an interest in Maddie. Chase is protective of Maddie immediately, while Dougal is strange, staring at her all the time and it creeps her out. Well without giving away the whole story I was very surprised that it was a new take on paranormal. No vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, angels, but Gryphons. I loved the idea of the story, and it was very entertaining. I felt that the story sometimes skipped around and didn't flow very well, but that did not ruin the story. I was excited to be reading something that was different, not the same old vampire/werewolf tale. It was a welcome change for once! Good job Felicia Rogers!
November 18, 2011
WOW! I don't think I can write a review on this book. I just read about the author and discovered that she has grown children. I thought she was a young girl by the way this story reads. Listen I don't want to say anything mean so I will say this, the editor and publisher should be ashamed of themselves! The idea of the story is great and the characters are very likable. This could have been a wonderful book if it was put together correctly. This is just my option and God bless the author for having the guts and courage to put her ideas on paper! But the way this book reads is just a hot-mess.
Review to come!
Reading this book as part of the Bloggerhood of the Traveling Book with paranormalwastelands.blogspot.com!
Review to come!
Reading this book as part of the Bloggerhood of the Traveling Book with paranormalwastelands.blogspot.com!
December 16, 2011
My Rating: <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Awesome!
Truth: deciding to review a book that I don't buy makes me nervous. Another truth: making sure that something gets from one mailbox to another makes me even more nervous. I don't drive and relying on people for things has never been my strength. I actually made my family sign an agreement that they will haul butt to the post office and make sure this keeps moving. It's on the fridge right now. I'm serious.
But no signature would guarantee that I would or would not read or like this book. And considering that Canadian postage is costly -- I'll likely pay $10 to ship this to the next stop -- it's only the amount of confidence I have in knowing what I find interesting, combined with the fact that I value Dark and Greta's opinion on books, that let me decide to do this.
How did it go? In short, I'm so glad that I did! My message inside of the key reads: "A delightful tale. I loved it!" Now let me tell all of you why.
The Plot: (Summary from GoodReads)
A teenage girl suffering from a family tragedy, Maddie Clevenger is oblivious to the ancient mystery surrounding her. She’s young and incredibly unlucky, in life and in love. She should be enjoying her senior year of high school, but instead she is tormented by a reoccurring nightmare and a very real stalker. But all that changes when Chase Donovan, an Air Force brat with a protective streak, shows up at school. Will Chase be the key to helping her solve her stalker problem? Will he be the key to solving the mystery surrounding her family’s past?
The summary is adequate, but it really does not do this book justice. The Key has one of the most interesting and original mythologies that I have ever read, combined with mythological beings that are a far cry from your typical vampire / werewolf / zombie staples which tend to populate this genre. I felt that Felicia Rogers' choice here was absolutely genius and both her creature selection and the mythology she built for them enriched the novel in every imaginable way.
The story starts at word go and never lets up. The chapters a short and sweet, leading the reader to fly through the pages without effort and allowing the story, which is told in several different characters points of view, to be where it needs to be at every key moment without causing a lot of jarring or "who am I with now?" that might have plagued it if the chapters had been handled differently.
The various things going on in the book -- the mysteries, the pace at which the mythology is introduced, the romance between Maddie and Chase, the growth of Dougal's character -- all blended together flawlessly for me. I was always curious about something and I was never bored. Truthfully, I read this book in two sittings and only stopped because I was tired. I could not put it down.
The Characters:
An extremely interesting and likable cast further add to the appeal of The Key.
Maddie is a pretty normal girl and I feel that most readers would find her easy to relate to. She is having trouble fitting in at her new school, ends up with a pretty creepy stalker (who is even more creepy as things move along...) and then has a new guy come to her rescue. Despite all of the craziness going on in her life, I felt that for the most part Maddie held together pretty well. She is not the most active heroine that I have ever read about, but she was not hopelessly passive, either. It's more that she does not realize what she is in the beginning. As her life changes and things become clearer she begins to take a more direct role in what is happening.
I liked Chase right away. Felicia Rogers did a fantastic job of making me genuinely like him despite the fact that the plot requires him to "auto-pilot like" Maddie. Yes, I am telling you there is insta-love here. Despite this, Chase comes across as a very genuine character who really cares about Maddie and I found myself cheering for them, and for him as he discovers what is causing the pull between them and his destiny. I think that was one of the neat things for me. Chase does not start out as some type of supernatural bad-ass creature. He has a special gift and he has to figure out what it is during the book.
And my character praise would not be complete if I didn't talk about Dougal. Is he the world's creepiest stalker? You betcha. But as we learn more about him, and the truth of his past and his future, it is hard not to feel for him. I don't want to get totally into all of the "whys" here, because that would involve spoilers, but yet again Felicia Rogers shows that she is great at letting her characters grow, even when the character in question is the villain. I have to applaud that very loud, because that's not easy.
The Romance:
Warning: here be insta-love. There. I gave you a heads up. I must also tell you, though, that since this story reads more like a detailed fairytale / myth / legend that the presence of insta-love did not bother me, especially since it was not instant on the part of both characters. The timeline for the story was very compact, which tends to make insta-love feel even more instant. But yet again, in the kind of story that The Key is, that tends to make sense.
I like the fact that both Maddie and Chase did question the attraction that was pulling them together. While for a large part they did go with it, they also realized that something strange was going on and eventually they do find out what that is. (Which leads to how real what they are feeling is, which is well addressed and handled.) The romance and the mythology are so carefully intertwined that there is no way that one could survive without the other, so this is very much a take it or leave it situation.
There is also an aspect of the romance that plays very heavily on dramatic irony and this is very well done. (I can't tell you specifically what happens, but it ties into Chase's paranormal element.) This leads them to a bit of trouble down the road that allows what they feel about each other to grow further as their trust in each other is strengthened.
Lastly, I liked how the present day situation parallels what happened in the past. I felt that this aspect of the romance, which tied it, the main plot and the mythology together, was absolutely brilliant.
In General:
I loved The Key. It had a lot of the elements that I enjoy in a story: great world building and mythology, likable characters, a sweet and memorable romance and a plot that held my interest and kept me turning the pages. I will definitely be checking out more work by Felicia Rogers.
Like this review? Looking for more? Visit me at .
Awesome!
Truth: deciding to review a book that I don't buy makes me nervous. Another truth: making sure that something gets from one mailbox to another makes me even more nervous. I don't drive and relying on people for things has never been my strength. I actually made my family sign an agreement that they will haul butt to the post office and make sure this keeps moving. It's on the fridge right now. I'm serious.
But no signature would guarantee that I would or would not read or like this book. And considering that Canadian postage is costly -- I'll likely pay $10 to ship this to the next stop -- it's only the amount of confidence I have in knowing what I find interesting, combined with the fact that I value Dark and Greta's opinion on books, that let me decide to do this.
How did it go? In short, I'm so glad that I did! My message inside of the key reads: "A delightful tale. I loved it!" Now let me tell all of you why.
The Plot: (Summary from GoodReads)
A teenage girl suffering from a family tragedy, Maddie Clevenger is oblivious to the ancient mystery surrounding her. She’s young and incredibly unlucky, in life and in love. She should be enjoying her senior year of high school, but instead she is tormented by a reoccurring nightmare and a very real stalker. But all that changes when Chase Donovan, an Air Force brat with a protective streak, shows up at school. Will Chase be the key to helping her solve her stalker problem? Will he be the key to solving the mystery surrounding her family’s past?
The summary is adequate, but it really does not do this book justice. The Key has one of the most interesting and original mythologies that I have ever read, combined with mythological beings that are a far cry from your typical vampire / werewolf / zombie staples which tend to populate this genre. I felt that Felicia Rogers' choice here was absolutely genius and both her creature selection and the mythology she built for them enriched the novel in every imaginable way.
The story starts at word go and never lets up. The chapters a short and sweet, leading the reader to fly through the pages without effort and allowing the story, which is told in several different characters points of view, to be where it needs to be at every key moment without causing a lot of jarring or "who am I with now?" that might have plagued it if the chapters had been handled differently.
The various things going on in the book -- the mysteries, the pace at which the mythology is introduced, the romance between Maddie and Chase, the growth of Dougal's character -- all blended together flawlessly for me. I was always curious about something and I was never bored. Truthfully, I read this book in two sittings and only stopped because I was tired. I could not put it down.
The Characters:
An extremely interesting and likable cast further add to the appeal of The Key.
Maddie is a pretty normal girl and I feel that most readers would find her easy to relate to. She is having trouble fitting in at her new school, ends up with a pretty creepy stalker (who is even more creepy as things move along...) and then has a new guy come to her rescue. Despite all of the craziness going on in her life, I felt that for the most part Maddie held together pretty well. She is not the most active heroine that I have ever read about, but she was not hopelessly passive, either. It's more that she does not realize what she is in the beginning. As her life changes and things become clearer she begins to take a more direct role in what is happening.
I liked Chase right away. Felicia Rogers did a fantastic job of making me genuinely like him despite the fact that the plot requires him to "auto-pilot like" Maddie. Yes, I am telling you there is insta-love here. Despite this, Chase comes across as a very genuine character who really cares about Maddie and I found myself cheering for them, and for him as he discovers what is causing the pull between them and his destiny. I think that was one of the neat things for me. Chase does not start out as some type of supernatural bad-ass creature. He has a special gift and he has to figure out what it is during the book.
And my character praise would not be complete if I didn't talk about Dougal. Is he the world's creepiest stalker? You betcha. But as we learn more about him, and the truth of his past and his future, it is hard not to feel for him. I don't want to get totally into all of the "whys" here, because that would involve spoilers, but yet again Felicia Rogers shows that she is great at letting her characters grow, even when the character in question is the villain. I have to applaud that very loud, because that's not easy.
The Romance:
Warning: here be insta-love. There. I gave you a heads up. I must also tell you, though, that since this story reads more like a detailed fairytale / myth / legend that the presence of insta-love did not bother me, especially since it was not instant on the part of both characters. The timeline for the story was very compact, which tends to make insta-love feel even more instant. But yet again, in the kind of story that The Key is, that tends to make sense.
I like the fact that both Maddie and Chase did question the attraction that was pulling them together. While for a large part they did go with it, they also realized that something strange was going on and eventually they do find out what that is. (Which leads to how real what they are feeling is, which is well addressed and handled.) The romance and the mythology are so carefully intertwined that there is no way that one could survive without the other, so this is very much a take it or leave it situation.
There is also an aspect of the romance that plays very heavily on dramatic irony and this is very well done. (I can't tell you specifically what happens, but it ties into Chase's paranormal element.) This leads them to a bit of trouble down the road that allows what they feel about each other to grow further as their trust in each other is strengthened.
Lastly, I liked how the present day situation parallels what happened in the past. I felt that this aspect of the romance, which tied it, the main plot and the mythology together, was absolutely brilliant.
In General:
I loved The Key. It had a lot of the elements that I enjoy in a story: great world building and mythology, likable characters, a sweet and memorable romance and a plot that held my interest and kept me turning the pages. I will definitely be checking out more work by Felicia Rogers.
Like this review? Looking for more? Visit me at .
December 14, 2011
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I received a copy as part of the Bloggerhood of Traveling Book Tour from Paranormal Wastelands. I had heard really good things about it and I found the green eyes on the cover intriguing.
*sigh* Unfortunately the book did not live up to the hype.
The really sad part is I actually did like parts of this book, however the parts I did not like were impossible to ignore.
Okay first let me comment on the parts I did like.
I liked the idea of the story. The black gyphons are trapped in a magical tower and only can be released by a human "key". The gryphons are new and fresh, not your regular shifters. I even liked some of the characters. Unfortunately these things weren't enough to overcome it's flaws.
Where should I begin?
Let's start with the story itself. While the main characters relationship seemed to be set on fast forward, the story itself just seemed to creep along. Now the whole instant love attraction thing seems to be in almost every YA novel these days, so I'll let that pass. Plus the author did have a good reason for it. Because of the actions of their ancestors, it's basically hardwired into Chase's DNA to protect Maddie. But the story itself just seemed to drag. Facts about the gryphons and how they are connected to Chase and Maddie are revealed, but then they just seem to be repeated over and over. The story actually starts to pick up speed towards the end, but then it goes into hyper-drive and events seem to feel rushed. I know, I know make up my mind. But it went from slow to super fast and there never seemed to be a happy medium.
Also there are parts of the story that never seem to go anywhere, or are never actually explained. For example, when Maddie is in the tower she meets Cian. But it never says why he is there or how he got there. Or how Dougal at one point uses magic and seems to mess with time, but after that he use any type of magic again.
Then there are the characters. I did like some of them, or I should say I liked the potential they seemed to show and I would have liked to know more about them. For example Grandma Draoi, she seems to have so many secrets. About her magic, her family history, her weird friend that comes over and she gives stuff to. I understand this is the first book in a series, so maybe more of her secrets are meant to be revealed in later books. But in revealing nothing about herself it left her seeming flat and colorless. In fact this was a running theme with most of the characters. If they had just been fleshed out a little more, maybe it would have helped the story some.
I did like how the author developed Dougal, by the end of the story he actually is starting to be interesting. But the end is so rushed it was hard to appreciate it.
Then there is Maddie. After a point she got annoying. She actually stays in the woods and doesn't move because Alasdair tells her to wait for help to come. Somehow she can't get the attention of the authorities that have shown up at the scene of the accident, and once they leave, she just sits on the rock and waits. Um hello? Then she knows there's a gryphon out to get her, and she just goes wandering off, climbs in a canoe and paddles into the woods. Really? There's being a damsel in distress and needing to be rescued, and then there is just being ridiculous.
There were other issues I had with the book as well. For instance the main characters dialogue. While it made sense for Dougal to slip and speak as if he were in a previous era. (he has been alive for centuries) It didn't make any sense for Chase or Maddie to speak that way, especially to each other. I kept waiting for a reason for this, maybe they were channeling their ancestors who had imprisoned the gryphons in the first place or something. But the reason never came.
I know that some people absolutely adore this book. That's fine, that is their opinion. I however really just couldn't get into it or connect with the characters. I wish she had developed the characters a little more, and spent some more time fleshing out the grypons and Maddie's family. Would I read the next book in the series? Eh, probably not. But that is my opinion. All I can suggest is that you read it yourself and form your own.
*sigh* Unfortunately the book did not live up to the hype.
The really sad part is I actually did like parts of this book, however the parts I did not like were impossible to ignore.
Okay first let me comment on the parts I did like.
I liked the idea of the story. The black gyphons are trapped in a magical tower and only can be released by a human "key". The gryphons are new and fresh, not your regular shifters. I even liked some of the characters. Unfortunately these things weren't enough to overcome it's flaws.
Where should I begin?
Let's start with the story itself. While the main characters relationship seemed to be set on fast forward, the story itself just seemed to creep along. Now the whole instant love attraction thing seems to be in almost every YA novel these days, so I'll let that pass. Plus the author did have a good reason for it. Because of the actions of their ancestors, it's basically hardwired into Chase's DNA to protect Maddie. But the story itself just seemed to drag. Facts about the gryphons and how they are connected to Chase and Maddie are revealed, but then they just seem to be repeated over and over. The story actually starts to pick up speed towards the end, but then it goes into hyper-drive and events seem to feel rushed. I know, I know make up my mind. But it went from slow to super fast and there never seemed to be a happy medium.
Also there are parts of the story that never seem to go anywhere, or are never actually explained. For example, when Maddie is in the tower she meets Cian. But it never says why he is there or how he got there. Or how Dougal at one point uses magic and seems to mess with time, but after that he use any type of magic again.
Then there are the characters. I did like some of them, or I should say I liked the potential they seemed to show and I would have liked to know more about them. For example Grandma Draoi, she seems to have so many secrets. About her magic, her family history, her weird friend that comes over and she gives stuff to. I understand this is the first book in a series, so maybe more of her secrets are meant to be revealed in later books. But in revealing nothing about herself it left her seeming flat and colorless. In fact this was a running theme with most of the characters. If they had just been fleshed out a little more, maybe it would have helped the story some.
I did like how the author developed Dougal, by the end of the story he actually is starting to be interesting. But the end is so rushed it was hard to appreciate it.
Then there is Maddie. After a point she got annoying. She actually stays in the woods and doesn't move because Alasdair tells her to wait for help to come. Somehow she can't get the attention of the authorities that have shown up at the scene of the accident, and once they leave, she just sits on the rock and waits. Um hello? Then she knows there's a gryphon out to get her, and she just goes wandering off, climbs in a canoe and paddles into the woods. Really? There's being a damsel in distress and needing to be rescued, and then there is just being ridiculous.
There were other issues I had with the book as well. For instance the main characters dialogue. While it made sense for Dougal to slip and speak as if he were in a previous era. (he has been alive for centuries) It didn't make any sense for Chase or Maddie to speak that way, especially to each other. I kept waiting for a reason for this, maybe they were channeling their ancestors who had imprisoned the gryphons in the first place or something. But the reason never came.
I know that some people absolutely adore this book. That's fine, that is their opinion. I however really just couldn't get into it or connect with the characters. I wish she had developed the characters a little more, and spent some more time fleshing out the grypons and Maddie's family. Would I read the next book in the series? Eh, probably not. But that is my opinion. All I can suggest is that you read it yourself and form your own.
April 27, 2011
Review originally posted on and given 4½ stars.
Maddie is struggling from day to day as an outcast after moving in with her grandmother due to a haunting family tragedy. Her world gets tipped upside down again when two new students make an appearance on the same day, both of whom can't seem to leave her alone. Chase takes on a role as her knight in shining armor while Dougal gives her the creeps. I don't want to give anything more away because a lot of my enjoyment in reading this book was finding out all of its secrets, but I do want to say that this is a paranormal like none I've read before. You won't be getting vampires, werewolves, or witches in this book. In fact, fantasy romance might be a more appropriate category.
I really enjoyed this read. Once I got started I couldn't seem to put it down. The story and characters' uniqueness is what really sucked me in. If you're a jaded paranormal reader and are tired of reading the same plot line with new characters, give this book a try. I bet you haven't read anything similar.
I think the book was written perfectly for teen enjoyment. I'm a little older than the target audience but I never found this detracting from my own enjoyment. There were no eye-roll moments or frustrating (as an older reader) scenes which are most often my problem with YA books. I found all of the situations and emotions relatable and believable despite the fantasy elements.
I completely adored Chase. It took a while for him to grow on me because I was convinced he couldn't be as wonderful as he seemed in the beginning but Maddie is definitely a lucky lady. Chase was literally my perfect YA hero; protective without being a caveman, caring, chivalrous, handsome, funny etc. I'm so glad the book split the POVs in half between Maddie and him with a few guests thrown in. I loved having a chance at getting into his head.
I only had one issue while reading The Key. The very beginning, first two or three chapters (there are nearly fifty so it's not very much of the book), was rough going for me. I think it's because I was confused and there was a POV change, which was a little too soon for me, or maybe it was because I was simply acclimating to the characters and story and couldn't appreciate the book yet. Either way, I reread that section after finishing the book and found I loved it just as much as the rest. I wanted to mention that though for any future readers who might have the same experience. Stick with it, it's not a very long patch. The book gets wonderful really quickly and you'll come to appreciate the introduction of some great characters.
Maddie is struggling from day to day as an outcast after moving in with her grandmother due to a haunting family tragedy. Her world gets tipped upside down again when two new students make an appearance on the same day, both of whom can't seem to leave her alone. Chase takes on a role as her knight in shining armor while Dougal gives her the creeps. I don't want to give anything more away because a lot of my enjoyment in reading this book was finding out all of its secrets, but I do want to say that this is a paranormal like none I've read before. You won't be getting vampires, werewolves, or witches in this book. In fact, fantasy romance might be a more appropriate category.
I really enjoyed this read. Once I got started I couldn't seem to put it down. The story and characters' uniqueness is what really sucked me in. If you're a jaded paranormal reader and are tired of reading the same plot line with new characters, give this book a try. I bet you haven't read anything similar.
I think the book was written perfectly for teen enjoyment. I'm a little older than the target audience but I never found this detracting from my own enjoyment. There were no eye-roll moments or frustrating (as an older reader) scenes which are most often my problem with YA books. I found all of the situations and emotions relatable and believable despite the fantasy elements.
I completely adored Chase. It took a while for him to grow on me because I was convinced he couldn't be as wonderful as he seemed in the beginning but Maddie is definitely a lucky lady. Chase was literally my perfect YA hero; protective without being a caveman, caring, chivalrous, handsome, funny etc. I'm so glad the book split the POVs in half between Maddie and him with a few guests thrown in. I loved having a chance at getting into his head.
I only had one issue while reading The Key. The very beginning, first two or three chapters (there are nearly fifty so it's not very much of the book), was rough going for me. I think it's because I was confused and there was a POV change, which was a little too soon for me, or maybe it was because I was simply acclimating to the characters and story and couldn't appreciate the book yet. Either way, I reread that section after finishing the book and found I loved it just as much as the rest. I wanted to mention that though for any future readers who might have the same experience. Stick with it, it's not a very long patch. The book gets wonderful really quickly and you'll come to appreciate the introduction of some great characters.
September 19, 2011
What can I say about The Key? It's amazing. I am going to try and break down all of the reasons why without spoiling the story for anyone.
Firstly, the plot was awesome. I was always guessing. I really mean always. Felicia Rogers has a gift for delivering suspense and plot twisters. Your perspective of characters change until the end of the book and even at the end more secrets were revealed.
Also, the characters were written perfectly. Chase was a character I know I'd have a crush on if he was real. He's like every girl's dream of the gentleman like guy.
Dougal, he seems weird, and very stalker-esque. But I think that during my time reading this novel, I had a bit of a crush on him as well. Maybe that's because I like combat boot wearing boys in all black, which corresponds with what I like to wear, or maybe just because he seems like a mystery that needs to be unraveled slowly. Either way his character was enticing.
Finally,as related to the characters, I'll talk about the key to this story, Maddie. Maddie is the kind of female lead in a novel that I like. She wasn't annoying or selfish, or self oriented. Even though she's dealt with so much tragedy, she keeps grounded. She reminds me of a normal girl, who learns to sacrifice and is receptive to change. She doesn't pretend to know everything which is arguably my favorite thing about her character.
But the main reason you should read this book: the paranormal aspects. Yes, this book is a paranormal mystery. But it is done unlike no other. There is no trace of vampire blood in this story, no fairies, no typical paranormal aspects. For a chapter or two, I thought this story would be one about werewolves. I could almost hear the novel laughing at my assumptions. I have never seen or read any other book of any type focused on gryphon, and I don't think I will for a long while. But this is a paranormal legend Felicia Rogers has made her own. This book did not only entertain me profusely, but also taught me a lot about a legendary creature I'd only heard about in passing throughout Greek mythology. Her take on the creature, their ability to transform, and the added bonus of Irish tales, left me happy with the novel, and made me feel lucky to have a copy in my possession. It's one of the most original books I have read.
I gave it 4 stars on ŷ, but only because the rating system doesn't do half points.
I definitely recommend this book for reading.
4.5/5 stars
Firstly, the plot was awesome. I was always guessing. I really mean always. Felicia Rogers has a gift for delivering suspense and plot twisters. Your perspective of characters change until the end of the book and even at the end more secrets were revealed.
Also, the characters were written perfectly. Chase was a character I know I'd have a crush on if he was real. He's like every girl's dream of the gentleman like guy.
Dougal, he seems weird, and very stalker-esque. But I think that during my time reading this novel, I had a bit of a crush on him as well. Maybe that's because I like combat boot wearing boys in all black, which corresponds with what I like to wear, or maybe just because he seems like a mystery that needs to be unraveled slowly. Either way his character was enticing.
Finally,as related to the characters, I'll talk about the key to this story, Maddie. Maddie is the kind of female lead in a novel that I like. She wasn't annoying or selfish, or self oriented. Even though she's dealt with so much tragedy, she keeps grounded. She reminds me of a normal girl, who learns to sacrifice and is receptive to change. She doesn't pretend to know everything which is arguably my favorite thing about her character.
But the main reason you should read this book: the paranormal aspects. Yes, this book is a paranormal mystery. But it is done unlike no other. There is no trace of vampire blood in this story, no fairies, no typical paranormal aspects. For a chapter or two, I thought this story would be one about werewolves. I could almost hear the novel laughing at my assumptions. I have never seen or read any other book of any type focused on gryphon, and I don't think I will for a long while. But this is a paranormal legend Felicia Rogers has made her own. This book did not only entertain me profusely, but also taught me a lot about a legendary creature I'd only heard about in passing throughout Greek mythology. Her take on the creature, their ability to transform, and the added bonus of Irish tales, left me happy with the novel, and made me feel lucky to have a copy in my possession. It's one of the most original books I have read.
I gave it 4 stars on ŷ, but only because the rating system doesn't do half points.
I definitely recommend this book for reading.
4.5/5 stars
November 16, 2011
This book is a sweet story of love and loss, betrayal and redemption, and hopes and dreams.
This book is about Maddie, a teenage girl who is relatively new at school, having moved in with her great-grandmother after the death of her parents a few months before. Maddie is very lonely, having trouble making friends at her new school and grieving for her parents, and she keeps to herself. Then one day, not one but two new guys show up at school and show Maddie attention, maybe too much attention. Chase is the “good boy,� and a very likable character. Chase feels very protective of Maddie from their first meeting, although he has no idea why, and Maddie quickly falls for him, too. Dougal is the “bad boy.� He is very secretive and won’t stop staring at Maddie. He makes her and Chase both quite uncomfortable with all of his attention to her. Chase and Dougal are both jealous of each other and are vying for Maddie's attention, but for very different reasons.
I liked that this story was told from three different points of view, Maddie’s, Chase’s and Dougal’s. We always knew what was going on even though the characters didn’t. I also liked that the author took a different take on shifters instead of going with the usual werewolves or some other animal. I really liked the whole concept of The Key, which I won’t go into because it will give too much away!
There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this book, but I would have loved to see the ending drawn out a bit more. Everything seemed to be resolved very quickly, and I think there could have been more put into the ending scenes. Another thing that bothered me was the formal writing style during dialog. Conversations seemed to be forced. Nobody talks the formal way these characters did, especially teenagers. I did find a couple of inconsistencies in the book that confused me for a second or two, but overall this was a good story and I really enjoyed it.
This book is about Maddie, a teenage girl who is relatively new at school, having moved in with her great-grandmother after the death of her parents a few months before. Maddie is very lonely, having trouble making friends at her new school and grieving for her parents, and she keeps to herself. Then one day, not one but two new guys show up at school and show Maddie attention, maybe too much attention. Chase is the “good boy,� and a very likable character. Chase feels very protective of Maddie from their first meeting, although he has no idea why, and Maddie quickly falls for him, too. Dougal is the “bad boy.� He is very secretive and won’t stop staring at Maddie. He makes her and Chase both quite uncomfortable with all of his attention to her. Chase and Dougal are both jealous of each other and are vying for Maddie's attention, but for very different reasons.
I liked that this story was told from three different points of view, Maddie’s, Chase’s and Dougal’s. We always knew what was going on even though the characters didn’t. I also liked that the author took a different take on shifters instead of going with the usual werewolves or some other animal. I really liked the whole concept of The Key, which I won’t go into because it will give too much away!
There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this book, but I would have loved to see the ending drawn out a bit more. Everything seemed to be resolved very quickly, and I think there could have been more put into the ending scenes. Another thing that bothered me was the formal writing style during dialog. Conversations seemed to be forced. Nobody talks the formal way these characters did, especially teenagers. I did find a couple of inconsistencies in the book that confused me for a second or two, but overall this was a good story and I really enjoyed it.
November 27, 2011
My favorite Blog Paranormalwastelands is hosting this amazing book tour! If you are interested in reading The Key please click the link below! Darkfallen & Greta will give you the 411. F.Y.I. You do NOT have to be a blogger!
A teenage girl suffering from a family tragedy, Maddie Clevenger is oblivious to the ancient mystery surrounding her. She's young and incredibly unlucky, in life and in love. She should be enjoying her senior year of high school, but instead she is tormented by a reoccurring nightmare and a very real stalker. But all that changes when Chase Donovan, an Air Force brat with a protective streak, shows up at school. Will Chase be the key to helping her solve her stalker problem? Will he be the key to solving the mystery surrounding her family's past?
Read’s Review
So... this is a good book. A bit tame in the s.e.x department, but hey, this is Y.A. we are talking about! The love triangle is good. Felicia, made sure to have both the light and the dark romantic interests. Though at first the 'dark" love interest, Dougal, is very creepy! I would have for sure reported it to someone! Ms. Rogers leaves me wanting more of Dougal's back history. The guy has been around for a hundred years.
Chase, the "light" love interest, is so chivalrous and respectful it is amazing! Yes, he is wonderful when meeting Maddie's Great Grandma! How many men out there can say they treat women this well?!
Maddies's a great character kind and loving, almost to a fault.She is a bit timid, yet you realize she is young and some of the womanly strength you might expect, will only come through experience. Grandma Draoi provides Maddie her motherly strength.
Felicia Rogers just touched on many of the characters history. Again, personally I like to find out a little more back story in regards to a few characters.
Though love grows between Chase and Maddie pretty quickly, it is not forced by the author and feels legit. Which is a wonderful. The Key is a fun read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy all over!
Until next time,
Read Phoenix
A teenage girl suffering from a family tragedy, Maddie Clevenger is oblivious to the ancient mystery surrounding her. She's young and incredibly unlucky, in life and in love. She should be enjoying her senior year of high school, but instead she is tormented by a reoccurring nightmare and a very real stalker. But all that changes when Chase Donovan, an Air Force brat with a protective streak, shows up at school. Will Chase be the key to helping her solve her stalker problem? Will he be the key to solving the mystery surrounding her family's past?
Read’s Review
So... this is a good book. A bit tame in the s.e.x department, but hey, this is Y.A. we are talking about! The love triangle is good. Felicia, made sure to have both the light and the dark romantic interests. Though at first the 'dark" love interest, Dougal, is very creepy! I would have for sure reported it to someone! Ms. Rogers leaves me wanting more of Dougal's back history. The guy has been around for a hundred years.
Chase, the "light" love interest, is so chivalrous and respectful it is amazing! Yes, he is wonderful when meeting Maddie's Great Grandma! How many men out there can say they treat women this well?!
Maddies's a great character kind and loving, almost to a fault.She is a bit timid, yet you realize she is young and some of the womanly strength you might expect, will only come through experience. Grandma Draoi provides Maddie her motherly strength.
Felicia Rogers just touched on many of the characters history. Again, personally I like to find out a little more back story in regards to a few characters.
Though love grows between Chase and Maddie pretty quickly, it is not forced by the author and feels legit. Which is a wonderful. The Key is a fun read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy all over!
Until next time,
Read Phoenix
August 29, 2011
The Key
by Felicia Rogers (ŷ Author)
Synopsis from ŷ:
"A teenage girl suffering from a family tragedy, Maddie Clevenger is oblivious to the ancient mystery surrounding her. She’s young and incredibly unlucky, in life and in love. She should be enjoying her senior year of high school, but instead she is tormented by a reoccurring nightmare and a very real stalker. But all that changes when Chase Donovan, an Air Force brat with a protective streak, shows up at school. Will Chase be the key to helping her solve her stalker problem? Will he be the key to solving the mystery surrounding her family’s past?"
I was not sure what to expect from this book and was not disappointed in the read. Maddie is a young girl on the brink of adulthood who has suffered and incredible tragedy. She is living with her beloved grandmother and trying to get through each torturous day at school being #1 on the bully hit list. To top this off she has dreams that haunt her to the point of insomnia and sleep deprivation. Enter two new students, both with devastatingly good looks and both paying attention to Maddie; one eerily obsessive, the other a knight in shining armor who has a compelling desire to protect her. You see Maddie has a heritage that she is completely unaware of and must find the strength to overcome her fears and insecurities to meet the challenges and mysteries set before her. I enjoyed this book and the storytelling process that builds in the world of the gryphons. It was well written and the character introductions pleasurable to read. There were times when I wanted to shake Maddie and tell her to stop being such a girl; but hey she is a young girl trying to deal with the cards she has been dealt the best she can. I generally enjoy a story with a stronger female lead, but I can definitely see the development of the characters as the story progresses. I would recommend this to all readers interested in a YA supernatural series and enjoy a taste of something different - enter the world of gryphons �
Denise Z
by Felicia Rogers (ŷ Author)
Synopsis from ŷ:
"A teenage girl suffering from a family tragedy, Maddie Clevenger is oblivious to the ancient mystery surrounding her. She’s young and incredibly unlucky, in life and in love. She should be enjoying her senior year of high school, but instead she is tormented by a reoccurring nightmare and a very real stalker. But all that changes when Chase Donovan, an Air Force brat with a protective streak, shows up at school. Will Chase be the key to helping her solve her stalker problem? Will he be the key to solving the mystery surrounding her family’s past?"
I was not sure what to expect from this book and was not disappointed in the read. Maddie is a young girl on the brink of adulthood who has suffered and incredible tragedy. She is living with her beloved grandmother and trying to get through each torturous day at school being #1 on the bully hit list. To top this off she has dreams that haunt her to the point of insomnia and sleep deprivation. Enter two new students, both with devastatingly good looks and both paying attention to Maddie; one eerily obsessive, the other a knight in shining armor who has a compelling desire to protect her. You see Maddie has a heritage that she is completely unaware of and must find the strength to overcome her fears and insecurities to meet the challenges and mysteries set before her. I enjoyed this book and the storytelling process that builds in the world of the gryphons. It was well written and the character introductions pleasurable to read. There were times when I wanted to shake Maddie and tell her to stop being such a girl; but hey she is a young girl trying to deal with the cards she has been dealt the best she can. I generally enjoy a story with a stronger female lead, but I can definitely see the development of the characters as the story progresses. I would recommend this to all readers interested in a YA supernatural series and enjoy a taste of something different - enter the world of gryphons �
Denise Z
December 27, 2011
First and foremost, thank you to Paranormal Wasteland, Darkfallen & Greta, and the author, Felicia Rogers, for providing such a good book to travel to various places! I really enjoy being part of the bloggerhood-of-traveling-book-tour and it is such a great way to get a book out to the public and one I would normally miss out on.
Now down to it.
As I said, this is a really good book. The excitement starts at the very first page and doesn't let you go until the very end; and even then, I wanted it to continue.
Although the beginning does get a bit confusing as to why Maggie is outcast, how and when did Dougal arrive at school, the story does develop well, even if those points are not addressed.
I liked how the author developed the story of the grey and black griffins. However, I feel that the story of Dorian and Alastair isn't clear, e.g., why the different names? Was that to distinguish between human and griffin?
I also thought the ending was a bit rushed. I guess I wanted more in the way of a "battle".
I really like the bit with Dorian in that he changes at the end; but hate that he gets left. Will Maddie be able to save him in the next book or is this really the end of Maddie's story?
All-in-all, this is a book worth reading and I highly recommend you pick it up. This is a book you will not want to put down and will read all in one sitting! Enjoy!
Finally, if you are interested in joining the travelling book which is open to the US, Canada and Europe, see the blog at Paranormal Wasteland at .
Now down to it.
As I said, this is a really good book. The excitement starts at the very first page and doesn't let you go until the very end; and even then, I wanted it to continue.
Although the beginning does get a bit confusing as to why Maggie is outcast, how and when did Dougal arrive at school, the story does develop well, even if those points are not addressed.
I liked how the author developed the story of the grey and black griffins. However, I feel that the story of Dorian and Alastair isn't clear, e.g., why the different names? Was that to distinguish between human and griffin?
I also thought the ending was a bit rushed. I guess I wanted more in the way of a "battle".
I really like the bit with Dorian in that he changes at the end; but hate that he gets left. Will Maddie be able to save him in the next book or is this really the end of Maddie's story?
All-in-all, this is a book worth reading and I highly recommend you pick it up. This is a book you will not want to put down and will read all in one sitting! Enjoy!
Finally, if you are interested in joining the travelling book which is open to the US, Canada and Europe, see the blog at Paranormal Wasteland at .
August 9, 2011
The Key is a great Young Adult book about love and mystery. Maddie is a 17 year old high school girl who moves in with her great-grandmother after her parents are killed in a tragic fire. Her grandmother is the only person she has until Chase moves to town. They are drawn to each other, and he feels the need to protect her. Chase is the boy all teenage girls dream about.
Chase and Maddie have great chemistry together, but no romance is complete without a few challenges. Maddie is the typical damsel in distress, but I happen to like that in a book. I don't like it when a woman is so self-sufficient that she doesn't need anyone to take care of her. At first, Chase seemed a little too good to be true � but then his relationship with Maddie seemed more natural as the book progressed.
There was a lot of mystery is this book so you're always guessing what is going to happen next. There are paranormal creatures in the story, but not the typical ones you are always reading about. I don't believe I've ever read anything about these beings, so it made it really interesting. The story was very original and enjoyable. I don't feel like the book flowed very smoothly though, and I saw a lot of grammatical errors. I did like how the story moved quickly � you don't have a chance to become bored. The romance between Chase and Maddie never goes too far, so I think that any parent would feel comfortable letting their 15 year old daughters read this. It's interesting enough though, that I think paranormal fans of any age would enjoy it.
Chase and Maddie have great chemistry together, but no romance is complete without a few challenges. Maddie is the typical damsel in distress, but I happen to like that in a book. I don't like it when a woman is so self-sufficient that she doesn't need anyone to take care of her. At first, Chase seemed a little too good to be true � but then his relationship with Maddie seemed more natural as the book progressed.
There was a lot of mystery is this book so you're always guessing what is going to happen next. There are paranormal creatures in the story, but not the typical ones you are always reading about. I don't believe I've ever read anything about these beings, so it made it really interesting. The story was very original and enjoyable. I don't feel like the book flowed very smoothly though, and I saw a lot of grammatical errors. I did like how the story moved quickly � you don't have a chance to become bored. The romance between Chase and Maddie never goes too far, so I think that any parent would feel comfortable letting their 15 year old daughters read this. It's interesting enough though, that I think paranormal fans of any age would enjoy it.
April 6, 2012
The last several months of Maddie’s life has been terrible. She has lost her parents and has moved in with her great grandmother Draoi and starts the middle of her senior year in a new high school. She is not popular and has become a loner. Then she discovers a new guy sitting in her seat. Dougal is in every class with her, always ends up in her seat, then stares at her through the class. She also meets another new student, Chase. She is drawn to him with is electric touch and he can’t seem to get her out of his mind.
Chase then learns that he can shift into a griffin and has the desire to do so whenever he is around Maddie. Chase’s family are from a line of grey griffins that are to protect the key, a person that can open the tower that the evil black griffins. Maddie is the key, although she doesn’t realize it. There is going to be a battle between the griffins that want to keep the tower locked and those that want it opened. Maddie and Chase are going to be caught in the middle.
I really liked this book. I can’t believe that I waited so long to read it. I was sucked in and couldn’t wait to find out what happens next. I felt for poor Maddie being all alone after losing her parents and being the social outcast in school. I’m very excited to read more of Felicia’s stories. If you enjoy YA paranormal stories, this is one that you should not miss.
Chase then learns that he can shift into a griffin and has the desire to do so whenever he is around Maddie. Chase’s family are from a line of grey griffins that are to protect the key, a person that can open the tower that the evil black griffins. Maddie is the key, although she doesn’t realize it. There is going to be a battle between the griffins that want to keep the tower locked and those that want it opened. Maddie and Chase are going to be caught in the middle.
I really liked this book. I can’t believe that I waited so long to read it. I was sucked in and couldn’t wait to find out what happens next. I felt for poor Maddie being all alone after losing her parents and being the social outcast in school. I’m very excited to read more of Felicia’s stories. If you enjoy YA paranormal stories, this is one that you should not miss.
August 7, 2011
With witches, werewolves and vampires roaming around in almost every novel, Felicia takes a risk and writes about something completely out of the blue...Gryphons! I guess that was the icing on the cake. Never had i imagined a person transforming into one, but when i read about it, lets just say it was awesome!
I really enjoyed this read. Once I got started I couldn't seem to put it down. But i'll also be very honest, the descriptions seemed kind of rushed and if you're not reading the book with all your attention, then you might never know what Chase transforms into (spoiler!).
I completely adored Chase. It took a while for him to grow on me because I was convinced he couldn't be as wonderful as he seemed in the beginning but Maddie is definitely a lucky lady. Chase was literally my perfect YA hero; protective without being a caveman, caring, chivalrous, handsome, funny etc. I'm so glad the book split the POVs in half between Maddie and him with a few guests thrown in. I loved having a chance at getting into his head.
I bet you haven't read anything similar. The book gets wonderful really quickly and you'll come to appreciate the introduction of some great characters. Its YA so i recommend it to all who love paranormal/supernatural YA!
I received this book to review.
I really enjoyed this read. Once I got started I couldn't seem to put it down. But i'll also be very honest, the descriptions seemed kind of rushed and if you're not reading the book with all your attention, then you might never know what Chase transforms into (spoiler!).
I completely adored Chase. It took a while for him to grow on me because I was convinced he couldn't be as wonderful as he seemed in the beginning but Maddie is definitely a lucky lady. Chase was literally my perfect YA hero; protective without being a caveman, caring, chivalrous, handsome, funny etc. I'm so glad the book split the POVs in half between Maddie and him with a few guests thrown in. I loved having a chance at getting into his head.
I bet you haven't read anything similar. The book gets wonderful really quickly and you'll come to appreciate the introduction of some great characters. Its YA so i recommend it to all who love paranormal/supernatural YA!
I received this book to review.
July 21, 2011
First, I’d like to start by saying that I love YA novels. “The Key� combines the paranormal with mystery and I enjoy both elements separately and together. I was hooked on this novel as I made my way through the beginning chapters. Teenage drama, popularity contests, angst, possible 3-way love triangle and the like filled the first 8 chapters. Then Chapter 9 happened!
The plot became choppy and rushed. Transitions within the storyline became a bit uncomfortable to me and they didn’t flow smoothly. Introductions of the otherworldly creatures seemed unrealistic rather than written in a fashion that truly made me believe that they were real.
However, the choppiness and spots of discomfort eventually smoothed back out into a nicely flowing ancestral mystery that is revealed in the modern day. The sparks between Chase & Maddie scream teenage love; although one action happens a little too quickly for me—not sex—this is a PG book. Chase & Dougal have a great hero vs. villain relationship. Maddie & Dougal are just plain conflicted.
In the end, all of the secrets were revealed, souls redeemed, love lost, and crisis averted.
Not too shabby for a couple of clueless teenagers!
The plot became choppy and rushed. Transitions within the storyline became a bit uncomfortable to me and they didn’t flow smoothly. Introductions of the otherworldly creatures seemed unrealistic rather than written in a fashion that truly made me believe that they were real.
However, the choppiness and spots of discomfort eventually smoothed back out into a nicely flowing ancestral mystery that is revealed in the modern day. The sparks between Chase & Maddie scream teenage love; although one action happens a little too quickly for me—not sex—this is a PG book. Chase & Dougal have a great hero vs. villain relationship. Maddie & Dougal are just plain conflicted.
In the end, all of the secrets were revealed, souls redeemed, love lost, and crisis averted.
Not too shabby for a couple of clueless teenagers!
August 27, 2011
I liked this book a lot. It was a refreshing story line with a new line of paranormal creatures. The story hooked me and pulled me in. The reason I only gave this book 3 stars though were a few issues surrounding the characters.
1.) Maddie was not a very strong character. I felt the book actually should have focused in on Chase as the main character with Maddie as a supporting actor. She just wasn't super believable and came across very weak for most of the book (and she made some horrible decisions).
2.) I loved Chase. I loved almost everything about him. The only negative with him was his English. He didn't talk like a senior boy in high school would talk and sometimes used words that made me stop reading and actually say "he did not just use that word".
3.) I got the sense that the author wanted the reader to connect with Dougal and be sympathetic towards him. I just couldn't do it. I didn't feel there was enough character development or even plot development around his character to understand who he was or what he was doing until the very end of the book.
Overall though, a great book that was a fast read.
1.) Maddie was not a very strong character. I felt the book actually should have focused in on Chase as the main character with Maddie as a supporting actor. She just wasn't super believable and came across very weak for most of the book (and she made some horrible decisions).
2.) I loved Chase. I loved almost everything about him. The only negative with him was his English. He didn't talk like a senior boy in high school would talk and sometimes used words that made me stop reading and actually say "he did not just use that word".
3.) I got the sense that the author wanted the reader to connect with Dougal and be sympathetic towards him. I just couldn't do it. I didn't feel there was enough character development or even plot development around his character to understand who he was or what he was doing until the very end of the book.
Overall though, a great book that was a fast read.
July 15, 2011
I thought The Key by Felicia Rogers was Great!! It has action, romance, paranormal creatures,good vs evil.! It is one of those books that will pull you in from beginning to End,
The storyline was well put together. I loved each of the characters, personality. The love story between Maddie and Chase (loved) was AMAZING, they have great chemistry from beginning to end. They are destined to be together. Chase Donovan is officially my hero, he's handsome, protective, loving,and would do anything for Maddie. The book was told from a few perspectives: Maddie, Chase, and Dougal, who was an interesting character from the beginning. I fell in love with each of them. The research was well put together, and I liked the concept of the history behind it. The ending was beautiful, just as I imagined it would be!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and I cant wait until the sequel to come out!
Thanks to Felicia who provided me a copy to review and I look forward to many other works:)
The storyline was well put together. I loved each of the characters, personality. The love story between Maddie and Chase (loved) was AMAZING, they have great chemistry from beginning to end. They are destined to be together. Chase Donovan is officially my hero, he's handsome, protective, loving,and would do anything for Maddie. The book was told from a few perspectives: Maddie, Chase, and Dougal, who was an interesting character from the beginning. I fell in love with each of them. The research was well put together, and I liked the concept of the history behind it. The ending was beautiful, just as I imagined it would be!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and I cant wait until the sequel to come out!
Thanks to Felicia who provided me a copy to review and I look forward to many other works:)
November 27, 2011
I was immediately wrapped up in this book. I like that this book didn't have a lot of fluff in the beginning, and got right into the plot. I enjoyed the characters of Maddie, Chase, and even Dougal. From the beginning, I thought there might be more to Dougal than the typical 'bad guy' character, and I was pleased to be somewhat right. I would have liked more time for his character to change, and see where that might have taken him.
I also liked that this was different from other paranormal romances out there right now. It is so refreshing to see something that has nothing to do with vampires and werewolves.
The only thing I would have changed about this book was the ending. I felt like the ending was rushed, and wrapped up too quickly. I would have liked to have seen the story stretched out a bit more at the end.
If you enjoy paranormal romances, and are looking for something new, pick up this book today!
I also liked that this was different from other paranormal romances out there right now. It is so refreshing to see something that has nothing to do with vampires and werewolves.
The only thing I would have changed about this book was the ending. I felt like the ending was rushed, and wrapped up too quickly. I would have liked to have seen the story stretched out a bit more at the end.
If you enjoy paranormal romances, and are looking for something new, pick up this book today!
December 29, 2011
Maddie has had a rough life. She is a senior in high school and is living with her great grandmother in an apparently dilapidated home. She rides a bike to and from school much to the delight of the bullies. Her parents have died in a fire and she feels like if she develops attachments for anyone, they too will be taken from her.
Enter Chase and Dougal who both take an interest in Maddie. Her life drastically changes at that point. Strange things begin to happen and she discovers that she is "the Key".
I enjoyed this YA novel. There was the right amount of romance and action to keep me reading. I enjoyed turning the pages and finding out the secrets that are kept in the pages of this novel.
This is a fast read. My only concern is that I wish the ending could have been drawn out a little more. It felt like all the loose ends came together a little too quickly.
I definitely would like to keep reading more from Felicia Rogers.
Enter Chase and Dougal who both take an interest in Maddie. Her life drastically changes at that point. Strange things begin to happen and she discovers that she is "the Key".
I enjoyed this YA novel. There was the right amount of romance and action to keep me reading. I enjoyed turning the pages and finding out the secrets that are kept in the pages of this novel.
This is a fast read. My only concern is that I wish the ending could have been drawn out a little more. It felt like all the loose ends came together a little too quickly.
I definitely would like to keep reading more from Felicia Rogers.
July 13, 2011
Maddie needs a hero. Her hero comes in the form of Chase Donovan; the love story begins from here. Chase makes for a great hero, he's charismatic, handsome, protective, loving, etc... and the author doesn't overdo these qualities-he still seems human. The novel switches the point of view from Maddie to Chase, giving the reader the opportunity to view both of their thoughts and decisions. Maddie has a few rough edges, but this just adds to the appeal. The plot is very unique for a fantasy YA novel. The novel contains humor, romance, action, drama, and mystery <-the best qualities for a terrific YA book. The dialogue was easy to follow and kept the readers interest. There were no lengthy descriptions and the book itself was fast-paced. This book is recommended for young adults who enjoy fantasy novels.
I received this book to review, this in no way alters my opinion.
I received this book to review, this in no way alters my opinion.
August 11, 2011
The Key was a wonderful, fast pasted book. It was full of action, mystery, paranormal elements and of course, romance! I adored this story from beginning to end and im looking forward to reading more books by Felicia. Maddie has faced many challenges. First her parents die, she then moves to her grandmothers; goes to a school were shes invisible, deals with horrible nightmares and lives the life of a every day high schooler. Things couldnt possibily get worse, or could they? Chase and Dougal move to town and both take an interest in Maddie. Maddie notices both as well but they're not quite what they seem. Maddie is the key but "a key to what?", is the question. I really enjoyed this story. I recommend this story to anyone who loves a yound adult romance filled with mystery, romance and puzzles. Its has paranormal creatures and elements as well as a great happy ending! Wonderful story!!!
July 29, 2011
I absolutely loved this book! Vampires? Dragons? Witches? NO.....try Gryphons! I was on the edge of my seat half way through this book, not knowing what was going to happen next. Madelyn Clevenger is a teenage girl who lost everything. Or did she?
She moves to a new town to live with her great-grandma, it isn`t long until she meets a special boy who has just recently moved to the same town. their connection is strong from the begining, maybe too strong! Chase Donovan feels a sense of protection towards Maddie. As Maddie and Chase live their lives as normal as they can they soon find out that the more they try, the harder it is. Will they find out what their connection is? Will Maddie find out what "The Key" is? This book is full of passion and adventure, I couldn`t put it down.
She moves to a new town to live with her great-grandma, it isn`t long until she meets a special boy who has just recently moved to the same town. their connection is strong from the begining, maybe too strong! Chase Donovan feels a sense of protection towards Maddie. As Maddie and Chase live their lives as normal as they can they soon find out that the more they try, the harder it is. Will they find out what their connection is? Will Maddie find out what "The Key" is? This book is full of passion and adventure, I couldn`t put it down.
December 16, 2011
I got the opportunity to read The Key by Felicia Rogers. What a story! Not sure what I can and cannot say in a review, so as not to give anything away, but here goes.
This story is about a high school senior which, due to tragic circumstances, lives with her grandmother. She is alone and friendless. Two new boys come to her school, both wanting her attention, but for two very different reasons. One dark and foreboding, the other, determined to be her protector. One wants her life, the other wants to keep her alive!
Ms. Rogers� has a way of making her characters come alive. Her plot has twists and turns that kept me guessing through the entire story, and wanting more.
This is a great story for any age.
This story is about a high school senior which, due to tragic circumstances, lives with her grandmother. She is alone and friendless. Two new boys come to her school, both wanting her attention, but for two very different reasons. One dark and foreboding, the other, determined to be her protector. One wants her life, the other wants to keep her alive!
Ms. Rogers� has a way of making her characters come alive. Her plot has twists and turns that kept me guessing through the entire story, and wanting more.
This is a great story for any age.
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