The Spellkey

Spellkey #1-3

by Ann Downer-Hazell

The heart of the story is a journey made by two outcasts: Caitlin, a wild girl-child accused of witchcraft and sentenced to exile in the Abbey of the Ninthstile; and The Badger, a disapointing ward of the Abbot of Thirdmoon See, who has been ordered to escort her. As they travel through the Thirteen Kingdoms, they are pursued and observed by a myterious man with red hair who seems to defeat them at every turn and by Caitlin's own dark visions, which haunt her with the fearsome destiny they predict. The answer to it all seems to be Spellkey; finding it and solving its Mystery may mean destruction for the cruel rulers of the Pentacle and a solution for Caitlin an The Badger, who need one desperately since they are falling in love...

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Adventure, Young Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy

630 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 1987

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an omnibus of three short linked novels. They have a number of different characters whose stories intersect. The first book focuses on Caitlin, a girl with one green eye and one blue eye who is a seer and Badger, a young man who has been brought up by monks. They cross several lands looking for a magical spellkey. In the second book Caitlin and Badger have been separated. The third one takes place seven years later. Caitlin and Badger are back together and have a family. Several of the people that they met in book one are the main characters. I liked the third book the most.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I first read many years ago, and I remember being really impressed with the intricacy of the plots. The omnibus edition (which I think is the only one in print) is actually three books all put together: The Spellkey, The Glass Salamander, and The Books of the Keepers. The book(s) is/are geared towards teens, but a lot of the subject matter seems older, also the plots are very layered and there are numerous peripheral characters that one has to keep track of. It's kind of awesome. Basically the plot of the first book is typical fantasy; a novice monk is ordered to escort an outcast girl, who is accused of being a witch, to the other end of civilization. I think I like the third book the best, just because the ending makes me happy :D

[hh · Rating 5 out of 5]

the story of caitlin and badger has stuck with me for more than half my life. it's haunting and simply told and incredibly lovely. magical without being cozy.

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reread of an old favorite. i never grow tired of this story. a beautiful fantasy. definitely an underrated series.

[Laura]

Here's a book I originally read back in high school. I've looked for a copy ever since, and happened to see it right in front of my eyes at the thrift store one day! Wonderful, romantic fantasy tale, full of strange and interesting characters. Includes two new chapters added by the author, with the original books: The Spellkey, The Glass Salamander, and The Books of the Keepers.

[Farfished9 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this book everywhere with me for a couple of years...I haven't read it in nearly 15 years...I remember being enthralled and completely taken away...Who knows if it is really good or not...but I fell in love. =)Please read this book and talk with me about it!

[Heather Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this when I read it in highschool.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was much younger and was delighted when I found a second hand copy in a charity shop. I reread and loved it just as much. A delightful story, filled with charm and simple joy.