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Kelcie Murphy #3
Kelcie Murphy and the Race for the Reaper's Key
The epic and action-packed conclusion to the Kelcie Murphy series.
Monsters Rise. Enemies Gather. The Never-ending War rages on.
Kelcie Murphy and her friends are determined to stop the war, once and for all. But with monsters attacking the Lands of Summer and Winter, peace seems more out of reach than ever.
And deep in the Abyss, an ancient evil, once thought defeated, is preparing an apocalyptic attack.
There is only one person who can stop him: his heir, Kelcie herself.
Also by Erika Lewis
The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts
Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts
Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu
Kelcie Murphy and the Race for the Reaper's Key
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Monsters Rise. Enemies Gather. The Never-ending War rages on.
Kelcie Murphy and her friends are determined to stop the war, once and for all. But with monsters attacking the Lands of Summer and Winter, peace seems more out of reach than ever.
And deep in the Abyss, an ancient evil, once thought defeated, is preparing an apocalyptic attack.
There is only one person who can stop him: his heir, Kelcie herself.
Also by Erika Lewis
The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts
Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts
Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu
Kelcie Murphy and the Race for the Reaper's Key
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2024
3 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 19, 2025
Absolutely stunning end to a wonderful series. The characters are complex and multidimensional and grow with time. Peace is valued but not easily achieved. The importance of working together is central. The teen romance is adorable and heartwarming. A loving family is honored, be it formed from bonds of blood or loyalty. The ending is satisfying, and getting there was exciting and engaging.
A 10/10 ending to a 10/10 series. I can't wait to see what else the author does!
A5R5K5
A 10/10 ending to a 10/10 series. I can't wait to see what else the author does!
A5R5K5
September 13, 2024
What worked:
The story follows Kelcie and Lexie in their respective realms of Summer and Winter. The author develops their tales separately across several chapters which prevents the starting and stopping of stories that result from using alternating chapters. The two kingdoms have been at war for generations and the rulers have no interest in seeking peace. Following the events in the second book, Kelcie is honored and respected as a hero in Summer while Lexie is despised as a traitor among her own people. The two girls don’t accept that war between the kingdoms is unavoidable and the story shares their efforts in pursuing peace. Lexie faces greater obstacles since her queen wants to put her in prison although Kelcie’s willingness to work with Winter is treasonous. It’s admirable to see characters willing to defy their rulers to do what’s best for the citizens of their kingdoms.
Kelcie’s life is complicated by her disgraced father even though she holds out hope for him. He’s the biggest villain in Summer. His physical form is now controlled by King Balor and the rulers of the Summer and Winter kingdoms are unaware of Balor’s meddling efforts. Balor is secretly stimulating and perpetuating the Never-Ending War with hopes of eventually releasing an army of evil demons from hell. Kelsie’s father displays some signs of life when he’s able to send visions to Kelcie but she’s not always sure how to interpret them. It’s clear the climax of the story will find Kelcie pitted against King Balor in an epic confrontation. She may have a chance if she can master her elemental powers.
Lexie and Kelcie’s fianas have grown up with different expectations but each group leader faces new challenges. A member of Lexie’s fiana turned against them in the previous book but now wants forgiveness and to be allowed back in. How can Lexie and her friends ever trust him again even though he seems sincere now? Kelcie and Niall, a Summer prince, have been close in the previous books but their feelings go up a notch this time. The new emotions can be a distraction but Niall is able to mentally send Kelcie encouraging words when she’s anxious. Middle-grade readers can connect with the trust issues Lexie is facing and Kelcie’s blooming boy-girl relationship.
What didn’t work as well:
There is a lot of vocabulary specific to the series that readers will need to learn. There are also many characters to remember from both kingdoms. The author makes references to previous events but I highly recommend readers start the series from the beginning.
The final verdict:
This book resolves the war between Summer and Winter and ends the covert threat of King Balor. The wonderful blend of characters, action, and humor will entertain lovers of elemental abilities and adventure. I recommend you give this book, and series, a shot!
The story follows Kelcie and Lexie in their respective realms of Summer and Winter. The author develops their tales separately across several chapters which prevents the starting and stopping of stories that result from using alternating chapters. The two kingdoms have been at war for generations and the rulers have no interest in seeking peace. Following the events in the second book, Kelcie is honored and respected as a hero in Summer while Lexie is despised as a traitor among her own people. The two girls don’t accept that war between the kingdoms is unavoidable and the story shares their efforts in pursuing peace. Lexie faces greater obstacles since her queen wants to put her in prison although Kelcie’s willingness to work with Winter is treasonous. It’s admirable to see characters willing to defy their rulers to do what’s best for the citizens of their kingdoms.
Kelcie’s life is complicated by her disgraced father even though she holds out hope for him. He’s the biggest villain in Summer. His physical form is now controlled by King Balor and the rulers of the Summer and Winter kingdoms are unaware of Balor’s meddling efforts. Balor is secretly stimulating and perpetuating the Never-Ending War with hopes of eventually releasing an army of evil demons from hell. Kelsie’s father displays some signs of life when he’s able to send visions to Kelcie but she’s not always sure how to interpret them. It’s clear the climax of the story will find Kelcie pitted against King Balor in an epic confrontation. She may have a chance if she can master her elemental powers.
Lexie and Kelcie’s fianas have grown up with different expectations but each group leader faces new challenges. A member of Lexie’s fiana turned against them in the previous book but now wants forgiveness and to be allowed back in. How can Lexie and her friends ever trust him again even though he seems sincere now? Kelcie and Niall, a Summer prince, have been close in the previous books but their feelings go up a notch this time. The new emotions can be a distraction but Niall is able to mentally send Kelcie encouraging words when she’s anxious. Middle-grade readers can connect with the trust issues Lexie is facing and Kelcie’s blooming boy-girl relationship.
What didn’t work as well:
There is a lot of vocabulary specific to the series that readers will need to learn. There are also many characters to remember from both kingdoms. The author makes references to previous events but I highly recommend readers start the series from the beginning.
The final verdict:
This book resolves the war between Summer and Winter and ends the covert threat of King Balor. The wonderful blend of characters, action, and humor will entertain lovers of elemental abilities and adventure. I recommend you give this book, and series, a shot!
September 9, 2024
In Kelcie Murphy and the Race for the Reaper’s Key by Erika Lewis, she has written a triumphant conclusion to the adventures of Kelcie Murphy and her fianna. In this final book in the trilogy, the story and adventure start out with a bang just like the previous two novels, the action quickly immersing readers in the narrative. One of the aspects of this novel that make it intriguing is the multiple points of view of the various protagonists. We get far more than just Kelcie, we get snippets of Lexis, Niall, even Kelcie’s father and that allows us to gain a much broader view of the final conflict.
The various viewpoints also help demonstrate the friendship and bonds of caring that help our heroes fight the bad guys. It is only in the spirit of harmony and teamwork that they are able to figure out a solution to the conflict and a way to thwart the evil rising before them. Erika Lewis also does a great job of tying together various threads from the previous two books to bring everything together in this triumphant conclusion.
If you enjoyed the previous two novels and like Irish folklore, this novel might be an enjoyable read for you whether you are a teen or not. It is full of adventure and friendship, caring and love. The ending brings the story to a solid ending that might make you cry.
The various viewpoints also help demonstrate the friendship and bonds of caring that help our heroes fight the bad guys. It is only in the spirit of harmony and teamwork that they are able to figure out a solution to the conflict and a way to thwart the evil rising before them. Erika Lewis also does a great job of tying together various threads from the previous two books to bring everything together in this triumphant conclusion.
If you enjoyed the previous two novels and like Irish folklore, this novel might be an enjoyable read for you whether you are a teen or not. It is full of adventure and friendship, caring and love. The ending brings the story to a solid ending that might make you cry.
March 22, 2025
Kelcie Murphy and her fianna are put up to the impossible task of stopping the Never-Ending War, and they know exactly what they have to do. HOW they have to do it...that's a different story. Join them and their forbidden companions in Winter as they join forces to put an end to the war and maybe even destroy the Abyss...
YOU GUYS! OMFREAKINGCUPCAKES! I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Let's just say that I was waiting for my mom at the dentist in the front room while reading this, and I was trying not to squeal, scream, and make various mouth noises. I'm pretty sure the receptionist thought I was insane by the way my hands were covering my mouth in shock and making stressed italian motions 🤌
The writing in this book is gorgeous! I love the metaphors and descriptions!
AND OMG NIALL AND KELCIE I LITERALLY CAN'T WITH THEM! They are my second favorite book couple! (I would say first, but Gilbert and Anne will forever hold that title for me *heart*)
Page 297. I-I-WHAT THE- NO!!!!! AND POOR JACK! Ok, I'll stop ranting, but I LOVED this book and hope you do, too!
Thank you for reading my review! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for book recommendations!
YOU GUYS! OMFREAKINGCUPCAKES! I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Let's just say that I was waiting for my mom at the dentist in the front room while reading this, and I was trying not to squeal, scream, and make various mouth noises. I'm pretty sure the receptionist thought I was insane by the way my hands were covering my mouth in shock and making stressed italian motions 🤌
The writing in this book is gorgeous! I love the metaphors and descriptions!
AND OMG NIALL AND KELCIE I LITERALLY CAN'T WITH THEM! They are my second favorite book couple! (I would say first, but Gilbert and Anne will forever hold that title for me *heart*)
Page 297. I-I-WHAT THE- NO!!!!! AND POOR JACK! Ok, I'll stop ranting, but I LOVED this book and hope you do, too!
Thank you for reading my review! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for book recommendations!
September 9, 2024
I loved this book series! I have honestly read all of them and this was a good middle school one. This story picks the readers up from the ending of the last book. In the very beginning of this one Summer Soldiers are appearing at Kelcie’s house and breaking their things, looking for Kelcie’s dad. And then Niall shows back up unexpectedly. Niall and Kelcie were together in the last book but then he left.
I really love the way that the author writes this middle school series as it is an engaging read for all ages. I really liked the first book to the last of the series and was eagerly reading through the series as I received them. I was pleased to find out about the fate of The Academy of Unbreakable Arts and what happened to the school at the end of this book. Also I loved the ending for Kelcie, and especially Niall. I was so happy about that whole ending for Niall. The relationship was well written and I would absolutely love to read more of the author’s work!
I really love the way that the author writes this middle school series as it is an engaging read for all ages. I really liked the first book to the last of the series and was eagerly reading through the series as I received them. I was pleased to find out about the fate of The Academy of Unbreakable Arts and what happened to the school at the end of this book. Also I loved the ending for Kelcie, and especially Niall. I was so happy about that whole ending for Niall. The relationship was well written and I would absolutely love to read more of the author’s work!
October 21, 2024
This one didn't work for me the same way the others did. I felt like the pacing was off and it finally hit its stride in the last 30%. It definitely could have used with some trimming and much less shifting between POVs that made it hard to follow the plot. It definitely dragged along, at 14hrs for the audiobook.
I do wish more people would read this series but I also wish this would have been more of a home run ending.
I do wish more people would read this series but I also wish this would have been more of a home run ending.
November 25, 2024
Another great installment in the Kelcie Murphy series.
Kelcie and her friends remind me of the friend groups in Harry Potter, the Skandar series, and the Magesterium series, because together these friends can accomplish anything! Erika Lewis has a great imagination and that is visible in every page of this series. The trouble these friends get into and the world Erika has built are wonderful.
I hope that there will be more books in this series, if there are, I will read them.
Kelcie and her friends remind me of the friend groups in Harry Potter, the Skandar series, and the Magesterium series, because together these friends can accomplish anything! Erika Lewis has a great imagination and that is visible in every page of this series. The trouble these friends get into and the world Erika has built are wonderful.
I hope that there will be more books in this series, if there are, I will read them.
October 25, 2024
I loved this. A great ending to a series that I very much enjoyed!
Trigger warnings: violence, death, imprisonment
Trigger warnings: violence, death, imprisonment
April 16, 2025
HOW DARE SHE KILL STRIKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
Kelcie, Lexis and their finnas have to travel to the abyss to stop the war once and for all.
May 5, 2025
Solid ending for this trilogy. Fun read with kids saving the Otherworld.
July 22, 2025
so it's been a few weeks since i finished this book, and i just can't bring myself to like this book. i know that i've been talking about how the magic system is great and the worldbuilding is fantastic, and dont get me wrong lewis does an incredible job in this book, but there were so many things that just bugged me.
ok, first, some of the characters were just unbearable to read about. there were so many moments where things were so cliche and cringe, especially the vibe between certain characters (if you know, you know). i felt like kelcie was immature and super reckless and irresponsible. i get that she's a 12 year old girl, but i really don't think 12 year olds are that immature.
however, i know i've talked a lot about what i don't like, but i want to end on a positive note. the only thing that kept me from dnfing this series is the plot. the story line was really unique and although the writing styles wasn't my fav, the plot was really well thought out.
overall, i don't think i'll ever come back to this series or recommend it to anyone else. although the world building and magic system and story was great, there are so many other books that include all of that and actually have likeable characters.
↠ 2.75 ★’s
series rating: 2.75 ★’s
ok, first, some of the characters were just unbearable to read about. there were so many moments where things were so cliche and cringe, especially the vibe between certain characters (if you know, you know). i felt like kelcie was immature and super reckless and irresponsible. i get that she's a 12 year old girl, but i really don't think 12 year olds are that immature.
however, i know i've talked a lot about what i don't like, but i want to end on a positive note. the only thing that kept me from dnfing this series is the plot. the story line was really unique and although the writing styles wasn't my fav, the plot was really well thought out.
overall, i don't think i'll ever come back to this series or recommend it to anyone else. although the world building and magic system and story was great, there are so many other books that include all of that and actually have likeable characters.
↠ 2.75 ★’s
series rating: 2.75 ★’s
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews