What do you think?
Rate this book
The Arcadian #1
The Key
The Key is the first book in a brand-new trilogy.
When the new King of Arcadia, Audric Sjöberg is forced into hiding, his younger brother Rek, is sent to the mortal realm to find “the key”. “The Key” is the one person that can help Audric take back his kingdom, and restore peace within the wizard realm.
Kailee Reece is a normal teenager, or so she believes. When Kailee’s wishes turn into reality, she becomes the target of unwanted attention. Rek’s search sends him to Astoria Oregon, where he meets Kailee, and they are drawn to one another. Kailee and Rek attempt to fight their feelings, but the temptation is too great.
Kailee and Rek’s happiness is threatened by an ancient prophecy that could tear them apart. Rek must convince Kailee to return to Arcadia in order to save Audric and his kingdom. Once the kingdom is safe, Rek may be forced to say goodbye to Kailee forever.
When the new King of Arcadia, Audric Sjöberg is forced into hiding, his younger brother Rek, is sent to the mortal realm to find “the key”. “The Key” is the one person that can help Audric take back his kingdom, and restore peace within the wizard realm.
Kailee Reece is a normal teenager, or so she believes. When Kailee’s wishes turn into reality, she becomes the target of unwanted attention. Rek’s search sends him to Astoria Oregon, where he meets Kailee, and they are drawn to one another. Kailee and Rek attempt to fight their feelings, but the temptation is too great.
Kailee and Rek’s happiness is threatened by an ancient prophecy that could tear them apart. Rek must convince Kailee to return to Arcadia in order to save Audric and his kingdom. Once the kingdom is safe, Rek may be forced to say goodbye to Kailee forever.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2014
2 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Coulter
12 books41 followersT.L. Coulter lives in a small mountain town in Northern Utah. She loves writing, reading, snowshoeing, hiking and hanging out with her son.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 21, 2019
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I rarely give 5 stars to books but this book deserves it. It is well-written, suspenseful, and simply amazing. I love every character in this book, except for the traitor of course, who I definitely didn't expect.
It ends in a cliffhanger that has you on edge! I loved that! I hate cliffhangers but this book really makes me want more and more from this series.
I would recommend this book to any reader that loves any fantasy related. Even if you don't like wizards/kingdoms/battles, you HAVE to read this book. I am not one to like books that have battle scenes or kingdom related stuff. This book changed my mind entirely.
It is a book for all readers, all ages. It is respectful and so understanding that little kids can read it, but it is also so captivating enough to have young adults and adults wanting more.
--
Official review:
I was skeptical about reading this book. I’m not a major fan of wizard books or books where a part of the setting is a kingdom. I am so glad I gave this book a chance. If you aren’t drawn to wizards, powers, kingdoms, battles…you should give this book a try because it is PHENOMENAL. It is such an intriguing and exhilarating read. You don’t want to miss reading this book.
When I read the last sentence of the description (above), I thought it was cliche. Just another story where it says the romantic couple has to say good bye. Let me tell you that you are in for a huge surprise, something that you couldn’t even imagine nor expect. My mouth dropped open when I realized it really wasn’t cliche. I was about to throw the book at the wall.
I love how the author kept things going at a very good pace. There were times where I wouldn’t know what to expect. When you think one thing is going to happen, it does a 180 on you and you are left hanging…seriously. And I loved that about this book. It kept me wanting to read more and more.
Every reader is so used to how other authors write every little thing down to a T, and sometimes, those things could have been skipped, which is what this author did. I applaud her for it because, while there is a scene that is important, the reader can already imagine what happens, and the author cuts to the chase and writes more about things that we don’t expect, things that are way more important.
This book is told in a third persons point of view. I loved the different point of views in the book because I could learn about what was going on in different character’s life, their thoughts, everything. I love the Rek and Kailee’s relationship because, even though they are not mortals, their relationship is one that everybody can identify with.
The characters are very well described, the plot is very well written, the climax mind blows you away and don’t even get me started on the ending. The ending blows you away completely. This book has the biggest cliffhanger I have ever read in my life and I can NOT wait for the second book, which will come out on June.
Review was first published in 2014 in Latte Nights Reviews.
It ends in a cliffhanger that has you on edge! I loved that! I hate cliffhangers but this book really makes me want more and more from this series.
I would recommend this book to any reader that loves any fantasy related. Even if you don't like wizards/kingdoms/battles, you HAVE to read this book. I am not one to like books that have battle scenes or kingdom related stuff. This book changed my mind entirely.
It is a book for all readers, all ages. It is respectful and so understanding that little kids can read it, but it is also so captivating enough to have young adults and adults wanting more.
--
Official review:
I was skeptical about reading this book. I’m not a major fan of wizard books or books where a part of the setting is a kingdom. I am so glad I gave this book a chance. If you aren’t drawn to wizards, powers, kingdoms, battles…you should give this book a try because it is PHENOMENAL. It is such an intriguing and exhilarating read. You don’t want to miss reading this book.
When I read the last sentence of the description (above), I thought it was cliche. Just another story where it says the romantic couple has to say good bye. Let me tell you that you are in for a huge surprise, something that you couldn’t even imagine nor expect. My mouth dropped open when I realized it really wasn’t cliche. I was about to throw the book at the wall.
I love how the author kept things going at a very good pace. There were times where I wouldn’t know what to expect. When you think one thing is going to happen, it does a 180 on you and you are left hanging…seriously. And I loved that about this book. It kept me wanting to read more and more.
Every reader is so used to how other authors write every little thing down to a T, and sometimes, those things could have been skipped, which is what this author did. I applaud her for it because, while there is a scene that is important, the reader can already imagine what happens, and the author cuts to the chase and writes more about things that we don’t expect, things that are way more important.
This book is told in a third persons point of view. I loved the different point of views in the book because I could learn about what was going on in different character’s life, their thoughts, everything. I love the Rek and Kailee’s relationship because, even though they are not mortals, their relationship is one that everybody can identify with.
The characters are very well described, the plot is very well written, the climax mind blows you away and don’t even get me started on the ending. The ending blows you away completely. This book has the biggest cliffhanger I have ever read in my life and I can NOT wait for the second book, which will come out on June.
Review was first published in 2014 in Latte Nights Reviews.
May 18, 2014
When I was asked to read and review this book I was hopeful but, I'm not a major lover of magical worlds. I never not give a book a chance though, and I can honestly say I'm very glad I went into reading this book open minded. I loved it!
One thing I really enjoyed and loved about this book is that, we get to read all the different point of views from each side. That was definitely something different for me, reading from the good guys side to the bad guys side and the pace was brilliant, although having so many point of views and sometimes the switch over could have been all of a sudden, it kept the pace going. It was never too fast nor too slow, a good steady pace throughout which I enjoyed!
It was great being able to learn more about all the different powers that some of the characters had and although we get alot of knowledge about the wizards realm, Arcadia. The history of what has happen there and then we also get a touch of there being other realms which hopefully we get more about them in the next book. The realms are definitely an interesting part to the story!
There's a character for everyone in this book that you'll fall in love with. All the characters had their own personalities and that came across, no one blended in the background and you wouldn't forget anyone, even Elst! (Who is adorable!)
The love part to any story is nice to read and to see what happens and The Key has that down perfectly. Kaliee and Rek. They had the relationship any girl and boy would love to have. Whilst you're reading Rek trying to win Kaliee around I found myself laughing and having a huge grin on my face at times! Their love is so powerful, the kissing scenes left you wanting more (Just like Kaliee and Rek!) As a reader, you fall in love with their love story... So when the later part of the book comes along and we learn about a prophecy, it hurts you just as much. Although it hurt you, reading what Kaliee and Rek were going through leading up to the ending it was brilliantly done. Then we have Gabe, the best friend anyone would love to have. Gabe is always there in the worse moments to lighten up the mood, he's jokes definitely had me laughing! This is just three of the many characters in the book, all who are all beautifully written and described.
One thing I'll warn everyone about is the almighty twist and the cliff hanger at the end!! Who would have thought that they would have been the enemy the whole time, I didn't expect that at all and that cliff hanger, what?! I need more, I want more! From this, you can tell there's so much T. L. Coulter could do with this story and I, for one am very excited to see were she takes us.
I could talk about this book all day and night there's so much I would love to say but I believe you should read this to find out. The Key will not disappoint you. If you love magical/fantasy worlds then this is perfect and even if you're not a huge lover of them, give this book a chance because it may change your mind about them just like it has for me!
One thing I really enjoyed and loved about this book is that, we get to read all the different point of views from each side. That was definitely something different for me, reading from the good guys side to the bad guys side and the pace was brilliant, although having so many point of views and sometimes the switch over could have been all of a sudden, it kept the pace going. It was never too fast nor too slow, a good steady pace throughout which I enjoyed!
It was great being able to learn more about all the different powers that some of the characters had and although we get alot of knowledge about the wizards realm, Arcadia. The history of what has happen there and then we also get a touch of there being other realms which hopefully we get more about them in the next book. The realms are definitely an interesting part to the story!
There's a character for everyone in this book that you'll fall in love with. All the characters had their own personalities and that came across, no one blended in the background and you wouldn't forget anyone, even Elst! (Who is adorable!)
The love part to any story is nice to read and to see what happens and The Key has that down perfectly. Kaliee and Rek. They had the relationship any girl and boy would love to have. Whilst you're reading Rek trying to win Kaliee around I found myself laughing and having a huge grin on my face at times! Their love is so powerful, the kissing scenes left you wanting more (Just like Kaliee and Rek!) As a reader, you fall in love with their love story... So when the later part of the book comes along and we learn about a prophecy, it hurts you just as much. Although it hurt you, reading what Kaliee and Rek were going through leading up to the ending it was brilliantly done. Then we have Gabe, the best friend anyone would love to have. Gabe is always there in the worse moments to lighten up the mood, he's jokes definitely had me laughing! This is just three of the many characters in the book, all who are all beautifully written and described.
One thing I'll warn everyone about is the almighty twist and the cliff hanger at the end!! Who would have thought that they would have been the enemy the whole time, I didn't expect that at all and that cliff hanger, what?! I need more, I want more! From this, you can tell there's so much T. L. Coulter could do with this story and I, for one am very excited to see were she takes us.
I could talk about this book all day and night there's so much I would love to say but I believe you should read this to find out. The Key will not disappoint you. If you love magical/fantasy worlds then this is perfect and even if you're not a huge lover of them, give this book a chance because it may change your mind about them just like it has for me!
March 30, 2014
Great read! I couldn't put it down. The characters were great and the storyline was intriguing. I hope the next book comes out soon. I can't wait to find out what's next in this saga!
December 28, 2015
This review can be found on A Reading Addiction! Honest YA book reviews.
I'm going to start the review by saying that I received my copy from T. L. Coulter herself in exchange for a review, meaning that The Key is self-published, which I do find so admirable. Marketing is hard, especially in self-publishing. I'm familiar with how tough the publishing world is, so I understand that. Unfortunately, I found that it felt like I was editing The Key as I was reading it, the amount of highlights I made. There were quite a few mistakes with wording and punctuation, and some sentences didn't quite work. Being as obsessed with grammar as I unfortunately am, it was hard for me to overlook the mistakes. Having said that, I do think the idea behind the novel really does have a lot of potential, and although it did get much better as the story progressed, I just didn't feel that it was quite there yet.
I started this blog to be honest with my reviews so I'm doing my best to do that. It wasn't that I disliked The Key, it just comes down to the fact that it wasn't for me. If everyone liked all the same books then, well, fandoms would all be huge and we wouldn't have so many favourites. Obviously, there are many 5 star reviews by people who really loved The Key, so I'm in the minority and that's fine. Unfortunately it was just a little underdeveloped in general for me, but the parts that were developed were often brilliant. I would definitely read more of T. L. Coulter's work, if it was edited to a bit of a higher level. It was almost there but just needed that little bit more to make the narrative more solid.
My favourite character was Gabe with his sarcastic comments and quick wit, I loved him, but unfortunately I didn't warm to either Kailee or Rek very much, which was problematic considering they're the main characters. Having said that, the ending was an emotional rollercoaster which I'm sure will make fans of the book very excited for the next instalment, The Oracle! Like I said, many people have reviewed and enjoyed The Key, so if you're thinking of reading it I would recommending going to see their reviews. There's romance, action, suspense and betrayal, with two different worlds and plenty of magic.
It wasn't for me this time but I may still read the next book in the trilogy to find out what happens. The Oracle (book 2) is out now, I believe!
Thank you to T. L. Coulter for providing me with a copy of The Key!
I'm going to start the review by saying that I received my copy from T. L. Coulter herself in exchange for a review, meaning that The Key is self-published, which I do find so admirable. Marketing is hard, especially in self-publishing. I'm familiar with how tough the publishing world is, so I understand that. Unfortunately, I found that it felt like I was editing The Key as I was reading it, the amount of highlights I made. There were quite a few mistakes with wording and punctuation, and some sentences didn't quite work. Being as obsessed with grammar as I unfortunately am, it was hard for me to overlook the mistakes. Having said that, I do think the idea behind the novel really does have a lot of potential, and although it did get much better as the story progressed, I just didn't feel that it was quite there yet.
I started this blog to be honest with my reviews so I'm doing my best to do that. It wasn't that I disliked The Key, it just comes down to the fact that it wasn't for me. If everyone liked all the same books then, well, fandoms would all be huge and we wouldn't have so many favourites. Obviously, there are many 5 star reviews by people who really loved The Key, so I'm in the minority and that's fine. Unfortunately it was just a little underdeveloped in general for me, but the parts that were developed were often brilliant. I would definitely read more of T. L. Coulter's work, if it was edited to a bit of a higher level. It was almost there but just needed that little bit more to make the narrative more solid.
My favourite character was Gabe with his sarcastic comments and quick wit, I loved him, but unfortunately I didn't warm to either Kailee or Rek very much, which was problematic considering they're the main characters. Having said that, the ending was an emotional rollercoaster which I'm sure will make fans of the book very excited for the next instalment, The Oracle! Like I said, many people have reviewed and enjoyed The Key, so if you're thinking of reading it I would recommending going to see their reviews. There's romance, action, suspense and betrayal, with two different worlds and plenty of magic.
It wasn't for me this time but I may still read the next book in the trilogy to find out what happens. The Oracle (book 2) is out now, I believe!
Thank you to T. L. Coulter for providing me with a copy of The Key!
February 23, 2019
TBH when I started this book I was really underwhelmed. It was all so cliche (a typical teenage paranormal book)with an outcast, teenage girl who discovers she has special powers and is the only one who can save the wizards, but love complicates things. Sounds like many other YA books. But I have to say, the more the story progressed, the more I came to love it. By the end of the book my heart was racing!
Even though Kailee was a pretty cliche character, I came to love her. For once the main character didn't make a petty mistake that pisses off the reader! I was so happy about that! Kailee actually listens to what other people have to say and (for the most part) doesn't make snap decisions that she later regrets.
I loved Rek too. He's not an AMAZING character or anything just because he too is (I'm totally overusing this word) cliche. The soldier sent on a mission but falls in forbidden love and is conflicted with himself for the rest of the book.
I have to say that I do love these types of books still, they are such easy reads but still intriguing. Minus the last chapter of the book, I found everything fairly predictable - but then again I would say that this book would be directed towards younger teens.
Overall I thought this was a nice light read that left me really wanting to read the next book, The Oracle right away, the last chapter left me speechless!! I just want to thank T. L. Coulter for sending me this book for review - it was Wonderful!
Even though Kailee was a pretty cliche character, I came to love her. For once the main character didn't make a petty mistake that pisses off the reader! I was so happy about that! Kailee actually listens to what other people have to say and (for the most part) doesn't make snap decisions that she later regrets.
I loved Rek too. He's not an AMAZING character or anything just because he too is (I'm totally overusing this word) cliche. The soldier sent on a mission but falls in forbidden love and is conflicted with himself for the rest of the book.
I have to say that I do love these types of books still, they are such easy reads but still intriguing. Minus the last chapter of the book, I found everything fairly predictable - but then again I would say that this book would be directed towards younger teens.
Overall I thought this was a nice light read that left me really wanting to read the next book, The Oracle right away, the last chapter left me speechless!! I just want to thank T. L. Coulter for sending me this book for review - it was Wonderful!
May 13, 2014
I love the synopsis of this book. It made me curious. I mean magical realms definitely sound very interesting to me.
What I love about The Key is that I love its pacing. It's not too slow nor too fast for me. It's really good that the novel was easy to understand and the magical world here is not too complicated. Every single aspect in the story was well explained.
I felt instant connection with the characters. I enjoyed reading about Kailee and Rek. I so love them. The chemistry between them is really good. I felt heartbroken for them though for latter part of the story. I can't help but feel sorry for them.
As the book nears to its end, I was so thrilled to see what happens. I was frustrated though at the last part. I think I tear up a bit. I really can't bear for Rek to be hurt. The best part was the last part. Damn, that cliffhanger was ughhh!!!
Anyway, I am really looking forward to read the next book in the series.
What I love about The Key is that I love its pacing. It's not too slow nor too fast for me. It's really good that the novel was easy to understand and the magical world here is not too complicated. Every single aspect in the story was well explained.
I felt instant connection with the characters. I enjoyed reading about Kailee and Rek. I so love them. The chemistry between them is really good. I felt heartbroken for them though for latter part of the story. I can't help but feel sorry for them.
As the book nears to its end, I was so thrilled to see what happens. I was frustrated though at the last part. I think I tear up a bit. I really can't bear for Rek to be hurt. The best part was the last part. Damn, that cliffhanger was ughhh!!!
Anyway, I am really looking forward to read the next book in the series.
May 12, 2014
I loved this story!
I had some trouble getting into the flow of it right away because I was trying understand where things were going, but the more I read the more I loved. By the end of the book I couldn't put it down! I just wish I knew what was going to happen next especially with that cliff hanger of an ending! Great story with magicians and a forbidden romance. I love the idea of different realms where magicians live separate from the mortal realm. I feel terrible for Audric, Rek and Kailee need to just tell him the truth instead of pretending they don't love each other! I was intrigued by all the main characters personalities it will be interesting to see how everything plays out in the end and who will end up with who.
See more reviews here
I had some trouble getting into the flow of it right away because I was trying understand where things were going, but the more I read the more I loved. By the end of the book I couldn't put it down! I just wish I knew what was going to happen next especially with that cliff hanger of an ending! Great story with magicians and a forbidden romance. I love the idea of different realms where magicians live separate from the mortal realm. I feel terrible for Audric, Rek and Kailee need to just tell him the truth instead of pretending they don't love each other! I was intrigued by all the main characters personalities it will be interesting to see how everything plays out in the end and who will end up with who.
See more reviews here
June 19, 2014
I figured since I wrote it, and I love the story, I would give it 5 stars. I think authors are entitled to do that ha-ha. I know there were some typos and for that I apologize. I am working to edit it again. I will put a newer version out once the third book is ready to go. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the story, as I enjoyed writing it.
May 1, 2014
Its the start of a promising series!
If you like supernatural stories but are tired of the typical young adult books, this is one story you'll enjoy. It's a real page turner. The story is moving and the action fast paced. Before I knew it I'd stayed up to late, but it was worth being tired the next morning at work. I highly recommend it!
If you like supernatural stories but are tired of the typical young adult books, this is one story you'll enjoy. It's a real page turner. The story is moving and the action fast paced. Before I knew it I'd stayed up to late, but it was worth being tired the next morning at work. I highly recommend it!
June 18, 2014
Action packed, suspenseful book! I couldn't stop reading once I started! I usually don't read fantasy/sci-fi books, but this book has made me change my mind. The story line is creative with lots of twists and turns. I can't wait to read "The Oracle" part two of the Arcadian Series! Part one left me hanging at the end. :)
May 16, 2014
I am completely blown away by this story, I went into it thinking that I was going to just like it. I fell in love with the characters and the plot and I have to have this book for my shelf!!! T.L. Coulter is the one who sent this to my kindle and I am forever grateful for her generosity. She sent me a story that I will keep with me forever.
August 25, 2016
I didn't finish it. I really don't like the story, to childish to me.
May 11, 2017
I felt that this was not proofed well enough. Several homonym spelling errors (get out of my 'site') crept up occasionally and one minor character (Katarina/Katrina) wasn't consistant even from adjacent sentences.
Story was fairly predictable and the dialogue bordered on teenage angst which started to grate on my nerves at times.
Story was fairly predictable and the dialogue bordered on teenage angst which started to grate on my nerves at times.
September 6, 2014
To start I won this book through First Reads the book giveaway program sponsored by Goodreads. The very first chapter was the hardest to get through, I was going to put the book down right then and there. But don't give up people!! Once I got the know the characters it got better and I liked the plot. There were a couple of times that I did roll my eyes and think REALLY!? And there were times that I did smile and laugh in spite of myself. I would like to read the next book but I am not sure if it is worth the $15. I will keep an eye out for it at my local library and then I will definitely pick up the second book to read.
November 27, 2016
This book had an ok plot. I really wanted to like it. I felt like it was written for 11 to 12 year olds but then talked about the Aunt and Uncle having sex. Pick an age group and use your writing to appeal to them. If you don't have teenagers, find some and hang out with them.
A quick note to the author, you should never stop the story to describe all of the characteristics of your characters. You can do that while moving the story along. For example When Rek sees his brother, you could say he saw his own bright blues eyes staring back. Now we know they both have bright blue eyes and you didn't have to list it.
I would not recommend the book.
A quick note to the author, you should never stop the story to describe all of the characteristics of your characters. You can do that while moving the story along. For example When Rek sees his brother, you could say he saw his own bright blues eyes staring back. Now we know they both have bright blue eyes and you didn't have to list it.
I would not recommend the book.
June 30, 2014
I saw it more as a children's book.
April 13, 2015
Review coming soon!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews