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The Keys of Persephone
Lane didn't know what she thought the afterlife would be, but she certainly hadn't expected to be a student of the elite Magistrate Academy, performing death magic, chasing down ghosts, and protecting After Life against witches. All for a second chance at life.
Shepherd may be an unwitch, but she's not going to sit idly by while her sister, Addie, is missing. Witch or not, she's still one of the most notorious dealers at the Night Market, and she's going to use every resource at her disposal to find her powerful sister.
When ghosts start turning into shades, their souls dying, Lane is left with all the blame. . . and with a curious key that seems to be made of bone. And it turns out the sarcastic, witch-affiliated Shepherd has a key too-Addie's. Lane is forced to team up with Shepherd to clear her name, and in exchange, she'll help find Shepherd's sister.
But as they investigate the shades and trace Addie's steps, the two unknowingly stumble upon a secret even bigger than their own-so big that it might be the end of Life as they know it.
In her stunning debut, Kate Gray Glass crafts a sapphic tale of life versus death, lies versus the truth, and the powerful versus the powerless that will have readers hungry for more.
Shepherd may be an unwitch, but she's not going to sit idly by while her sister, Addie, is missing. Witch or not, she's still one of the most notorious dealers at the Night Market, and she's going to use every resource at her disposal to find her powerful sister.
When ghosts start turning into shades, their souls dying, Lane is left with all the blame. . . and with a curious key that seems to be made of bone. And it turns out the sarcastic, witch-affiliated Shepherd has a key too-Addie's. Lane is forced to team up with Shepherd to clear her name, and in exchange, she'll help find Shepherd's sister.
But as they investigate the shades and trace Addie's steps, the two unknowingly stumble upon a secret even bigger than their own-so big that it might be the end of Life as they know it.
In her stunning debut, Kate Gray Glass crafts a sapphic tale of life versus death, lies versus the truth, and the powerful versus the powerless that will have readers hungry for more.
372 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 6, 2025
I really wanted to love this but I found myself really board with it half way through . This is a sapphic fantasy. Lane is a ghost and Shepherd is a witch without magic ( unwhich) they come together to look for Shepherds sister and then o figure out what these mysterious bone keys they found are for.
August 3, 2025
Ghosts who keep dying…even though they’re dead, sold!
I think the plot of this book is really interesting. The fact that you have an Academy of ghosts, all there in the hopes of possibly getting a chance of life again certainly had my attention. I loved the aspect of the ghosts turning into shades/nochtra. It added a layer of stakes to her journey because it felt like any of them could turn at any second. Lane went throughhhhh it, she got her ass kicked so hard I was stressin.
I did find myself getting lost or bored multiple times though. It’s almost like things were over explained and under explained at the same time somehow…
I didn’t find myself being super connected to any of the characters. While I did enjoy them, I didn’t feel like I had grown any type of emotional attachment because they didn’t go deep. Even the relationship between Lane and Shep didn’t feel believable. There wasn’t tension between them it just seemed like friends and then suddenly it wasn’t.
I did enjoy how the ending played out! It was what I guessed but it threw in a shocker that I hadn’t expected. My girl lane is a victim people gotta lay off her so much, she was willing to sacrifice everything for them 😭
Spoilersssss:
Back to how I said some things felt under explained… Lane having this collar out of nowhere is confusing. How could that have just popped onto her neck post blink? Then you have shep who just disappears…Like where could she possibly have gone? i don’t understand how Lane killed Bally either. I kept re reading it and couldn’t get it. He was immortal and she blinked him somewhere, did the blinking kill him orrrr? I know it’s gonna be a series, It’s just stuff like that felt like it wasn’t described efficiently.
I do find it funny how they did that whole ritual with the dead body to find the guy in the photo when they could’ve just asked it to find Addie the whole time… 😂
I do think this series has room to grow and there’s still questions future books can answer so I hope it does that!
I think the plot of this book is really interesting. The fact that you have an Academy of ghosts, all there in the hopes of possibly getting a chance of life again certainly had my attention. I loved the aspect of the ghosts turning into shades/nochtra. It added a layer of stakes to her journey because it felt like any of them could turn at any second. Lane went throughhhhh it, she got her ass kicked so hard I was stressin.
I did find myself getting lost or bored multiple times though. It’s almost like things were over explained and under explained at the same time somehow…
I didn’t find myself being super connected to any of the characters. While I did enjoy them, I didn’t feel like I had grown any type of emotional attachment because they didn’t go deep. Even the relationship between Lane and Shep didn’t feel believable. There wasn’t tension between them it just seemed like friends and then suddenly it wasn’t.
I did enjoy how the ending played out! It was what I guessed but it threw in a shocker that I hadn’t expected. My girl lane is a victim people gotta lay off her so much, she was willing to sacrifice everything for them 😭
Spoilersssss:
Back to how I said some things felt under explained… Lane having this collar out of nowhere is confusing. How could that have just popped onto her neck post blink? Then you have shep who just disappears…Like where could she possibly have gone? i don’t understand how Lane killed Bally either. I kept re reading it and couldn’t get it. He was immortal and she blinked him somewhere, did the blinking kill him orrrr? I know it’s gonna be a series, It’s just stuff like that felt like it wasn’t described efficiently.
I do find it funny how they did that whole ritual with the dead body to find the guy in the photo when they could’ve just asked it to find Addie the whole time… 😂
I do think this series has room to grow and there’s still questions future books can answer so I hope it does that!
February 3, 2025
I need to sort through my thoughts before I rate and review
——-
Oh boy. This is an unfortunate 3-star, but after thinking about this a ton, I think I liked the premise and ideas presented more than the actual book itself. The characters were interesting but I felt like they were all a bit flat and I wanted to know more about the world. The inclusion of an indigenous character and her perspective on magic and witchcraft was interesting. But unfortunately that was kind of it.
There was a lot of “that’s not what I learned/was taught!”, teeth grinding/clenching (someone get Lane, dead or not, a mouthguard) in anger, and “I have skills and don’t need magic.” Idk it was borderline too much at times.
I was initially drawn in by a sapphic tale and I usually eat up anything secret society/academia. While I’m no stranger to dense slow build reads, something about this one just didn’t do it for me.
Thank you to Contrarian Publishing for providing this ARC.
——-
Oh boy. This is an unfortunate 3-star, but after thinking about this a ton, I think I liked the premise and ideas presented more than the actual book itself. The characters were interesting but I felt like they were all a bit flat and I wanted to know more about the world. The inclusion of an indigenous character and her perspective on magic and witchcraft was interesting. But unfortunately that was kind of it.
There was a lot of “that’s not what I learned/was taught!”, teeth grinding/clenching (someone get Lane, dead or not, a mouthguard) in anger, and “I have skills and don’t need magic.” Idk it was borderline too much at times.
I was initially drawn in by a sapphic tale and I usually eat up anything secret society/academia. While I’m no stranger to dense slow build reads, something about this one just didn’t do it for me.
Thank you to Contrarian Publishing for providing this ARC.
March 19, 2025
Absolutely loved this paranormal fantasy! Reluctant rivals to allies is one of my fav tropes and I really enjoyed how the author had the FMCs poke at each other but still really humanized them and their fears. The emotions and motivations behind both of them was so beautifully done. I would love spin off stories of past ghost quests and can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you Contrarian Publishing!
Thank you Contrarian Publishing!
January 29, 2025
Thank you Contrarian Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review 💜
Urban fantasies are not my typical go to but I was pleasantly surprised, considering I did not realize this was an urban fantasy based on the description. This book has the underlying tone of a murder mystery throughout with enough fantastical elements to keep you guessing. I am a little fuzzy on how some of the magic system operates, but at the end of the day it’s magic, it’s not supposed to always make sense. I enjoyed Lane and Shepards dynamic, and I am excited to see where things go next, and hopefully some more of my questions are answered in the next instalment.
Urban fantasies are not my typical go to but I was pleasantly surprised, considering I did not realize this was an urban fantasy based on the description. This book has the underlying tone of a murder mystery throughout with enough fantastical elements to keep you guessing. I am a little fuzzy on how some of the magic system operates, but at the end of the day it’s magic, it’s not supposed to always make sense. I enjoyed Lane and Shepards dynamic, and I am excited to see where things go next, and hopefully some more of my questions are answered in the next instalment.
March 3, 2025
ARC obtained from Contrarian publishing via Bookfunel. Thank you for the opportunity to give this story a read!
--------------------------
Everyone has secrets.
Lane is a ghost. With no past memories all she's aware of is that she's a part of The Academy. A school for a select few ghosts where death magic is learned and assignments are given where they 'blink' to the living and are sent to retrieve rouge ghosts. Simple enough until their assignments become strange. The ghost they were sent after becomes something called a Shade.
Shepard is a human. (I dubbed her a witch without magic) She came from a family of witches, but I guess she got the shit end of the stick.
The story was a fun ride. Characters mix from the world of the living to the dead. Demons, Witches. Hellhounds. Shadowy ghosts called Shades that are dangerous and erratic. (Honestly whenever they popped up it gave me a mixture of elements of the Heartless from Kingdom Hearts and the Shades from Nier) Two women fighting evil to save a girls' sister.
I read this in two sittings. I pretty much ate it up. It was fast paced and kept me hooked. I loved the action and there was a sprinkle of short romance - which in all honestly I almost felt rushed...or forced into the moment. I could have done without that element as the way the book was written it just didn't seem like it was needed.
Would I read it again? Yeah I think I would. Would I suggest it to someone who would enjoy a fast paced book with witches and demons? Hell yeah.
--------------------------
Everyone has secrets.
Lane is a ghost. With no past memories all she's aware of is that she's a part of The Academy. A school for a select few ghosts where death magic is learned and assignments are given where they 'blink' to the living and are sent to retrieve rouge ghosts. Simple enough until their assignments become strange. The ghost they were sent after becomes something called a Shade.
Shepard is a human. (I dubbed her a witch without magic) She came from a family of witches, but I guess she got the shit end of the stick.
The story was a fun ride. Characters mix from the world of the living to the dead. Demons, Witches. Hellhounds. Shadowy ghosts called Shades that are dangerous and erratic. (Honestly whenever they popped up it gave me a mixture of elements of the Heartless from Kingdom Hearts and the Shades from Nier) Two women fighting evil to save a girls' sister.
I read this in two sittings. I pretty much ate it up. It was fast paced and kept me hooked. I loved the action and there was a sprinkle of short romance - which in all honestly I almost felt rushed...or forced into the moment. I could have done without that element as the way the book was written it just didn't seem like it was needed.
Would I read it again? Yeah I think I would. Would I suggest it to someone who would enjoy a fast paced book with witches and demons? Hell yeah.
March 4, 2025
Thank you, Contrarian Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There isn't much to do when you are dead, so Lane spends her time tracking down unruly ghosts for the Academy. When a mission goes wrong and Lane is blamed for it, she sets out to clear her name with the help of a black market magical dealer, Shepherd, who is on the look for her missing sister.
Quick disclaimer: this book is not suited to me. I see the appeal in a fantasy school for the undead but the campiness is too offputting for me. I prefer my fantasy gritty and grounded.
That being said, my younger self would have devoured this book with their more positive outlook on life. And I can see why others would enjoy this book too. It is always great to see queer and POC characters in a fantasy setting - not just for representation purposes but also because the themes of identity made their inclusion thematically relevant. For this reason (and many others), I found Shepherd really compelling. Aspects of her identity somehow exclude and include her in the same spaces, creating interesting dynamics.
On a more critical note, the pacing was a little uneven and the world seemed undeveloped at times (likely because the ending suggests that there will be a sequel). But if you want a read that feels both nostalgic and fresh, give this a go.
There isn't much to do when you are dead, so Lane spends her time tracking down unruly ghosts for the Academy. When a mission goes wrong and Lane is blamed for it, she sets out to clear her name with the help of a black market magical dealer, Shepherd, who is on the look for her missing sister.
Quick disclaimer: this book is not suited to me. I see the appeal in a fantasy school for the undead but the campiness is too offputting for me. I prefer my fantasy gritty and grounded.
That being said, my younger self would have devoured this book with their more positive outlook on life. And I can see why others would enjoy this book too. It is always great to see queer and POC characters in a fantasy setting - not just for representation purposes but also because the themes of identity made their inclusion thematically relevant. For this reason (and many others), I found Shepherd really compelling. Aspects of her identity somehow exclude and include her in the same spaces, creating interesting dynamics.
On a more critical note, the pacing was a little uneven and the world seemed undeveloped at times (likely because the ending suggests that there will be a sequel). But if you want a read that feels both nostalgic and fresh, give this a go.
March 12, 2025
The Keys Of Persephone is a fun, urban fantasy debut novel from Kate Gray Glass that follows Lane and Shepherd on one adventure after another. Lane is a ghost who would love nothing more than a second shot at life and to know who she really is and where she came from. Shepherd comes from a witchy family, and even though she has no power, she'll stop at nothing to find her missing sister. Lane and Shepherd make an unlikely pair, but together they work to clear Lane's name from crimes she did not commit and find answers neither of them expected to need.
This book is filled with twists and turns, and while I guessed a couple of twists, there were still so many surprises that I did not see coming. The ending also still has me shocked and I can't wait to see where this story goes! As far as romance goes, it is definitely the subplot to the main storyline. There is some flirting throughout, but no moves are made until about 75% through, and even then its minor. I didn't mind this though, as they were busy enough with everything else lol!
If you're looking for an easy, fun read and want to support a debut author, definitely give The Keys Of Persephone a go!
This book is filled with twists and turns, and while I guessed a couple of twists, there were still so many surprises that I did not see coming. The ending also still has me shocked and I can't wait to see where this story goes! As far as romance goes, it is definitely the subplot to the main storyline. There is some flirting throughout, but no moves are made until about 75% through, and even then its minor. I didn't mind this though, as they were busy enough with everything else lol!
If you're looking for an easy, fun read and want to support a debut author, definitely give The Keys Of Persephone a go!
January 28, 2025
I truly loved this book. The story takes off pretty much from the beginning, and while there are slower moments to set up what's next to come, they don't drag on. Lane and Shepherd have the perfect amount of witty banter, and they are somewhat more complex characters without coming off whiny or self-pitying when it comes to their hardships. Im definitely looking forward to continuing the story (hopefully there is actually more).
March 4, 2025
thank you contrarian publishing for the arc!
lane and shepherd’s story is one of mystery and filled with many adventures. i love seeing their relationship blossom in the background of the story and that ending! if you are a person who loves magic, ghosts, and so many adventures then you are in for a ride. you will also be supporting a debut author and lgbt+ book!
lane and shepherd’s story is one of mystery and filled with many adventures. i love seeing their relationship blossom in the background of the story and that ending! if you are a person who loves magic, ghosts, and so many adventures then you are in for a ride. you will also be supporting a debut author and lgbt+ book!
March 4, 2025
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. The pacing was a bit slow for me in the beginning, but when it really picked up, it picked up. I found the characters and their dynamics interesting and fun to read and am really excited for a potential sequel!
March 6, 2025
Very great story! I loved her world building and enjoyed the characters. I couldn't wait to turn the page!
April 19, 2025
A fun paranormal fantasy/mystery - enjoyed the mixed settings between life and death. Would be a great read around Halloween!
June 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this take. This book mixed my love of greek mythology and an out of comfort zone for me with a bit of paranormal activity. it's a good read and left me wanting more
October 16, 2025
i need a sequel immediately.
June 23, 2026
I didn't enjoy this at all
March 4, 2025
There are witches, demons, ghosts, hellhounds and the dead. Dark academia elements. A hint of romance. A story I haven’t experienced before and one that certainly kept me guessing!
May 19, 2025
Something I usually don't read, but a unique tale!
Lane is a ghost at The Magistrate Academy, spending her afterlife catching escaped ghosts and other creatures. She sees a couple of escaped ghosts turn into shades, a baser form of ghost, and is somehow blamed for their transformation. When it's threatened that she will be thrown out of the academy, thereby losing her chance at traveling between Life and the Afterlife and a second chance of life, she goes out to find out how these ghosts turn into shades. During this time she meets Shepherd, an unwitch, who is trying to find her sister who's disappeared. And while they are able to stay focused for most of the mission, sparks fly between these two. But poor Shepherd doesn't know that Lane is a ghost. And when Lane finds out who the real bad guys are, things get awkward. We get academia, magic, and secret society vibes!
While I liked this story and the young romance between Lane and Shepherd was cute, I felt like it moved a little slowly for my taste. And while the ending definitely leaves things open for what will come next, I hated the ending where we don't know what happened to Shepherd.
Favorite quote:
People were somehow always surprised when she got the upper hand. It was annoying.
"No one truly knows themselves. We all change eery day. And I might not know everything about you. But what I do know... is pretty great."
She had been the darker corners in the middle of the night. And Shepherd had been a candle.
If you love a story that brings life vs death, lies vs the truth, and powerful vs powerless, check this story out!
I received an advanced review copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
Lane is a ghost at The Magistrate Academy, spending her afterlife catching escaped ghosts and other creatures. She sees a couple of escaped ghosts turn into shades, a baser form of ghost, and is somehow blamed for their transformation. When it's threatened that she will be thrown out of the academy, thereby losing her chance at traveling between Life and the Afterlife and a second chance of life, she goes out to find out how these ghosts turn into shades. During this time she meets Shepherd, an unwitch, who is trying to find her sister who's disappeared. And while they are able to stay focused for most of the mission, sparks fly between these two. But poor Shepherd doesn't know that Lane is a ghost. And when Lane finds out who the real bad guys are, things get awkward. We get academia, magic, and secret society vibes!
While I liked this story and the young romance between Lane and Shepherd was cute, I felt like it moved a little slowly for my taste. And while the ending definitely leaves things open for what will come next, I hated the ending where we don't know what happened to Shepherd.
Favorite quote:
People were somehow always surprised when she got the upper hand. It was annoying.
"No one truly knows themselves. We all change eery day. And I might not know everything about you. But what I do know... is pretty great."
She had been the darker corners in the middle of the night. And Shepherd had been a candle.
If you love a story that brings life vs death, lies vs the truth, and powerful vs powerless, check this story out!
I received an advanced review copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
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