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The Spiral Key
For fans of Holly Jackson and Jessica Goodman, this high-stakes thriller is set in a virtual-reality paradise turned hellscape, from a celebrated writer making their YA debut.
" An edge-of-your-seat thriller about friendship and ex-friendship, love, loss, and longing, and the need to belong that is as honest and relatable as it is spine-tingling. Don’t miss this one."
—Jennifer Niven, #1 NY Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places
At the start of each school year, Madison Pembroke, the most popular girl at Lincoln Academy, sends out invitations to her epic birthday party in the form of custom forged spiral keys. For that one night, a few lucky teens get to enter Ametrine, a virtual paradise that hosts the party of the year—a wild, unforgettable celebration that will secure their social status in the real world. As Madison’s hated ex-BFF, Bree Benson never receives a key.
Until now.
Despite warnings from her boyfriend, Bree sees the invite as an olive branch, the perfect opportunity to rekindle her once-amazing friendship with Madison. But as the party games begin to turn provocative and violent, Bree finds that Ametrine might not be the decadent wonderland she was promised. And that Madison may have let Bree enter Ametrine, but she has no intention of ever letting her leave . . .
Kelsey Day’s gripping debut shows that while best friends know each other the best, ex–best friends know how to hurt each other the worst.
" An edge-of-your-seat thriller about friendship and ex-friendship, love, loss, and longing, and the need to belong that is as honest and relatable as it is spine-tingling. Don’t miss this one."
—Jennifer Niven, #1 NY Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places
At the start of each school year, Madison Pembroke, the most popular girl at Lincoln Academy, sends out invitations to her epic birthday party in the form of custom forged spiral keys. For that one night, a few lucky teens get to enter Ametrine, a virtual paradise that hosts the party of the year—a wild, unforgettable celebration that will secure their social status in the real world. As Madison’s hated ex-BFF, Bree Benson never receives a key.
Until now.
Despite warnings from her boyfriend, Bree sees the invite as an olive branch, the perfect opportunity to rekindle her once-amazing friendship with Madison. But as the party games begin to turn provocative and violent, Bree finds that Ametrine might not be the decadent wonderland she was promised. And that Madison may have let Bree enter Ametrine, but she has no intention of ever letting her leave . . .
Kelsey Day’s gripping debut shows that while best friends know each other the best, ex–best friends know how to hurt each other the worst.
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Published February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 27, 2026
☽⛤☾ Bree Benson was once best friends with Madison Pembroke, the most popular girl at Lincoln Academy. But now, they don’t even look at each other, let alone talk, until Bree receives a spiral key and an invitation to Madison’s birthday party, where a few of their classmates get to enter Ametrine—a virtual world where they spend one wild night in celebration. Even though her boyfriend is wary of Madison’s intentions, Bree can’t help but hope that her ex-best friend wants to mend things between them. But once the party gets started and things take a violent and cruel turn, Bree quickly realizes that Madison is out for revenge, and the guest of honor for her insanity is Bree.
.⭒☆━━━✰━━━☆⭒.
☽⛤☾ Ho-ly cow. Holy cow, that was intense and insane. 😱 I went into this not remembering what it was about, but let me tell you, I was beyond shocked that it took that dark of a turn.
Even though I don’t like any of the characters (except for Bree’s boyfriend and her protective little brother, who made me smile), I really liked the virtual world of Ametrine. It reminded me of Ready Player One (the movie) and the video game A.I.L.A, and I am all here for it. Virtual reality never ceases to amaze me, but just because I am in awe of what it can do, it doesn’t mean I want it in every aspect of our lives. 😂 Seeing it being used and abused in the book just for a birthday party and a way to get revenge because Madison is absolutely insane and needs to get over herself, I realized how grateful I am that it hasn’t come to that level of insanity…yet. But I can totally see it being a big problem in the future because evil has money and resources, too.
The plot is absolutely crazy, and the reasoning behind Madison’s intentions seemed over-the-top and a bit dramatic, but it is fiction and a YA thriller, which means drama is its middle name, so I’ll overlook it. 😉
Overall, this short, intense book was a wild ride, and if that’s what you are looking for, I recommend it. 💙
✧ Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. The book is now available! ✧
❗Content Warnings❗
Violence, blood, torture, and mentions of murder.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–only kissing (🌶/5)
.⭒☆━━━✰━━━☆⭒.
☽⛤☾ Ho-ly cow. Holy cow, that was intense and insane. 😱 I went into this not remembering what it was about, but let me tell you, I was beyond shocked that it took that dark of a turn.
Even though I don’t like any of the characters (except for Bree’s boyfriend and her protective little brother, who made me smile), I really liked the virtual world of Ametrine. It reminded me of Ready Player One (the movie) and the video game A.I.L.A, and I am all here for it. Virtual reality never ceases to amaze me, but just because I am in awe of what it can do, it doesn’t mean I want it in every aspect of our lives. 😂 Seeing it being used and abused in the book just for a birthday party and a way to get revenge because Madison is absolutely insane and needs to get over herself, I realized how grateful I am that it hasn’t come to that level of insanity…yet. But I can totally see it being a big problem in the future because evil has money and resources, too.
The plot is absolutely crazy, and the reasoning behind Madison’s intentions seemed over-the-top and a bit dramatic, but it is fiction and a YA thriller, which means drama is its middle name, so I’ll overlook it. 😉
Overall, this short, intense book was a wild ride, and if that’s what you are looking for, I recommend it. 💙
✧ Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. The book is now available! ✧
❗Content Warnings❗
Violence, blood, torture, and mentions of murder.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–only kissing (🌶/5)
November 3, 2025
2.5 stars, rounded up
So this ended up being nothing like what I expected it to be but I still mostly enjoyed it.
The premise was interesting — an epic birthday party in a VR setting — but I didn’t like any of the characters much, especially the main character Bree. She was clueless! At one point she thinks to herself about the dumb decisions characters make in horror movies, while making similar dumb decisions herself (I don’t want to say too much because of spoilers).
The antagonist was quite ridiculous and over the top. I also wanted more from the resolution and ending.
I did find the book to be a very quick read that drew me in and the VR setting was interesting and definitely unique. I also thought the book was well written and the story was engaging, if a bit over the top in spots.
So this ended up being nothing like what I expected it to be but I still mostly enjoyed it.
The premise was interesting — an epic birthday party in a VR setting — but I didn’t like any of the characters much, especially the main character Bree. She was clueless! At one point she thinks to herself about the dumb decisions characters make in horror movies, while making similar dumb decisions herself (I don’t want to say too much because of spoilers).
The antagonist was quite ridiculous and over the top. I also wanted more from the resolution and ending.
I did find the book to be a very quick read that drew me in and the VR setting was interesting and definitely unique. I also thought the book was well written and the story was engaging, if a bit over the top in spots.
February 24, 2026
A high entertainment YA thriller, it reads like a high stakes movie - a little over the top with high stakes and action.
Bree has been pushed out of her friend group for years because of something terrible her father did. Madison, school queen bee and oh so rich, she runs the school with her band of bullies. As with every year, it's Madison's birthday and her big party that everyone wants to go to - because Madison's parents are working on a VR world and Madison gets to have her "no rules" party there, in a virtual world.
If you go into this one expecting it to be over-the-top and more like an YA action movie than reality, then it's a quick easy read. Rolling with it means interesting entertainment, high stakes, and some twists as you learn about every player in the VR world. I liked imagining Ametrine and how it would work and what it would feel like for the ground to drop and to be shuffled around and I really liked that added part in the story.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Bree has been pushed out of her friend group for years because of something terrible her father did. Madison, school queen bee and oh so rich, she runs the school with her band of bullies. As with every year, it's Madison's birthday and her big party that everyone wants to go to - because Madison's parents are working on a VR world and Madison gets to have her "no rules" party there, in a virtual world.
If you go into this one expecting it to be over-the-top and more like an YA action movie than reality, then it's a quick easy read. Rolling with it means interesting entertainment, high stakes, and some twists as you learn about every player in the VR world. I liked imagining Ametrine and how it would work and what it would feel like for the ground to drop and to be shuffled around and I really liked that added part in the story.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
February 24, 2026
4.5 rounded up
If you love Pretty Little Liars you’ll love this book. Most of the book is set in a virtual reality world where the antagonist controls everything and basically tortures people.
I think the confusing part for me was why would these people want to continue to come back every year when she is so mean to them, but I guess when you’re a teenager, it’s more about the fear of not being included than the fear of being miserable when you are included.
That girl kinda deserved to die idk.
Thanks to Penguin for the ARC!
If you love Pretty Little Liars you’ll love this book. Most of the book is set in a virtual reality world where the antagonist controls everything and basically tortures people.
I think the confusing part for me was why would these people want to continue to come back every year when she is so mean to them, but I guess when you’re a teenager, it’s more about the fear of not being included than the fear of being miserable when you are included.
That girl kinda deserved to die idk.
Thanks to Penguin for the ARC!
February 25, 2026
NetGalley ARC.
Too over-the-top. And all characters were a bunch of a$$holes and b1tches so who was really right or wrong here? lol. The cover is misleading but I do really like it. It's what drew me in, I didn't even read the synopsis before requesting from NetGalley or before reading! 😅 But it's definitely a bit out there with the virtual reality world and haptic suits, like if I was reading Ready Player One as a mystery instead of dystopian.
Too over-the-top. And all characters were a bunch of a$$holes and b1tches so who was really right or wrong here? lol. The cover is misleading but I do really like it. It's what drew me in, I didn't even read the synopsis before requesting from NetGalley or before reading! 😅 But it's definitely a bit out there with the virtual reality world and haptic suits, like if I was reading Ready Player One as a mystery instead of dystopian.
February 18, 2026
3.5⭐️
This was a quick, entertaining read.
Bree is pulled into a virtual reality/AI world for her ex-best friend, Madison’s birthday party. She goes hoping to reestablish their friendship, but it turns out Madison’s motives are more sinister than they appear.
I think this touched on the very real feeling of loss when close friendships end. The what-ifs and blame that can surface, and the underlying hope for a reunion in the future. I sympathized with Bree in regard to these aspects.
In an increasingly digital age, this also touched on the ethics of AI, cellphones, cameras, and the constant monitoring of our lives. Day provided a well thought out critique on our increasingly digital (& invasive) world.
I received a digital copy from Penguin Teen Canada in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick, entertaining read.
Bree is pulled into a virtual reality/AI world for her ex-best friend, Madison’s birthday party. She goes hoping to reestablish their friendship, but it turns out Madison’s motives are more sinister than they appear.
I think this touched on the very real feeling of loss when close friendships end. The what-ifs and blame that can surface, and the underlying hope for a reunion in the future. I sympathized with Bree in regard to these aspects.
In an increasingly digital age, this also touched on the ethics of AI, cellphones, cameras, and the constant monitoring of our lives. Day provided a well thought out critique on our increasingly digital (& invasive) world.
I received a digital copy from Penguin Teen Canada in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2026
Wow. I’ve read a ton of YA thrillers this year, and I’m forever on the hunt for the one that actually rises above the chaos — the one that truly deserves all that publisher hype we’re constantly being sold. Well… this one delivers. I’ve been gushing about it all day to friends and family IRL like a woman possessed. Honestly, they’re probably screening my calls now.
So what makes it special? First: the writing. The author doesn’t spoon-feed you; she shows you everything with cinematic flair. I could see, hear, smell, and practically taste the world she built. At one point I realized I hadn’t blinked in five minutes. That’s the level of immersion we’re talking about.
Second: it’s actually unique. We’re drowning in stories about teens getting sucked into brands, influencers, aesthetics, curated nonsense — pick your poison. But Ms. Day said, “What if… virtual reality, but make it terrifying?” and somehow made it feel completely fresh.
Is it a little far-fetched? Absolutely. Did I care? Not even a little. Because what grounds this story is the beautifully messy emotional reality of its characters. I adored the neurospicy and queer representation — not forced, not spotlighted, just naturally woven into the cast like real teens being real teens instead of checking off “Diversity Trope #4.”
I could go on (and honestly, I will if someone even whispers this title near me), but I’ll spare you the full TED Talk. Just know this: I highly recommend this YA thriller. It’s my current #1 of the genre for 2025, and if another book wants that crown, it better come ready to fight.
Audiobook update: You know I had to do a reread on audio before release day, and it did not disappoint. The narration by Taylor Meskimen was fantastic. I’ll admit, bumping the speed up slightly to 1.1x made the experience even smoother, but her natural pacing at 1x was already solid.
What really stood out was the fluidity of her voice — a light huskiness that perfectly captured the FMC’s personality. Her character distinctions were subtle but effective, never distracting, and always clear. This audiobook gave me an experience just as strong as my first read-through, which is saying a lot.
I’m officially adding Taylor Meskimen to my narrator watchlist because this was my first time hearing her work and I am absolutely on board for more.
Bottom line: this book remains my favorite YA thriller of 2025 in both formats. Whether you read it or listen to it, you’re in for a wild, immersive ride.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Viking Penguin via NetGalley and the ALC through PRH Audio’s influencer program, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me as it has way too many issues; I never DNF ARCs but would have had it not been one.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
So what makes it special? First: the writing. The author doesn’t spoon-feed you; she shows you everything with cinematic flair. I could see, hear, smell, and practically taste the world she built. At one point I realized I hadn’t blinked in five minutes. That’s the level of immersion we’re talking about.
Second: it’s actually unique. We’re drowning in stories about teens getting sucked into brands, influencers, aesthetics, curated nonsense — pick your poison. But Ms. Day said, “What if… virtual reality, but make it terrifying?” and somehow made it feel completely fresh.
Is it a little far-fetched? Absolutely. Did I care? Not even a little. Because what grounds this story is the beautifully messy emotional reality of its characters. I adored the neurospicy and queer representation — not forced, not spotlighted, just naturally woven into the cast like real teens being real teens instead of checking off “Diversity Trope #4.”
I could go on (and honestly, I will if someone even whispers this title near me), but I’ll spare you the full TED Talk. Just know this: I highly recommend this YA thriller. It’s my current #1 of the genre for 2025, and if another book wants that crown, it better come ready to fight.
Audiobook update: You know I had to do a reread on audio before release day, and it did not disappoint. The narration by Taylor Meskimen was fantastic. I’ll admit, bumping the speed up slightly to 1.1x made the experience even smoother, but her natural pacing at 1x was already solid.
What really stood out was the fluidity of her voice — a light huskiness that perfectly captured the FMC’s personality. Her character distinctions were subtle but effective, never distracting, and always clear. This audiobook gave me an experience just as strong as my first read-through, which is saying a lot.
I’m officially adding Taylor Meskimen to my narrator watchlist because this was my first time hearing her work and I am absolutely on board for more.
Bottom line: this book remains my favorite YA thriller of 2025 in both formats. Whether you read it or listen to it, you’re in for a wild, immersive ride.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Viking Penguin via NetGalley and the ALC through PRH Audio’s influencer program, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me as it has way too many issues; I never DNF ARCs but would have had it not been one.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
November 4, 2025
A tense, twisty YA thriller that’s impossible to put down. Kelsey Day perfectly captures the drama and danger of friendship gone wrong—smart, sharp, and full of surprises.
February 23, 2026
4.34
This was a quick and fun read with the added bonus of real world lessons for its target audience (teens), and maybe some not so target audience, if they haven’t learned these yet. I’m not a huge fan of AI, I hate generative AI and think it should be gone, so a book featuring a generative AI model being used for evil? Definitely can get the point across. This book also has a running theme of perception=\=reality, both with the present moment of being in the VR and feeling things physically as if they weren’t, as well as in their recent past. The first half of the book we are being told by the first person narration that she’s just an insecure girl who lost her bff and she doesn’t know what she did wrong, while the second half is her finding out other’s perceptions of those same things she doesn’t remember as being wrong or mean. Now, does this mean those perceptions were true either? No. But it hammers home that perception is not truth.
The character’s motivations were sometimes a little far fetched, even in a world about a virtual reality immersion, and I feel like one character was brought in at the end to be a deus ex machina to help save the day, but his motivations at least made more sense than others.
At one point, a character apologizes for past behaviors with the excuse that she was probably just jealous because she was bi and didn’t know it yet, but was jealous of another character spending time with someone. In fact, multiple characters are known to be bi, and all but one are terrible people, and some use their identity as the excuse for being terrible, which feels like biphobia wrapped in inclusion, but I could be wrong about that-it’s kids saying “I didn’t know I was bi so I was mean to you because I was jealous of you spending time with the person I didn’t even realize I was crushing on” which could be biphobia or could just be mean girl behavior, cuz middle school girls will be mean to other girls getting close to a guy too. But it just felt a little off putting to me when I read that, using their bi identity as the excuse for being a mean girl.
The plot and pacing were good, and well planned out, the world building was fun because of the potential inside the AI to have our world but tweaked. Overall I had a good time with this book, minus those few detractors I mentioned.
My rating breakdown:
Characters: 8/10
World Building: 10/10
Relationships: 7/10 (note: relationships include platonic or romantic, this isn’t about a romance subplot or anything)
Plot: 9/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Personal Enjoyment: 8/10
Average: 8.67/10 or 4.34 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
This was a quick and fun read with the added bonus of real world lessons for its target audience (teens), and maybe some not so target audience, if they haven’t learned these yet. I’m not a huge fan of AI, I hate generative AI and think it should be gone, so a book featuring a generative AI model being used for evil? Definitely can get the point across. This book also has a running theme of perception=\=reality, both with the present moment of being in the VR and feeling things physically as if they weren’t, as well as in their recent past. The first half of the book we are being told by the first person narration that she’s just an insecure girl who lost her bff and she doesn’t know what she did wrong, while the second half is her finding out other’s perceptions of those same things she doesn’t remember as being wrong or mean. Now, does this mean those perceptions were true either? No. But it hammers home that perception is not truth.
The character’s motivations were sometimes a little far fetched, even in a world about a virtual reality immersion, and I feel like one character was brought in at the end to be a deus ex machina to help save the day, but his motivations at least made more sense than others.
At one point, a character apologizes for past behaviors with the excuse that she was probably just jealous because she was bi and didn’t know it yet, but was jealous of another character spending time with someone. In fact, multiple characters are known to be bi, and all but one are terrible people, and some use their identity as the excuse for being terrible, which feels like biphobia wrapped in inclusion, but I could be wrong about that-it’s kids saying “I didn’t know I was bi so I was mean to you because I was jealous of you spending time with the person I didn’t even realize I was crushing on” which could be biphobia or could just be mean girl behavior, cuz middle school girls will be mean to other girls getting close to a guy too. But it just felt a little off putting to me when I read that, using their bi identity as the excuse for being a mean girl.
The plot and pacing were good, and well planned out, the world building was fun because of the potential inside the AI to have our world but tweaked. Overall I had a good time with this book, minus those few detractors I mentioned.
My rating breakdown:
Characters: 8/10
World Building: 10/10
Relationships: 7/10 (note: relationships include platonic or romantic, this isn’t about a romance subplot or anything)
Plot: 9/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Personal Enjoyment: 8/10
Average: 8.67/10 or 4.34 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
February 24, 2026
Received a free copy from Goodreads giveaways.
Was a bit all over the place in the beginning, like it was trying to cater to too many people at once. It was a fun YA read though, clever and relevant. Makes me not miss being a teen.
Was a bit all over the place in the beginning, like it was trying to cater to too many people at once. It was a fun YA read though, clever and relevant. Makes me not miss being a teen.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a YA book it is very well written. If you like VR, ex best friends and horror you'll love this. I did like the horror aspect however the VR aspect of it wasnt for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin young readers group for the ARC copy to review!
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin young readers group for the ARC copy to review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one had me on the edge of my seat for the majority of it. The twist was shocking. The main characters Bree and Madison are girls I would have hated in high-school. I know we're supposed to feel sorry for Bree but I can't bring myself to. Even though Madison is quite psychotic in her revenge, Bree learns the consequences of being a typical mean girl and bully.
January 27, 2026
When I first read the blurb for this book I was intrigued, but thought “How could the stakes possibly be high enough to get the reader invested when it’s virtual and the characters can just leave”. But the author did a fantastic job remedying that worry early on. The stakes, the fear, the pain, and the emotions felt very real and raw. I couldn’t put this one down.
The pacing was fantastic. It was so entertaining all the way through and I got so engrossed in the story. It also was a super quick read, but didn’t feel too short.
The world building in the virtual reality was so good! Each area was described so well and i really felt like I was in this world with the characters.
I also appreciated how messy, raw, and real our main character, Bree, was. She was clearly flawed and that’s revealed more and more throughout the book, but you just couldn’t help rooting for her anyway. Such a great example of how to create a fully rounded and real character.
The author illustrated so beautifully how perception is really everything. Our perception is our reality, but through someone else’s eyes that reality can look completely different. Such a great case to show how important empathy is.
This also was a great allegory for the dangers or AI and then technology that is taking over our world. It honestly didn’t even feel very far off as to what could happen in the very near future.
There were only a few things that bothered me throughout:
- All the “cool guy” characters kind of bled together for me. I had a hard time remembering which one was which.
- The biggest question I had was “Why now?” After everything that happened between Madison and Bree in junior high, why did Madison wait until senior year to get her revenge. It just felt a little out of the blue and didn’t fully track with me.
- I also had a hard time believing that so many of the students would be so physically violent and enjoy it. I get that it was virtual reality, but even so, I feel most kids would not find so much pleasure in physically hurting someone just because they gossiped about them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it! If you enjoy Jessica Goodman or Joelle Wellington, I think you would really like this one too.
I received a a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.
The pacing was fantastic. It was so entertaining all the way through and I got so engrossed in the story. It also was a super quick read, but didn’t feel too short.
The world building in the virtual reality was so good! Each area was described so well and i really felt like I was in this world with the characters.
I also appreciated how messy, raw, and real our main character, Bree, was. She was clearly flawed and that’s revealed more and more throughout the book, but you just couldn’t help rooting for her anyway. Such a great example of how to create a fully rounded and real character.
The author illustrated so beautifully how perception is really everything. Our perception is our reality, but through someone else’s eyes that reality can look completely different. Such a great case to show how important empathy is.
This also was a great allegory for the dangers or AI and then technology that is taking over our world. It honestly didn’t even feel very far off as to what could happen in the very near future.
There were only a few things that bothered me throughout:
- All the “cool guy” characters kind of bled together for me. I had a hard time remembering which one was which.
- The biggest question I had was “Why now?” After everything that happened between Madison and Bree in junior high, why did Madison wait until senior year to get her revenge. It just felt a little out of the blue and didn’t fully track with me.
- I also had a hard time believing that so many of the students would be so physically violent and enjoy it. I get that it was virtual reality, but even so, I feel most kids would not find so much pleasure in physically hurting someone just because they gossiped about them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it! If you enjoy Jessica Goodman or Joelle Wellington, I think you would really like this one too.
I received a a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.
February 5, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
January 24, 2026
ARC Review!!
Thank you to NetGalley.
This was such a good book! I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did!!! At first I had no idea where it would go but it turned out so good! The beginning was a little slow and confusing for me with Madison and Bree but getting more background on them made more sense.
Madison throws a party every year and only a select few get a spiral key, which is their invite, and Bree has never gotten one despite previous years of friendship. Finally her time has come and she gets a key. Devin, Bree's boyfriend, finds it suspicious but Bree believes Madison is ready to be friends again.
They arrive to the party and everything is good until it isn't. Things start happening where Bree believes she's being set up and can't find a way out. Devin ends up hurt and Bree finally finds out why Madison hates her. Bree also finds out why her dad left a party and drove drunk. The plot twist was insane.
Such a good book and such a good ending. Madison's ending was left up in the air but overall a very good book!
4 stars!!!
Thank you to NetGalley.
This was such a good book! I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did!!! At first I had no idea where it would go but it turned out so good! The beginning was a little slow and confusing for me with Madison and Bree but getting more background on them made more sense.
Madison throws a party every year and only a select few get a spiral key, which is their invite, and Bree has never gotten one despite previous years of friendship. Finally her time has come and she gets a key. Devin, Bree's boyfriend, finds it suspicious but Bree believes Madison is ready to be friends again.
They arrive to the party and everything is good until it isn't. Things start happening where Bree believes she's being set up and can't find a way out. Devin ends up hurt and Bree finally finds out why Madison hates her. Bree also finds out why her dad left a party and drove drunk. The plot twist was insane.
Such a good book and such a good ending. Madison's ending was left up in the air but overall a very good book!
4 stars!!!
October 24, 2025
All opinions are my own! Thank you to NetGalley
Remember that old movie quote: “If you die in the game, you die in real life”? What if that quote had some truth to it?
Kelsey Day’s “The Spiral Key” takes that premise and twists it in her YA debut.
Madison Pembroke is the Queen Bee of Lincoln Academy. And in such fashion, she is notorious for her birthday parties, where your invitation, a custom spiral key, gives you entrance into Ametrine, a virtual reality world designed by Madison’s tech billionaire parents, solely used to host Madison’s uber exclusive birthday party.
Bree Benson, Madison’s ex-bff, has been branded as Public Enemy Number One since freshman year, and thus has never been a recipient of one of these coveted keys.
But when she finds one in her possession, with a note from Madison that she sees as an olive branch, Bree decides to go, with the hope of rekindling their former friendship.
When party games turn provocative, bordering on violent, Bree realizes that there was more to the invitation than she thought, and Madison’s olive branch was just a ploy to get her here. And while Bree was lucky enough to enter Ametrine…well, she’ll be even more lucky if Madison actually lets her leave.
A thriller/mystery with the setting of a virtual reality game? That immediately peaked my interest. The concept felt interesting enough to get me reading, and honestly? It kept me hooked through to the end. Day crafts a world that feels so real, so that the stakes feel like they’re equally real. Coupled with the way she designed the world and how the characters interact (specialized suits that allow them to experience things in the game, but also experience the feeling (like being touched, or eating, or even smelling).
The characters, primarily Madison and Bree, felt the most fleshed out, which makes sense, since this is their story. Day has captured the essence of a childhood friendship turned obsession, and how one moment can ruin it.
The side characters had their moments, and did feel like they were necessary to the story in different ways, so no one felt unimportant. I would have loved to hear more about the previous parties and what happened to the guests of those, especially Everly, Madison’s right hand girl and Bree’s ex frenemy.
This book was a quick read, and enjoyable. Definitely something to grab on a snowy day and allow yourself to get lost in Ametrine for a few hours too.
Remember that old movie quote: “If you die in the game, you die in real life”? What if that quote had some truth to it?
Kelsey Day’s “The Spiral Key” takes that premise and twists it in her YA debut.
Madison Pembroke is the Queen Bee of Lincoln Academy. And in such fashion, she is notorious for her birthday parties, where your invitation, a custom spiral key, gives you entrance into Ametrine, a virtual reality world designed by Madison’s tech billionaire parents, solely used to host Madison’s uber exclusive birthday party.
Bree Benson, Madison’s ex-bff, has been branded as Public Enemy Number One since freshman year, and thus has never been a recipient of one of these coveted keys.
But when she finds one in her possession, with a note from Madison that she sees as an olive branch, Bree decides to go, with the hope of rekindling their former friendship.
When party games turn provocative, bordering on violent, Bree realizes that there was more to the invitation than she thought, and Madison’s olive branch was just a ploy to get her here. And while Bree was lucky enough to enter Ametrine…well, she’ll be even more lucky if Madison actually lets her leave.
A thriller/mystery with the setting of a virtual reality game? That immediately peaked my interest. The concept felt interesting enough to get me reading, and honestly? It kept me hooked through to the end. Day crafts a world that feels so real, so that the stakes feel like they’re equally real. Coupled with the way she designed the world and how the characters interact (specialized suits that allow them to experience things in the game, but also experience the feeling (like being touched, or eating, or even smelling).
The characters, primarily Madison and Bree, felt the most fleshed out, which makes sense, since this is their story. Day has captured the essence of a childhood friendship turned obsession, and how one moment can ruin it.
The side characters had their moments, and did feel like they were necessary to the story in different ways, so no one felt unimportant. I would have loved to hear more about the previous parties and what happened to the guests of those, especially Everly, Madison’s right hand girl and Bree’s ex frenemy.
This book was a quick read, and enjoyable. Definitely something to grab on a snowy day and allow yourself to get lost in Ametrine for a few hours too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kelsey Day’s YA debut, The Spiral Key, is a high-octane thriller that feels like Black Mirror meets Mean Girls. The story follows Bree Benson, who is unexpectedly invited to Ametrine—an exclusive virtual-reality paradise hosted by her former best friend turned arch-nemesis, Madison Pembroke. While Bree hopes the "Spiral Key" invitation is a peace offering, she quickly realizes that Ametrine isn't a playground; it’s a digital cage. What follows is a brutal game of survival where the stakes are life and death, and the primary weapon is a shared history of secrets.
The core of this book isn't just the "death game" mechanics; it’s the emotional fallout of betrayal. Watching Bree navigate her desire for revenge versus her need for redemption was the highlight for me. Day captures the "social status is everything" mindset of high school perfectly. The characters often make impulsive, emotionally driven, and—at times—infuriating decisions. While their behavior can be frustrating, it feels authentic to their age and adds a layer of anxiety to the plot. You truly feel their desperation to belong and their fear of social extinction.
The book is a wild ride of twists and turns, though the resolution didn't quite hit as hard as the rest of the story for me. The climax is incredibly intense—a heart-pounding sequence that left me breathless—but the ending felt a bit rushed in comparison. After such a high-velocity build-up, it fell slightly flat, leaving me wishing for a punchier final reveal. Overall, The Spiral Key is a gripping exploration of how the people who know us best are the ones equipped to destroy us most effectively. It’s a fast-paced, imaginative thriller that I would definitely recommend to fans of Holly Jackson or Jessica Goodman.
The core of this book isn't just the "death game" mechanics; it’s the emotional fallout of betrayal. Watching Bree navigate her desire for revenge versus her need for redemption was the highlight for me. Day captures the "social status is everything" mindset of high school perfectly. The characters often make impulsive, emotionally driven, and—at times—infuriating decisions. While their behavior can be frustrating, it feels authentic to their age and adds a layer of anxiety to the plot. You truly feel their desperation to belong and their fear of social extinction.
The book is a wild ride of twists and turns, though the resolution didn't quite hit as hard as the rest of the story for me. The climax is incredibly intense—a heart-pounding sequence that left me breathless—but the ending felt a bit rushed in comparison. After such a high-velocity build-up, it fell slightly flat, leaving me wishing for a punchier final reveal. Overall, The Spiral Key is a gripping exploration of how the people who know us best are the ones equipped to destroy us most effectively. It’s a fast-paced, imaginative thriller that I would definitely recommend to fans of Holly Jackson or Jessica Goodman.
January 19, 2026
Thank you Penguin Teen for an e-arc of this book.
This book follows high school student, Bree, who gets invited to her former best friend's birthday party but Madison hasn't invited Bree to mend their relationship. This book had me at the edge of my seat with intense moments, suspense and drama. The writing was fantastic and this story had me gripped from page 1.
This book follows high school student, Bree, who gets invited to her former best friend's birthday party but Madison hasn't invited Bree to mend their relationship. This book had me at the edge of my seat with intense moments, suspense and drama. The writing was fantastic and this story had me gripped from page 1.
January 12, 2026
Sci-fi twist added to an insane amount of high school drama.
The FMC, Bree, is being ostracized by Madison, the queenbee of a fancy private school. And of course, they used to be besties until Bree's dad did something unforgivable.
I was definitely waiting for the other foot to fall for most of the book. And when it finally did, ooooh goodness it was satisfying. While YA, this story encourages readers to think about how they see themselves, how they're perceived and how actions have consequences. Questions about the use of AI, surveillance, technology, etc are at the forefront as well.
Overall, this was not only entertaining, it had a lot of food for thought.
Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The FMC, Bree, is being ostracized by Madison, the queenbee of a fancy private school. And of course, they used to be besties until Bree's dad did something unforgivable.
I was definitely waiting for the other foot to fall for most of the book. And when it finally did, ooooh goodness it was satisfying. While YA, this story encourages readers to think about how they see themselves, how they're perceived and how actions have consequences. Questions about the use of AI, surveillance, technology, etc are at the forefront as well.
Overall, this was not only entertaining, it had a lot of food for thought.
Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
December 11, 2025
I love when I read a novel that has a new idea, and this was definitely contemporary. The main character has an ex-BFF who has a fancy birthday party in a virtual reality world every year. She finally gets invited and thinks that she will be friends with her ex-BFF once again. Throughout the novel, the main character figures out that maybe that’s not a good thing, and finally figures out what kind of birthday parties have been going on in this VR world. I had a hard time putting this down as I wanted to know the mystery. Solid writing, and I liked the characters.
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this ARC. This will be out in February of 2026.
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this ARC. This will be out in February of 2026.
January 3, 2026
I’d like to thank NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC of The Spiral Key by Kelsey Day.
This fast, entertaining YA thriller has a clever VR twist that kept me fully engaged. Bree’s journey is tense and suspenseful, and the VR world grows darker and creepier as the night goes on.
A few plot points were predictable, but the pacing and suspense make it an enjoyable read. I’d definitely be interested in reading more from Kelsey Day.
This fast, entertaining YA thriller has a clever VR twist that kept me fully engaged. Bree’s journey is tense and suspenseful, and the VR world grows darker and creepier as the night goes on.
A few plot points were predictable, but the pacing and suspense make it an enjoyable read. I’d definitely be interested in reading more from Kelsey Day.
November 3, 2025
3.8
Mostly fun, mildly grizley, super duper quick read. I wish it had been raining - and afternoon of drizzles and mild sociopathy would have been cozy.
Mostly fun, mildly grizley, super duper quick read. I wish it had been raining - and afternoon of drizzles and mild sociopathy would have been cozy.
November 9, 2025
Really quick and engaging read, impossible to put down.
A story of the scars friendships leave behind when they end and how our memories of the same events can be very different.
A story of the scars friendships leave behind when they end and how our memories of the same events can be very different.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC book! This one was really good. If you are a fan Karen McManus this definitely had the same feel behind it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Okay, look. The Spiral Key is like if someone dared a YA thriller to be a tech dystopia, a virtual horror show, and a therapy session for broken female friendships all at once. And the book looked up from its energy drink, said “bet,” and never looked back.
The setup? Madison Pembroke, rich girl villain™️ of Lincoln Academy, throws an invite-only birthday rager every year in a hyper-exclusive virtual world called Ametrine. And when I say “rager,” I don’t mean red Solo cups and a bad Spotify playlist. I mean fully immersive VR hellscape created by her tech billionaire parents, where your social status gets hard-launched into the stratosphere... or set on fire. It’s part Hunger Games, part Snapchat filter nightmare. But Bree, our emotionally bruised and desperate for redemption main girl, hasn’t seen the inside of this party since she and Madison had a nuclear BFF breakup years ago.
Until now. Cue dramatic music and deeply bad decisions.
Bree gets a key. Despite her boyfriend’s extremely valid concerns (and by valid, I mean SCREAMING red flags with party hats on), she takes this as a sign from the social gods that maybe she and Madison can finally bury the trauma hatchet and be besties again. Bree, baby. No.
Once she jacks into Ametrine, things go from slightly awkward to Saw meets The Sims very quickly. What starts as a high-gloss reboot of a friendship ends up being a whole revenge horror arc that makes Madison feel less like a girl with hurt feelings and more like a Bond villain with access to unethical tech. The virtual party becomes a VR purge, where every high school sin is dragged into the light and consequences come wrapped in neon death traps and emotional blackmail.
Now, is any of this plausible? No. But does it slap? Mostly.
Bree is infuriatingly relatable in that very YA way where you want to shake her and then hug her and then maybe shake her again. Her obsession with Madison, part guilt, part nostalgia, part “I literally have no idea who I am without this girl’s approval,” felt painfully real. But her logic? Swiss cheese. Girl walks into a literal digital torture dome and STILL goes, “Maybe this is all just symbolic?” Ma’am. The symbolism is bludgeoning you.
Madison, on the other hand, is like if Blair Waldorf got tech savvy and morally unhinged. Her villain arc is theatrical, occasionally cartoonish, and honestly? A little one-note. I get it. Bullying scars. But she takes that pain and builds an entire virtual murder Disneyland to get revenge. That’s not justice, girl. That’s a felony with good lighting.
Do not go in expecting a subtle psychological thriller. This is YA drama on high volume, and sometimes the plot swerves so hard it throws its own logic out the window. People act wild, consequences don’t always scale, and there's at least one moment where I audibly went, “Okay, that’s excessive, even for a traumatized 17-year-old with a God complex.”
But you know what? Despite its flaws, I was never bored. The pacing is tight, the tension is steady, and the ending sticks enough of the emotional landing to make the ride feel worth it. Also, Petey the little brother is a precious cinnamon roll and the only one in this book with any damn sense.
I’m settling at 3.5 stars because while the execution got a little messy, the concept is strong, the drama is juicy, and there’s something weirdly cathartic about watching the social elite implode in VR. Perfect for fans of high-stakes mess, tech goth aesthetics, and stories where the real horror is unresolved teen grief disguised as party games.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Side-Eye Every Glitchy Digital Surface in My House
And a big chaotic thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC. I entered Ametrine, survived the emotional bloodbath, and came back with only mild trust issues and a strong urge to delete every party invite I’ve ever received.
The setup? Madison Pembroke, rich girl villain™️ of Lincoln Academy, throws an invite-only birthday rager every year in a hyper-exclusive virtual world called Ametrine. And when I say “rager,” I don’t mean red Solo cups and a bad Spotify playlist. I mean fully immersive VR hellscape created by her tech billionaire parents, where your social status gets hard-launched into the stratosphere... or set on fire. It’s part Hunger Games, part Snapchat filter nightmare. But Bree, our emotionally bruised and desperate for redemption main girl, hasn’t seen the inside of this party since she and Madison had a nuclear BFF breakup years ago.
Until now. Cue dramatic music and deeply bad decisions.
Bree gets a key. Despite her boyfriend’s extremely valid concerns (and by valid, I mean SCREAMING red flags with party hats on), she takes this as a sign from the social gods that maybe she and Madison can finally bury the trauma hatchet and be besties again. Bree, baby. No.
Once she jacks into Ametrine, things go from slightly awkward to Saw meets The Sims very quickly. What starts as a high-gloss reboot of a friendship ends up being a whole revenge horror arc that makes Madison feel less like a girl with hurt feelings and more like a Bond villain with access to unethical tech. The virtual party becomes a VR purge, where every high school sin is dragged into the light and consequences come wrapped in neon death traps and emotional blackmail.
Now, is any of this plausible? No. But does it slap? Mostly.
Bree is infuriatingly relatable in that very YA way where you want to shake her and then hug her and then maybe shake her again. Her obsession with Madison, part guilt, part nostalgia, part “I literally have no idea who I am without this girl’s approval,” felt painfully real. But her logic? Swiss cheese. Girl walks into a literal digital torture dome and STILL goes, “Maybe this is all just symbolic?” Ma’am. The symbolism is bludgeoning you.
Madison, on the other hand, is like if Blair Waldorf got tech savvy and morally unhinged. Her villain arc is theatrical, occasionally cartoonish, and honestly? A little one-note. I get it. Bullying scars. But she takes that pain and builds an entire virtual murder Disneyland to get revenge. That’s not justice, girl. That’s a felony with good lighting.
Do not go in expecting a subtle psychological thriller. This is YA drama on high volume, and sometimes the plot swerves so hard it throws its own logic out the window. People act wild, consequences don’t always scale, and there's at least one moment where I audibly went, “Okay, that’s excessive, even for a traumatized 17-year-old with a God complex.”
But you know what? Despite its flaws, I was never bored. The pacing is tight, the tension is steady, and the ending sticks enough of the emotional landing to make the ride feel worth it. Also, Petey the little brother is a precious cinnamon roll and the only one in this book with any damn sense.
I’m settling at 3.5 stars because while the execution got a little messy, the concept is strong, the drama is juicy, and there’s something weirdly cathartic about watching the social elite implode in VR. Perfect for fans of high-stakes mess, tech goth aesthetics, and stories where the real horror is unresolved teen grief disguised as party games.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Side-Eye Every Glitchy Digital Surface in My House
And a big chaotic thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC. I entered Ametrine, survived the emotional bloodbath, and came back with only mild trust issues and a strong urge to delete every party invite I’ve ever received.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Spiral Key” is a fierce, fast-paced YA thriller that drags the familiar emotional chaos of high school into a hyperreal virtual world then turns the intensity up to eleven. Kelsey Day’s debut combines virtual reality horror with social warfare, delivering a story where friendships curdle into vendettas and every choice carries consequences, even when those consequences are digital.
The story follows Bree Benson, once queen bee–adjacent and now desperate to reclaim a place in her school’s social hierarchy. Her old best friend Madison Pembroke rules Lincoln Academy, thanks in part to Ametrine, which is an exclusive virtual reality world built by her billionaire parents and used only for her legendary birthday parties. When Bree unexpectedly receives one of the coveted spiral keys granting entry, she convinces herself that Madison wants to mend fences. Instead, she steps straight into Madison’s trap.
Inside Ametrine, the line between game and reality blurs. Pain is real, fear is real, and Bree quickly realizes that Madison’s version of revenge is extreme, obsessive, and entirely unhinged. What begins as an extravagant VR celebration spirals into a locked-room nightmare where Madison controls the environment and the lives of those trapped within it. As the “games” become more dangerous, Bree is forced to confront not just Madison’s rage, but her own past cruelty. The twist? Bree wasn’t the victim she always imagined herself to be. She was once Madison’s tormentor, and Madison’s retaliation, however exaggerated, springs from real wounds.
Day handles this emotional reversal with surprising nuance. Beneath the high stakes and dramatic set pieces lies a story about accountability, perception, and the danger of letting old grudges define your future. Bree’s journey isn’t just escape; it’s recognition, remorse, and hard-earned growth. The cast includes neurodivergent and queer characters whose identities feel naturally integrated, reflecting the diversity of real teens rather than checking boxes.
The book’s biggest strengths lie in its propulsive pace and imaginative worldbuilding. Ametrine feels cinematic and immersive, from sensory suits that simulate touch and taste to environments that twist at Madison’s command. It’s outlandish at times, and intentionally so, but never dull. Even those who struggle to like the characters (and many will) will find themselves rooting for Bree’s survival and transformation.
Not everything lands perfectly. Some emotional reactions are dialed up to extremes, and Madison’s obsession borders on unbelievable, though younger YA readers may find those reactions relatable in their heightened intensity. A few twists and the final resolution don’t hit quite as sharply as the build-up promises, but the ending still provides closure, especially in watching Bree reckon with who she was and who she wants to become.
Overall, this is a dramatic, adrenaline-fueled mystery-thriller that examines bullying, betrayal, and the messy desire to belong. “The Spiral Key” is over the top, gripping, occasionally ridiculous and often exactly what a YA thriller should be. This book is perfect for those who like their stories intense, their characters flawed, and their thrills wrapped in neon VR aesthetics.
“The Spiral Key” is a fierce, fast-paced YA thriller that drags the familiar emotional chaos of high school into a hyperreal virtual world then turns the intensity up to eleven. Kelsey Day’s debut combines virtual reality horror with social warfare, delivering a story where friendships curdle into vendettas and every choice carries consequences, even when those consequences are digital.
The story follows Bree Benson, once queen bee–adjacent and now desperate to reclaim a place in her school’s social hierarchy. Her old best friend Madison Pembroke rules Lincoln Academy, thanks in part to Ametrine, which is an exclusive virtual reality world built by her billionaire parents and used only for her legendary birthday parties. When Bree unexpectedly receives one of the coveted spiral keys granting entry, she convinces herself that Madison wants to mend fences. Instead, she steps straight into Madison’s trap.
Inside Ametrine, the line between game and reality blurs. Pain is real, fear is real, and Bree quickly realizes that Madison’s version of revenge is extreme, obsessive, and entirely unhinged. What begins as an extravagant VR celebration spirals into a locked-room nightmare where Madison controls the environment and the lives of those trapped within it. As the “games” become more dangerous, Bree is forced to confront not just Madison’s rage, but her own past cruelty. The twist? Bree wasn’t the victim she always imagined herself to be. She was once Madison’s tormentor, and Madison’s retaliation, however exaggerated, springs from real wounds.
Day handles this emotional reversal with surprising nuance. Beneath the high stakes and dramatic set pieces lies a story about accountability, perception, and the danger of letting old grudges define your future. Bree’s journey isn’t just escape; it’s recognition, remorse, and hard-earned growth. The cast includes neurodivergent and queer characters whose identities feel naturally integrated, reflecting the diversity of real teens rather than checking boxes.
The book’s biggest strengths lie in its propulsive pace and imaginative worldbuilding. Ametrine feels cinematic and immersive, from sensory suits that simulate touch and taste to environments that twist at Madison’s command. It’s outlandish at times, and intentionally so, but never dull. Even those who struggle to like the characters (and many will) will find themselves rooting for Bree’s survival and transformation.
Not everything lands perfectly. Some emotional reactions are dialed up to extremes, and Madison’s obsession borders on unbelievable, though younger YA readers may find those reactions relatable in their heightened intensity. A few twists and the final resolution don’t hit quite as sharply as the build-up promises, but the ending still provides closure, especially in watching Bree reckon with who she was and who she wants to become.
Overall, this is a dramatic, adrenaline-fueled mystery-thriller that examines bullying, betrayal, and the messy desire to belong. “The Spiral Key” is over the top, gripping, occasionally ridiculous and often exactly what a YA thriller should be. This book is perfect for those who like their stories intense, their characters flawed, and their thrills wrapped in neon VR aesthetics.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Welcome to Ametrine, are you ready to play? 🗝️
2.75 stars rounded up! ✨
✧˚ · . Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book will be released on February 24th!
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
⌚️ ⌗ what I liked
I really liked the premise of this book! With the rise of AI, a book which takes place in a virtual reality where you can be anything with the help of artificial intelligence sounded so current and intriguing. Upon reading this book, the concept remains cool and it's actual even scarier having finished the actual book. The lengths one can go with such software at their disposal is limitless. I found that aspect, therefore, very accurate and enticing, even concerning. 📱✨
I also found this book very fast-paced! It's a YA thriller and it reads as such tone-wise, with the fast pace aiding the mystery aspect. We are following our FMC Bree, who is Madison's ex best friend, so we are experiencing this world through her POV. We are uncovering the truth alongside Bree, which I found helped maintain the mystery element further. I did finish this extremely quickly, I believe within 24 hours so I can confirm the validity of the pace. 🤭
⌚️ ⌗ what didn't work for me
Now onto some elements that I didn't enjoy as much. 😅 I found most of the characters unlikeable. Now, take this with a grain of salt because I think they are intended to come across as such...however, I thought it was a bit over the top. 😕 For a 3D setting, they did fall flat many times. They felt very stereotypical, black & white school bullies without much of a personality besides their behaviour in the game. I would've liked a bit more depth and character development. Again, I understand we ARE reading about high school students but it did not feel very realistic to not have any development throughout outside of maybe 1-2 scenes near the end. 😅 The only character I liked was Devin and I did feel soo bad for him.
I have to say, I was very surprised with how aggressive and graphically violent this was for a YA book. I didn't necessarily understand the point of it in some instances. Initially, it was shocking and I assumed we were going to get into the nitty gritty of 'pack mentality' and the devolution of people. Instead, I think all this violence lost its momentum once it started getting more ridiculous and unquestioned. 🥲 There are definitely some Lord of the Flies moments here, but I don't think they came across as well fleshed out as I was expecting them to based on the premise and initial impressions.
⌚️ ⌗ overall thoughts
I think the concept of this book is so fascinating but the overall execution didn't work as well for me as I was expecting. It is extremely fast-paced, a bit of an extreme social study of high schoolers with access to high tech. This sadly didn't work for me but if this sounds like something you'd like, please give it a go! ♡
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
✧˚ · . Once again, thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All aforementioned opinions are my own. 💞
2.75 stars rounded up! ✨
✧˚ · . Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book will be released on February 24th!
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
⌚️ ⌗ what I liked
I really liked the premise of this book! With the rise of AI, a book which takes place in a virtual reality where you can be anything with the help of artificial intelligence sounded so current and intriguing. Upon reading this book, the concept remains cool and it's actual even scarier having finished the actual book. The lengths one can go with such software at their disposal is limitless. I found that aspect, therefore, very accurate and enticing, even concerning. 📱✨
I also found this book very fast-paced! It's a YA thriller and it reads as such tone-wise, with the fast pace aiding the mystery aspect. We are following our FMC Bree, who is Madison's ex best friend, so we are experiencing this world through her POV. We are uncovering the truth alongside Bree, which I found helped maintain the mystery element further. I did finish this extremely quickly, I believe within 24 hours so I can confirm the validity of the pace. 🤭
⌚️ ⌗ what didn't work for me
Now onto some elements that I didn't enjoy as much. 😅 I found most of the characters unlikeable. Now, take this with a grain of salt because I think they are intended to come across as such...however, I thought it was a bit over the top. 😕 For a 3D setting, they did fall flat many times. They felt very stereotypical, black & white school bullies without much of a personality besides their behaviour in the game. I would've liked a bit more depth and character development. Again, I understand we ARE reading about high school students but it did not feel very realistic to not have any development throughout outside of maybe 1-2 scenes near the end. 😅 The only character I liked was Devin and I did feel soo bad for him.
I have to say, I was very surprised with how aggressive and graphically violent this was for a YA book. I didn't necessarily understand the point of it in some instances. Initially, it was shocking and I assumed we were going to get into the nitty gritty of 'pack mentality' and the devolution of people. Instead, I think all this violence lost its momentum once it started getting more ridiculous and unquestioned. 🥲 There are definitely some Lord of the Flies moments here, but I don't think they came across as well fleshed out as I was expecting them to based on the premise and initial impressions.
⌚️ ⌗ overall thoughts
I think the concept of this book is so fascinating but the overall execution didn't work as well for me as I was expecting. It is extremely fast-paced, a bit of an extreme social study of high schoolers with access to high tech. This sadly didn't work for me but if this sounds like something you'd like, please give it a go! ♡
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
✧˚ · . Once again, thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All aforementioned opinions are my own. 💞
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Twisty, High-Stakes YA Thriller That Hits Hard
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.
The Spiral Key by Kelsey Day is an intriguing, edge-of-your-seat YA mystery-thriller that had me hooked from the first page—perfect for anyone who loves stories blending high school drama with a dark speculative twist!
The story centers on Madison Pembroke, the ultimate queen bee at Lincoln Academy, whose legendary birthday parties in the exclusive virtual world of Ametrine are the social event of the year—invitations come as custom spiral keys, and getting one means everything. But when her former best friend Bree gets an unexpected invite, what starts as a chance to mend old wounds spirals into something far more dangerous and obsessive. The party setup is wildly intriguing: a dreamlike VR paradise that turns nightmarish, showing how far some people go for leverage, control, and belonging—driven by insecurities they try to hide.
What stands out most is the unflinching look at consequences. Words and actions from middle school can haunt you long after, and the book doesn't shy away from showing remorse, regret, and the real impact of being a "brat" in the past—some things are inexcusable, even if growth happens later. Friendships curdle into vendettas, and the lengths people go to punish or manipulate others feel maniacal yet scarily genius at times. There's real depth in exploring how desperation to be "queen bee" or hide vulnerabilities can destroy others—and yourself.
The twists and turns keep coming, the pacing is fast and gripping, and the characters (especially the complex dynamics between Madison, Bree, and others like Devin) feel raw and relatable. It's got that sharp edge of social warfare mixed with speculative horror, making it both thrilling and thought-provoking.
I gave it a strong 4 out of 5 stars—super enjoyable with solid writing, memorable characters, and a plot full of suspense and emotional punches. It's a fresh take on friendship betrayal, the need to belong, and the dark side of technology in teen life.
Highly recommend for fans of YA thrillers like those by Holly Jackson or Jessica Goodman—anyone who enjoys Mean Girls vibes crossed with Black Mirror-style twists, high school hierarchies, and stories that make you think about regret and redemption. If you like intense, twisty reads with heart and edge, this one's a must!
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.
The Spiral Key by Kelsey Day is an intriguing, edge-of-your-seat YA mystery-thriller that had me hooked from the first page—perfect for anyone who loves stories blending high school drama with a dark speculative twist!
The story centers on Madison Pembroke, the ultimate queen bee at Lincoln Academy, whose legendary birthday parties in the exclusive virtual world of Ametrine are the social event of the year—invitations come as custom spiral keys, and getting one means everything. But when her former best friend Bree gets an unexpected invite, what starts as a chance to mend old wounds spirals into something far more dangerous and obsessive. The party setup is wildly intriguing: a dreamlike VR paradise that turns nightmarish, showing how far some people go for leverage, control, and belonging—driven by insecurities they try to hide.
What stands out most is the unflinching look at consequences. Words and actions from middle school can haunt you long after, and the book doesn't shy away from showing remorse, regret, and the real impact of being a "brat" in the past—some things are inexcusable, even if growth happens later. Friendships curdle into vendettas, and the lengths people go to punish or manipulate others feel maniacal yet scarily genius at times. There's real depth in exploring how desperation to be "queen bee" or hide vulnerabilities can destroy others—and yourself.
The twists and turns keep coming, the pacing is fast and gripping, and the characters (especially the complex dynamics between Madison, Bree, and others like Devin) feel raw and relatable. It's got that sharp edge of social warfare mixed with speculative horror, making it both thrilling and thought-provoking.
I gave it a strong 4 out of 5 stars—super enjoyable with solid writing, memorable characters, and a plot full of suspense and emotional punches. It's a fresh take on friendship betrayal, the need to belong, and the dark side of technology in teen life.
Highly recommend for fans of YA thrillers like those by Holly Jackson or Jessica Goodman—anyone who enjoys Mean Girls vibes crossed with Black Mirror-style twists, high school hierarchies, and stories that make you think about regret and redemption. If you like intense, twisty reads with heart and edge, this one's a must!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars (3.5 rounded up)
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for the ARC.
📝 Short Summary
This is a fast paced YA story that leans into emotional tension, identity, and personal stakes in a way that makes it incredibly readable. It is character driven, easy to sink into, and built for younger readers who want drama, connection, and forward momentum without heavy complexity.
Review
Going into this, I genuinely thought it was going to be something else. I expected a certain tone and direction, and what I got surprised me. It ended up being much more grounded in the YA lane than I anticipated. That is not a bad thing, but it definitely shifted how I experienced it.
This was a quick read for me. The pacing moves fast, the chapters are digestible, and it has that very accessible YA rhythm where you can easily read large chunks at a time. I think younger readers are going to really connect with the emotional beats and the relationship dynamics. There is a clear focus on feelings, reactions, and personal stakes, which makes it very relatable for that age group.
Where it worked best for me was in the way it captured that intense teenage perspective. Everything feels immediate. Everything feels big. The internal conflicts are front and center. There is something very honest about that. It does not overcomplicate the narrative with too many layers. It stays focused on the emotional core.
That said, because I went in expecting something a little different, I found myself wanting just a bit more depth in certain areas. Some plot elements felt lighter than I anticipated, and I kept waiting for a turn or escalation that did not quite go as far as I thought it would. It stayed safe within the YA framework rather than pushing into darker or more complex territory.
Still, I can absolutely see the appeal. It is readable, engaging, and structured well for its target audience. The characters carry the story, and if you are in the mood for something quick with emotional pull, this delivers.
For me personally, it landed at a 3.5. I rounded up because I do think it accomplishes what it sets out to do, especially for YA readers. It just was not the direction I mentally prepared for.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially to younger YA readers or anyone looking for a fast, emotionally driven story that is easy to get through in a short amount of time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for the ARC.
📝 Short Summary
This is a fast paced YA story that leans into emotional tension, identity, and personal stakes in a way that makes it incredibly readable. It is character driven, easy to sink into, and built for younger readers who want drama, connection, and forward momentum without heavy complexity.
Review
Going into this, I genuinely thought it was going to be something else. I expected a certain tone and direction, and what I got surprised me. It ended up being much more grounded in the YA lane than I anticipated. That is not a bad thing, but it definitely shifted how I experienced it.
This was a quick read for me. The pacing moves fast, the chapters are digestible, and it has that very accessible YA rhythm where you can easily read large chunks at a time. I think younger readers are going to really connect with the emotional beats and the relationship dynamics. There is a clear focus on feelings, reactions, and personal stakes, which makes it very relatable for that age group.
Where it worked best for me was in the way it captured that intense teenage perspective. Everything feels immediate. Everything feels big. The internal conflicts are front and center. There is something very honest about that. It does not overcomplicate the narrative with too many layers. It stays focused on the emotional core.
That said, because I went in expecting something a little different, I found myself wanting just a bit more depth in certain areas. Some plot elements felt lighter than I anticipated, and I kept waiting for a turn or escalation that did not quite go as far as I thought it would. It stayed safe within the YA framework rather than pushing into darker or more complex territory.
Still, I can absolutely see the appeal. It is readable, engaging, and structured well for its target audience. The characters carry the story, and if you are in the mood for something quick with emotional pull, this delivers.
For me personally, it landed at a 3.5. I rounded up because I do think it accomplishes what it sets out to do, especially for YA readers. It just was not the direction I mentally prepared for.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially to younger YA readers or anyone looking for a fast, emotionally driven story that is easy to get through in a short amount of time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this story! Bree, our heroine, is a bit of a loner in high school. She's an artsy kid who only really talks to her boyfriend, Devin, but she's haunted by the specter of her former friendship with Madison Pembroke. They used to be best friends before Bree's dad was arrested and her family lost everything, but now, Madison is the most popular girl in school, flanked by her friends, Everly, Chet, and Mark. Every year, Madison throughs a huge party in the VR world of Ametrine, which was created for her by her tech developer parents. Anything can happen in the VR world, so invitations are highly coveted. Since it's senior year, this one will be the last of high school, so students across all walks of life are hoping to score a spiral key that signals the door to their adventure. Bree is crestfallen when Devin receives a key and seems to want to go, but, after a brief non-hostile interaction, Bree receives a key of her own. Hoping for a reconciliation, Bree goes to the party but finds out that Madison's motives may be a lot more sinister than she originally perceived. When it turns out that Madison and her family have been collecting data to train the AI from their social media app, Hive Mind, as well as other more surreptitious surveillance, the situation becomes even worse. Bree didn't think the party would end up in a fight for her life, but things that happen in the VR world aren't real, right?
Bree is a likable, flawed heroine. The story is told from her perspective, but the VR world enables us to see Madison's side of things, and Bree has to take an introspective look at her previous behavior. This helps Bree gain some closure over the "death" of their friendship - while Madison may not have been perfect, neither was Bree, and maybe it was better that they grew apart. It's a story of growth, how hurt feelings can snowball, and how everything has two sides. There's suspense, a cool take on a VR world, and lots of high school drama, so fans of any of those will definitely enjoy this story.
Bree is a likable, flawed heroine. The story is told from her perspective, but the VR world enables us to see Madison's side of things, and Bree has to take an introspective look at her previous behavior. This helps Bree gain some closure over the "death" of their friendship - while Madison may not have been perfect, neither was Bree, and maybe it was better that they grew apart. It's a story of growth, how hurt feelings can snowball, and how everything has two sides. There's suspense, a cool take on a VR world, and lots of high school drama, so fans of any of those will definitely enjoy this story.
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