What do you think?
Rate this book
A Dance of Dragons #1.5
The Silver Key
From bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis comes the second companion novella to the thrilling A Dance of Dragons series—perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Graceling, and Game of Thrones!
Weeks have passed since King Razzaq discovered Princess Leena’s affair and banished her lover from the kingdom. So when Mikza suddenly appears in the golden palace, chained and bound, Leena is floored. Even more mysterious is the man he travels with—a redheaded prince of Whylkin.
Unable to control her curiosity, Leena follows the strange convoy, hiding in the shadows as they meet with her father. But what she witnesses will the change the course of her life, and the world, forever.
Taking place parallel to the events in THE SHADOW SOUL, read Leena’s side of the story as she teams up with Jinji to save Rhen’s life and seeks to escape her father’s hold once and for all.
Weeks have passed since King Razzaq discovered Princess Leena’s affair and banished her lover from the kingdom. So when Mikza suddenly appears in the golden palace, chained and bound, Leena is floored. Even more mysterious is the man he travels with—a redheaded prince of Whylkin.
Unable to control her curiosity, Leena follows the strange convoy, hiding in the shadows as they meet with her father. But what she witnesses will the change the course of her life, and the world, forever.
Taking place parallel to the events in THE SHADOW SOUL, read Leena’s side of the story as she teams up with Jinji to save Rhen’s life and seeks to escape her father’s hold once and for all.
79 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 30, 2014
About the author
Kaitlyn Davis
51 books1,711 followersBestselling author Kaitlyn Davis writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. Publishers Weekly has said, "Davis writes with confidence and poise," while USA Today has recommended her work as "must-read romance."
To learn more about her contemporary romance novels, visit her Goodreads author page for Kay Marie here: https://www.goodreads.com/Kay_Marie
Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found playing fetch with her puppy, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com
Sign up for Kaitlyn's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of her new releases and more! http://bit.ly/AuthorNewsletter
Like her on Facebook here: Facebook.com/KaitlynDavisBooks
Follow her on Instagram here: Instagram.com/kaitlyndavisbooks/
To learn more about her contemporary romance novels, visit her Goodreads author page for Kay Marie here: https://www.goodreads.com/Kay_Marie
Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found playing fetch with her puppy, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com
Sign up for Kaitlyn's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of her new releases and more! http://bit.ly/AuthorNewsletter
Like her on Facebook here: Facebook.com/KaitlynDavisBooks
Follow her on Instagram here: Instagram.com/kaitlyndavisbooks/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 3, 2015
Loved it am really addicted to this brilliant series.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I feel quite addicted to reading this book, Due to feeling unwell I felt I had slipped into a bit of the equivalent to writers block but for readers, "reader's block". This series has yanked me right out of that rut and right back into a reading frenzy! The only thing that made me hesitate regarding reading this novella was the fact it was re-telling part of the story within book one but from a different point of view. I also enjoyed the first novella and it's content did not prevent me from enjoying book one so I hoping this novella will create a similar experience. If anything it makes you think more deeply about the events that are told from two different character points of view.
MY REVIEW
I purchased this one, the minute I had finished the last word of book one and literally dove straight into it! The cover is similar in style to the first novella of the series "The Golden Cage". As the novella is told from Princess Leenaka's point of view. The Silver Key is in the same blue colours which is effective in drawing the eye to it, and really fitting as Princess Leenaka can wield the elemental power of water. In fact when Jin looks at her, jin can see waves of water wrapping all around her, quite similar to the way Jin see's fire and flames licking around Rhen when she looks at him.
So would the cover make me pick this one up from a book store shelf? Yes I would. To be honest I would pick up any book by Kaitlyn Davis for a closer look now!
Normally I will review what I have read before moving onto the next read, with this I didn't. Another thing I didn't do, that I normally do was take review notes. All I did with this series was write down the occasional name and/or spelling of names. This novella takes place parallel to certain parts of The Shadow Soul. This novella retells events from Princess Leenaka's point of view. It does honestly give you insight from another prospective. So this retells the facts about Rhen being held prisoner by King Rafaaq and again shows us how cruel the Ourthurian King is! We learn why Leenaka wants to help Jin & Rhen and the fact she also asks for help. Leenaka wants to know is Rhen and the kingdom of Whylkin will offer her sanctuary and a safe place to flee if she can escape her father. This novella goes into how much she misses her beloved Mikza. She finds it horrific when Prince Rhen returns to the palace with Mikza and her father simply kills him and the others with him. It really does break her heart, yet at the same time gives her the push to vow that she will escape her father. Leenaka has to choose her time of escape carefully as she will only get one chance and the only person she has any trust left in is the royal guard Tam who was friends with Mikza. Tam helps as he too misses his dear friend Mikza and can see the king is actually unwarranted in his treatment of Leenaka. I won't go into how she attempts to escape, or if she does escape you need to read this brilliant series for yourself. I will say that Leenaka hiding in plain sight as Jinji did is not an option for the Princess. Princess Leenaka cannot disguise herself as a boy as Jinji did as she has a more womanly figure. Leenaka can also not just wear different clothes, as all clothes in Ourthuri leave a persons arms bare to display their class tattoo's. Leenaka's tattoos will be a highly recognisable thing no matter where she travels. Can Leenaka somehow harness her affinity with water to aid in her escape? Can Tam be truly trusted? Would he risk his life as Mikza did for her?
So did I enjoy the novella? I really did, if this novella. I sped through it in no time. Would I recommend the novella? Yes, even though you may read the blurb and think that the novella is "only from another point of view", but I have to say,it is well worth reading there are always nuances and snippets that you perhaps missed, or that make you think about something, an event or incident from a different prospective. Would I read another book/novella in this series? Yes, I am now desperate to read The Spirit Heir! I have to find out the personal bits and pieces such as what happened to Leenaka, as well as find out what has been happening with/to Rhen & Jinji. Then there's the larger plot of the impending war, and the whole evil "shadow" that is rampaging around killing people quite simply because it can. Would I read other titles by Kaitlyn Davis? I intend to. I'd like to try her other series.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I feel quite addicted to reading this book, Due to feeling unwell I felt I had slipped into a bit of the equivalent to writers block but for readers, "reader's block". This series has yanked me right out of that rut and right back into a reading frenzy! The only thing that made me hesitate regarding reading this novella was the fact it was re-telling part of the story within book one but from a different point of view. I also enjoyed the first novella and it's content did not prevent me from enjoying book one so I hoping this novella will create a similar experience. If anything it makes you think more deeply about the events that are told from two different character points of view.
MY REVIEW
I purchased this one, the minute I had finished the last word of book one and literally dove straight into it! The cover is similar in style to the first novella of the series "The Golden Cage". As the novella is told from Princess Leenaka's point of view. The Silver Key is in the same blue colours which is effective in drawing the eye to it, and really fitting as Princess Leenaka can wield the elemental power of water. In fact when Jin looks at her, jin can see waves of water wrapping all around her, quite similar to the way Jin see's fire and flames licking around Rhen when she looks at him.
So would the cover make me pick this one up from a book store shelf? Yes I would. To be honest I would pick up any book by Kaitlyn Davis for a closer look now!
Normally I will review what I have read before moving onto the next read, with this I didn't. Another thing I didn't do, that I normally do was take review notes. All I did with this series was write down the occasional name and/or spelling of names. This novella takes place parallel to certain parts of The Shadow Soul. This novella retells events from Princess Leenaka's point of view. It does honestly give you insight from another prospective. So this retells the facts about Rhen being held prisoner by King Rafaaq and again shows us how cruel the Ourthurian King is! We learn why Leenaka wants to help Jin & Rhen and the fact she also asks for help. Leenaka wants to know is Rhen and the kingdom of Whylkin will offer her sanctuary and a safe place to flee if she can escape her father. This novella goes into how much she misses her beloved Mikza. She finds it horrific when Prince Rhen returns to the palace with Mikza and her father simply kills him and the others with him. It really does break her heart, yet at the same time gives her the push to vow that she will escape her father. Leenaka has to choose her time of escape carefully as she will only get one chance and the only person she has any trust left in is the royal guard Tam who was friends with Mikza. Tam helps as he too misses his dear friend Mikza and can see the king is actually unwarranted in his treatment of Leenaka. I won't go into how she attempts to escape, or if she does escape you need to read this brilliant series for yourself. I will say that Leenaka hiding in plain sight as Jinji did is not an option for the Princess. Princess Leenaka cannot disguise herself as a boy as Jinji did as she has a more womanly figure. Leenaka can also not just wear different clothes, as all clothes in Ourthuri leave a persons arms bare to display their class tattoo's. Leenaka's tattoos will be a highly recognisable thing no matter where she travels. Can Leenaka somehow harness her affinity with water to aid in her escape? Can Tam be truly trusted? Would he risk his life as Mikza did for her?
So did I enjoy the novella? I really did, if this novella. I sped through it in no time. Would I recommend the novella? Yes, even though you may read the blurb and think that the novella is "only from another point of view", but I have to say,it is well worth reading there are always nuances and snippets that you perhaps missed, or that make you think about something, an event or incident from a different prospective. Would I read another book/novella in this series? Yes, I am now desperate to read The Spirit Heir! I have to find out the personal bits and pieces such as what happened to Leenaka, as well as find out what has been happening with/to Rhen & Jinji. Then there's the larger plot of the impending war, and the whole evil "shadow" that is rampaging around killing people quite simply because it can. Would I read other titles by Kaitlyn Davis? I intend to. I'd like to try her other series.
January 8, 2026
Well, this a nice fantasy novel.
December 12, 2015
It has been weeks since King Razzaq banished Mikza, Princess Leena’s love, from the kingdom. Leena is very surprised by his sudden appearance with a red-headed prince from their neighbouring kingdom Whylkin. Her curiosity gets the best of her and she follows them but what she sees and who she meets will change the world.
The Silver Key is the enjoyable sequel novella, which is the POV of Leena when Rhen and Jin go to Ourthuro. Similar to The Golden Cage, even though this book is not long it has a lot of story in it.
I feel very sorry for Leena in this book but it does not stop her from helping people and she is still the same person from the previous book who is willing to give up everything to do what is right.
The Silver Key is a really good novella and gives us a glimpse at what will happen in the next book in this series The Spirit Heir. I would recommend The Silver Key to fans of the other books in this series.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
The Silver Key is the enjoyable sequel novella, which is the POV of Leena when Rhen and Jin go to Ourthuro. Similar to The Golden Cage, even though this book is not long it has a lot of story in it.
I feel very sorry for Leena in this book but it does not stop her from helping people and she is still the same person from the previous book who is willing to give up everything to do what is right.
The Silver Key is a really good novella and gives us a glimpse at what will happen in the next book in this series The Spirit Heir. I would recommend The Silver Key to fans of the other books in this series.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
February 6, 2017
On to book 2! I can't get enough of this series!!
December 19, 2022
This was definitely a roller coaster ride for me.
Princess Leenaka or Leena as we read went through so much in this one.
Started with seeing her one love after they thought would never see each other to seeing him die.
Her running away from castle, after helping the Whylkin Prince and the girl with magic who impersonated Mikza, but having to return back to the evil place she can't even call her home.
Throwing Mikza's ashes into the wind but not being able to cry anymore.
Preparing for a marriage she sure would not be happy with or even get a little respect from her.
Getting attacked by the Shadow but living and finally running away being under cover of her one true friend, water.
This one was great.
So glad to see this spin-off story of Leena.
Princess Leenaka or Leena as we read went through so much in this one.
Started with seeing her one love after they thought would never see each other to seeing him die.
Her running away from castle, after helping the Whylkin Prince and the girl with magic who impersonated Mikza, but having to return back to the evil place she can't even call her home.
Throwing Mikza's ashes into the wind but not being able to cry anymore.
Preparing for a marriage she sure would not be happy with or even get a little respect from her.
Getting attacked by the Shadow but living and finally running away being under cover of her one true friend, water.
This one was great.
So glad to see this spin-off story of Leena.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
1.5. A continued story of Leena from 0.5 ‘The Golden Cage’.
Starts with Princess Leena of Ourthuro seeing that her lost love Mikza was in the palace, but chained and an unmarked slave. Basically, the scenes of Rhen’s visit to Ourthuro and after from Leena’s POV. I love it. So brave.
Fave scene: Leena in the wind on the balcony and her dive.
Starts with Princess Leena of Ourthuro seeing that her lost love Mikza was in the palace, but chained and an unmarked slave. Basically, the scenes of Rhen’s visit to Ourthuro and after from Leena’s POV. I love it. So brave.
Fave scene: Leena in the wind on the balcony and her dive.
July 27, 2019
Obvious
Never saw anything about a silver key. It was way beyond obvious that all that a air breathing princess needed to do way escape to the ocean. Once in the ocean she would be free from the overbearing fiance and the cruel father that cared only for his son.
Never saw anything about a silver key. It was way beyond obvious that all that a air breathing princess needed to do way escape to the ocean. Once in the ocean she would be free from the overbearing fiance and the cruel father that cared only for his son.
August 10, 2017
It was good. A little whinny at times but looking forward to the next book
April 28, 2019
A Princess defying not only her father but the King. Hoping to make a difference, to make a better life for her people.
July 1, 2020
This is a short book that acts as a bridge. It tells of Leena's escape from her metal island home after the man she loves is killed by her father. It was a very emotional book.
Read
June 1, 2024I clearly missed something as I read others' reviews. 🤷♀️
April 18, 2017
Review of book 0.5
Review of book 1
This review can also be found on my blog
Well, I would guess they would want to make that choice for themselves instead of a sad, spoiled princess making it for them but what do I know? After all they are just peasants. And non-noble characters are just there for the canon-fodder (and to make Leena feel a bit bad on occasions). Noble men are just there to remind us constantly that this society treats women horribly. As in 'let's take the worst of every really existing society and mix in some bad dystopias'-horribly. Which is a) annoying because come on. This is fantasy. You can make up everything and come up with women being utterly worthless? and b)
Because this society is clearly based on a middle-eastern/Arab one and in the previous book we saw the white guys treat their women better (still not equal but definitely better) and I'm just saying the author should have thought more about their world-building.
Now when it comes to noble women: we only see Leena. Who invented feminism. And who is still the only one who sees something wrong with this society. Other women are just too vapid and silly for that. At least that's what I assume since no other women is even mentioned (except Tragically Dead Mom(TM)). Leena has no friends, isn't close to her sisters...nothing.
Ugh.
Review of book 1
This review can also be found on my blog
What do you think the men fighting these battles would want? To live, knowing they helped my father destroy thousands of lives? Or to die at the hands of something greater?
Well, I would guess they would want to make that choice for themselves instead of a sad, spoiled princess making it for them but what do I know? After all they are just peasants. And non-noble characters are just there for the canon-fodder (and to make Leena feel a bit bad on occasions). Noble men are just there to remind us constantly that this society treats women horribly. As in 'let's take the worst of every really existing society and mix in some bad dystopias'-horribly. Which is a) annoying because come on. This is fantasy. You can make up everything and come up with women being utterly worthless? and b)
Because this society is clearly based on a middle-eastern/Arab one and in the previous book we saw the white guys treat their women better (still not equal but definitely better) and I'm just saying the author should have thought more about their world-building.
Now when it comes to noble women: we only see Leena. Who invented feminism. And who is still the only one who sees something wrong with this society. Other women are just too vapid and silly for that. At least that's what I assume since no other women is even mentioned (except Tragically Dead Mom(TM)). Leena has no friends, isn't close to her sisters...nothing.
Ugh.
February 20, 2016
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
When I started reading The Shadow Soul, the first book in the A Dance of Dragons series, I was surprised to find that the main character from the prequel story didn't appear until way in the story. This second short story in the series, focusses back on Leena, when she meets Jinji and also afterwards, lighting the other side of the war.
While very short it was a fast and entertaining read. I like Leena as a character more than Jinji and Rhen, so it's a shame we only get to see so little of her. I suppose, but as of writing this review I'm not sure yet, that the events in this story are foreshadowing what is going to happen in the second book of the series, The Spirit Soul, which I have just started reading.
If you're reading this series, I would recommend not skipping the short stories.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
When I started reading The Shadow Soul, the first book in the A Dance of Dragons series, I was surprised to find that the main character from the prequel story didn't appear until way in the story. This second short story in the series, focusses back on Leena, when she meets Jinji and also afterwards, lighting the other side of the war.
While very short it was a fast and entertaining read. I like Leena as a character more than Jinji and Rhen, so it's a shame we only get to see so little of her. I suppose, but as of writing this review I'm not sure yet, that the events in this story are foreshadowing what is going to happen in the second book of the series, The Spirit Soul, which I have just started reading.
If you're reading this series, I would recommend not skipping the short stories.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 1, 2015
Full review can also be found on: Paein and Ms4Tune’s Book Blog
Set almost right after The Golden Cage, this details leading up to and including Leena's POV on the meeting with Jinji, but it doesn't end there it keeps on going and builds the foundation for her part to come in The Spirit Heir (or so I assume). Far more sad than The Golden Cage, it also contains more hope. Basically, be nice to people, even the weakest, most timid of all might just find their backbone and bite you on the butt.
August 1, 2015
Devoured.
As we dive into Leena's world, we watch the heartbreaking moment unfold when she last sees Mizka and learn the events that propel her forward. Gripping. Emotional. I'm screaming for Leena's success. Can't way to find out how these novellas wrap together with book 2 in the series, A Dance of Dragons.
As we dive into Leena's world, we watch the heartbreaking moment unfold when she last sees Mizka and learn the events that propel her forward. Gripping. Emotional. I'm screaming for Leena's success. Can't way to find out how these novellas wrap together with book 2 in the series, A Dance of Dragons.
November 18, 2015
I am continuing on my journey through Kaitlyns Dance Of Dragons Series...This one ( The Silver Key) was so fantastic! I'm amazed at how I am pulled in so intensely to these stories! I usually go into some detail on the characters and story line but I'm so excited to start the next book this review will be shorter.
You must start this series! It's Storytelling at its best!!!!
You must start this series! It's Storytelling at its best!!!!
January 30, 2016
So I feel like these novellas get in the way of the real story but i wont lie I am enjoying it. it gives a bit more context to the story.
This one just gives an insight to the story from Princess Leenaka's point of view and how she meets jinji and aids the escape of the prince. We all know she is bent on bringing her father down but will she be able to do that on her own?
This one just gives an insight to the story from Princess Leenaka's point of view and how she meets jinji and aids the escape of the prince. We all know she is bent on bringing her father down but will she be able to do that on her own?
March 4, 2015
This is the next part of Leena's story. I really do not like the King. He is a terrible, terrible person! I don't blame he at all doing everything possible to get away from him. Sad about Tam, but great layers to the story
February 22, 2016
Short story, partially redundant as it is a parallel story. We get to see the interaction between the Princess Leena and Jinji in the princesses view point. I love being in the princess's view point because she is so emotional and passionate.
June 14, 2015
The new novella is going up for pre-order now!! Can't wait for you read the newest installment of Princess Leena's tale!
April 24, 2015
Good
Good, it is a good fantasy novel. It is ok for teen reading, imagination and dreams galore, romance, but clean, a little blood and guts.
Good, it is a good fantasy novel. It is ok for teen reading, imagination and dreams galore, romance, but clean, a little blood and guts.
July 28, 2015
It was very good. Now on to book 2
March 12, 2016
Too much repetition with other books in series.
April 16, 2015
loved it! on to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews