What do you think?
Rate this book
Skeleton Key #10
Into Elurien
Out of plans and out of luck…Hazel Walsh left her island home three years ago, determined never to return. But when a series of misfortunes leave her homeless and heartbroken, she has no option but to drag herself back to a place she fears will strangle her. On her way, she stops for the night at the Old Brook Inn. It’s a place of local myth and legend—things that Hazel hasn’t believed in since she was a child. When she finds a strange key in the attic and tries it in a locked door, she suddenly wishes she’d paid more attention to the fantasy stories she once scoffed at.She’s thrown into a world in the midst of revolution, where monsters have overthrown the humans who once enslaved them. All of them, that is, except Verelle, the cruel sorceress queen who vanished at the moment of Hazel’s arrival. If Hazel wants to have any chance of surviving and making it back to her own world, she’ll have to join forces with the amalgus Zinian—horned, winged, mysterious, and monstrously attractive—to unravel the mystery of Verelle’s disappearance. If they can't, the fates of two worlds may be at stake.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2016
15 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 20, 2016
I loved this! This whole series is just so great, and I love reading these books! Into Elurien by Kate Sparkes is part of the Skeleton Key series, where each book is written by a different author, but all stories feature a skeleton key that leads the characters to a unique, interesting world! So much fun to read!
In Into Elurien, Hazel is returning to her hometown after her life hasn't exactly gone according to her plans, so she's a bit aimless, and is sort of dreading being back in her hometown. Hazel ends up at an inn, and discovers a skeleton key in the inn's attic, and once she uses the key she is transported to a world where humans have been enslaving "monsters", but when Hazel arrives the "monsters" are staging an uprising against the humans because of how awful they have been treated by the humans, so Hazel's arrival isn't exactly a welcome thing in the eyes of the "monsters". Also, when Hazel arrived, the evil leader Verelle disappeared, and the "monsters" want revenge upon her for the years and years of servitude she forced on them with magic. Hazel needs to find out a way to survive in this new world she finds herself in, and she needs to decide if she can trust some unique individuals.
Hazel was excellent! I really liked reading in her POV! She thinks things through and she has some feistiness, which I love! And, she handled the whole situation wonderfully, and I loved that she was willing to be open minded, and see the good in things that may be difficult to accept. I love that there are all types of creatures in this new world, and I enjoyed the friendship between Hazel and Auphel; Auphel is a female ogre! The romance was really great and so sweet! I wanted more, but I'm a romance fiend, so I always want more! Zinian is adorably wonderful, and I love that he has wings and horns! I've always loved the sort of anti-hero hero. I love Hazel and Zinian!
Kate Sparkes writing really drew me into the Elurien world, and I was engrossed in the story the whole time, and didn't want to put the book down till I finished! The flow of the story was seamless, and the story felt full and satisfying to me. I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by Kate Sparkes!
August 10, 2016
This book is one part Narnia, one part Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and two parts Where the Wild Things Are, if those were written for adults with a social justice bent. You’ll have to trust me when I say that’s a good thing.
Whatever it was I expected when I picked this up, it was flung out the window as soon as I turned the first page. The set-up takes a bit, but it’s worth it for drawing out the sinister and mysterious atmosphere. I kept wondering when Hazel might disappear into the other dimension. I loved the way all throughout, the tension builds to the violent apex of the showdown with Verelle.
Of late, a number of excellent books and movies have taken a crack at themes such as racism, classism, and other forms of societal oppression. Add this book to the list. The turbulence between the Monsters and the Humans is central to the plot, particularly how Verelle has manipulated the humans’ holy texts to her own ends and led them to commit unspeakable acts against the monsters. Hazel’s journey from defensive (“not all humans”) to understanding to actively taking part in the revolution will feel familiar to anyone who has worked in real-world activism as an ally.
There is also an underlying tone of faith and spirituality, especially with regard to the sacred text Hazel discovers. What I like is that it never feels preachy or as though it’s trying too hard to be an allegory. This paints a vivid word picture of what happens when holy writings fall into hands with the power to use them to do great harm. Although the story reaches different conclusions from what some readers might, it’s at least a call for us to examine our own beliefs and how they might affect the people around us.
I loved the characters. As much as I appreciated Hazel, and as good a narrator I felt she was, I liked many of the other characters as much or more. Of course I loved Zinian, but Auphel was my favorite. There were a number of others I liked as well, but I can’t say too much because I’m afraid it might be spoilers. I’ll leave it that these characters are fully formed—they are not props for Hazel’s transformation from hateful to helpful. Hazel already is who she is, and her journey is about finding the power to use it for good. Nor is it about the monsters learning that some humans are good. Their fight is about finding and vanquishing Verelle. It’s not a light, sweet, feel-good story about acceptance or tolerance; this is a tale about taking an entire community to bring down the real beast.
The writing is superb, flawless from start to finish. I was drawn in, and I admit to reverting to my childhood book-under-the-covers and staying up far too late reading so I could find out what happened next. What an incredible journey.
For brilliant writing, a cast of memorable characters, and a serving of social justice, this gets 5 stars
Whatever it was I expected when I picked this up, it was flung out the window as soon as I turned the first page. The set-up takes a bit, but it’s worth it for drawing out the sinister and mysterious atmosphere. I kept wondering when Hazel might disappear into the other dimension. I loved the way all throughout, the tension builds to the violent apex of the showdown with Verelle.
Of late, a number of excellent books and movies have taken a crack at themes such as racism, classism, and other forms of societal oppression. Add this book to the list. The turbulence between the Monsters and the Humans is central to the plot, particularly how Verelle has manipulated the humans’ holy texts to her own ends and led them to commit unspeakable acts against the monsters. Hazel’s journey from defensive (“not all humans”) to understanding to actively taking part in the revolution will feel familiar to anyone who has worked in real-world activism as an ally.
There is also an underlying tone of faith and spirituality, especially with regard to the sacred text Hazel discovers. What I like is that it never feels preachy or as though it’s trying too hard to be an allegory. This paints a vivid word picture of what happens when holy writings fall into hands with the power to use them to do great harm. Although the story reaches different conclusions from what some readers might, it’s at least a call for us to examine our own beliefs and how they might affect the people around us.
I loved the characters. As much as I appreciated Hazel, and as good a narrator I felt she was, I liked many of the other characters as much or more. Of course I loved Zinian, but Auphel was my favorite. There were a number of others I liked as well, but I can’t say too much because I’m afraid it might be spoilers. I’ll leave it that these characters are fully formed—they are not props for Hazel’s transformation from hateful to helpful. Hazel already is who she is, and her journey is about finding the power to use it for good. Nor is it about the monsters learning that some humans are good. Their fight is about finding and vanquishing Verelle. It’s not a light, sweet, feel-good story about acceptance or tolerance; this is a tale about taking an entire community to bring down the real beast.
The writing is superb, flawless from start to finish. I was drawn in, and I admit to reverting to my childhood book-under-the-covers and staying up far too late reading so I could find out what happened next. What an incredible journey.
For brilliant writing, a cast of memorable characters, and a serving of social justice, this gets 5 stars
June 15, 2016
I have loved everything this author has written and this was no exception. She writes the most incredible complex characters even the secondary characters are well done. The main character Hazel is likable, quirky and funny. And I won't spoil Zinian's introduction as it is one of my favorite moments in the book. I will just say get ready to be surprised and charmed. This book was really good as it was different than anything I've recently read. The plot is unique and even though it isn't a long book it is a very detailed, well rounded, and a satisfying read. It is refreshing to read a story that is not part of a series but still provides all the excitement of reading one. This book has a little bit for everyone; mystery, action, a touch of magic, and romance which it balances perfectly. The plot is exciting and the pacing perfect. The romance is a lot more *steamy* than in her past novels but I have no complaints there as it was tastefully done and it was nice to read something a little more New Adult without giving up the fantasy elements. The descriptions of the setting were vivid and I felt like I had stepped into the story. I always love to escape into a different world when I’m reading but few books provide this experience but this one did which made me love it even more. The writing is excellent as always and even though I loved the ending I always want more from this author and can not wait to see what she writes next.
* Thank you to the author for providing me the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book. *
* Thank you to the author for providing me the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book. *
July 29, 2016
I was told about this series from a friend of mine, I read on a Amazon review ' one part Narnia, one part Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and two parts Where the Wild Things Are', and this told me that I would like this book as well as my friend saying I would. I wasn't sure at first if there was an order to this series, but found that it was not the typical 'series' that I was used to. I love the idea that each author writes about this one 'Skeleton Key'. This book kept me interested, and on edge. I loved everything about it, the characters, the story, and the fact that I felt like I was actually sitting on the edge of the whole scene. Hazel, Auphel and Zinian were by far my favorite characters. Once I started, I found that I couldn't stop reading the book, I had to know what was next. I didn't have any feeling that yep, knew that was going to happen. So far this is my favorite of the Series.
June 15, 2016
What a fantastic twist on the usual monsters versus humans! I also loved the fact that although I couldn't put it down it took a few days to read showing great substance to the book. The characters are deep and and very much part of the attraction to the book as well as the storyline which is interesting, gripping and different from the 'norm' for this genre. A definite must read in my humble opinion.
This is a fair and honest review for an ARC.
This is a fair and honest review for an ARC.
January 19, 2019
This novella, part of a multi-author series based on portal romantic fantasies that all begin with a skeleton key (neat idea!), left me wanting to see more of this world and the characters.
Hazel is heading home in disgrace after a failed relationship when a stormy night and an unreliable car force her to stop at a local Inn. She can't sleep and goes wandering around the Inn, ending up in an off-limits Attic (who would do that?! headstrong, stubborn Hazel, evidently) where she finds a beautiful glass key in an old trunk.
That key happens to fit an unusual wooden door in the corner, and like Alice in Wonderful, Hazel falls down a hole into another land - the world of Elurien. But Elurien is populated by monsters - furry, fanged, winged or otherwise - currently throwing over their human oppressors, and the human ruler - evil Queen Verelle - has travelled through the door into Hazel's world, to wreak havoc there instead.
Elurien may be a fairy tale world, but it is far from perfect. This is a very loose retelling of "Beauty and the Beast", with Hazel in the role of Beauty and Elurien monster Zinian in the role of Beast (with his blue skin, bat wings, fangs and ram-horn bedecked head).
I was so excited to read a book set in my home province of Newfoundland that was different, and didn't rely on familiar tropes and exaggerated dialect. I liked it for that alone, but Hazel and her determination were also admirable. I do think events were way too compressed, which is not uncommon in a novella (for example ) but overall Sparkes has a compelling sort of writing that kept me reading.
Overall, this is a love story with a happy ending, a fun and quick read.
Hazel is heading home in disgrace after a failed relationship when a stormy night and an unreliable car force her to stop at a local Inn. She can't sleep and goes wandering around the Inn, ending up in an off-limits Attic (who would do that?! headstrong, stubborn Hazel, evidently) where she finds a beautiful glass key in an old trunk.
That key happens to fit an unusual wooden door in the corner, and like Alice in Wonderful, Hazel falls down a hole into another land - the world of Elurien. But Elurien is populated by monsters - furry, fanged, winged or otherwise - currently throwing over their human oppressors, and the human ruler - evil Queen Verelle - has travelled through the door into Hazel's world, to wreak havoc there instead.
Elurien may be a fairy tale world, but it is far from perfect. This is a very loose retelling of "Beauty and the Beast", with Hazel in the role of Beauty and Elurien monster Zinian in the role of Beast (with his blue skin, bat wings, fangs and ram-horn bedecked head).
I was so excited to read a book set in my home province of Newfoundland that was different, and didn't rely on familiar tropes and exaggerated dialect. I liked it for that alone, but Hazel and her determination were also admirable. I do think events were way too compressed, which is not uncommon in a novella (for example ) but overall Sparkes has a compelling sort of writing that kept me reading.
Overall, this is a love story with a happy ending, a fun and quick read.
March 13, 2017
Interesting, if a bit generic and bland
Her first series "Bound" was much better, and this was a disappointing in comparison. That being said, the book itself was fine. Nothing great and amazing , but nothing that I hated it couldn't stand either. Overall, a decent book but it was a little slow and uninteresting (it took 3-4 days to read because I kept putting it down).
Her first series "Bound" was much better, and this was a disappointing in comparison. That being said, the book itself was fine. Nothing great and amazing , but nothing that I hated it couldn't stand either. Overall, a decent book but it was a little slow and uninteresting (it took 3-4 days to read because I kept putting it down).
October 10, 2017
I liked this book a lot. A young woman is unwillingly returning to her childhood home on an island off Newfoundland after an unsuccessful sojourn on the mainland. Shortly after her arrival she abruptly enters another world, Elurien, inhabited by human-hating monsters. It becomes a story of friendship, love, survival and adventure, driven along by an action-filled plot.
September 25, 2017
such a fun read
June 7, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. I definitely got attached to the characters. Great book.
Definitely need to read more of them. Thank you for the autographed book.
Definitely need to read more of them. Thank you for the autographed book.
July 31, 2016
Four stars for Into Elurien by Kate Sparkes
Genre: #Paranormal, #Romance, #Action, #Drama, #Fantasy
Series: The skeleton Key
Audience: Adults
Disclaimer: I was given the book for an honest review.
Conclusion:
This is a sweet action fantasy. You follow Hazel as her perception of what is important chance, while her sense of right and wrong stays the same. In a world where monsters and humans were supposed to live in pease, there are no peace but war. Can one human teach monsters, that not all humans are bad, but that some thinks monsters are beautiful? It's a book about love and war, that challenges what we perceives as monstrous. I found the book intriguing with the complex world the author created. It's an interesting read that will keep you on your toes from start to finish. As all of the books in the skeleton key series, this book is a standalone read. I warmly recommend it to others.
Synopsis (official from Amazon):
Out of plans and out of luck…
Hazel Walsh left her island home three years ago, determined never to return. But when a series of misfortunes leave her homeless and heartbroken, she has no option but to drag herself back to a place she fears will strangle her. On her way, she stops for the night at the Old Brook Inn. It’s a place of local myth and legend—things that Hazel hasn’t believed in since she was a child. When she finds a strange key in the attic and tries it in a locked door, she suddenly wishes she’d paid more attention to the fantasy stories she once scoffed at.
She’s thrown into a world in the midst of revolution, where monsters have overthrown the humans who once enslaved them. All of them, that is, except Verelle, the cruel sorceress queen who vanished at the moment of Hazel’s arrival. If Hazel wants to have any chance of surviving and making it back to her own world, she’ll have to join forces with the amalgus Zinian—horned, winged, mysterious, and monstrously attractive—to unravel the mystery of Verelle’s disappearance. If they can't, the fates of two worlds may be at stake.
Genre: #Paranormal, #Romance, #Action, #Drama, #Fantasy
Series: The skeleton Key
Audience: Adults
Disclaimer: I was given the book for an honest review.
Conclusion:
This is a sweet action fantasy. You follow Hazel as her perception of what is important chance, while her sense of right and wrong stays the same. In a world where monsters and humans were supposed to live in pease, there are no peace but war. Can one human teach monsters, that not all humans are bad, but that some thinks monsters are beautiful? It's a book about love and war, that challenges what we perceives as monstrous. I found the book intriguing with the complex world the author created. It's an interesting read that will keep you on your toes from start to finish. As all of the books in the skeleton key series, this book is a standalone read. I warmly recommend it to others.
Synopsis (official from Amazon):
Out of plans and out of luck…
Hazel Walsh left her island home three years ago, determined never to return. But when a series of misfortunes leave her homeless and heartbroken, she has no option but to drag herself back to a place she fears will strangle her. On her way, she stops for the night at the Old Brook Inn. It’s a place of local myth and legend—things that Hazel hasn’t believed in since she was a child. When she finds a strange key in the attic and tries it in a locked door, she suddenly wishes she’d paid more attention to the fantasy stories she once scoffed at.
She’s thrown into a world in the midst of revolution, where monsters have overthrown the humans who once enslaved them. All of them, that is, except Verelle, the cruel sorceress queen who vanished at the moment of Hazel’s arrival. If Hazel wants to have any chance of surviving and making it back to her own world, she’ll have to join forces with the amalgus Zinian—horned, winged, mysterious, and monstrously attractive—to unravel the mystery of Verelle’s disappearance. If they can't, the fates of two worlds may be at stake.
July 23, 2016
I got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the second book of the Skeleton Key series I have read. The special thing with this series is that every book can be read as a standalone, the only connection is the Skeleton Key that brings a human person in another world. This time it is a world full of monsters that are obviously the good ones. They dispossessed their old queen, because she made the humans suppress the monsters.
Hazel Walsh appears right in the moment in Elurien when the monsters want to kill the old queen. Human are the enemy and she has to fight for her life against creatures she has never thought could be real. She brings them to trust her, but since her Skeleton Key never disappeared (like it does in the other books), she still wants to try to go home again. For the monsters there is still the open question where the old queen disappeared to.
The book captured me right from the beginning. The author has a fantastic writing style. Fluent and easy to read. I loved the whole story from start to end, even though I would have loved an epilogue that shows the new life of Hazel and Zinian in Elurien. Everything that happened made sense and kept my interest through the whole story.
The author is really talented and I can’t wait to read more from her, either from the Skeleton Key series or other books she has written. She used a lot more showing than telling during the story which is a huge plus for me.
Also I would love to read more about Elurien and the other main characters from the book that helped Hazel in Elurien and in the real world.
In short: I loved the book and recommend it to everybody :) Five of Five Stars
This book is the second book of the Skeleton Key series I have read. The special thing with this series is that every book can be read as a standalone, the only connection is the Skeleton Key that brings a human person in another world. This time it is a world full of monsters that are obviously the good ones. They dispossessed their old queen, because she made the humans suppress the monsters.
Hazel Walsh appears right in the moment in Elurien when the monsters want to kill the old queen. Human are the enemy and she has to fight for her life against creatures she has never thought could be real. She brings them to trust her, but since her Skeleton Key never disappeared (like it does in the other books), she still wants to try to go home again. For the monsters there is still the open question where the old queen disappeared to.
The book captured me right from the beginning. The author has a fantastic writing style. Fluent and easy to read. I loved the whole story from start to end, even though I would have loved an epilogue that shows the new life of Hazel and Zinian in Elurien. Everything that happened made sense and kept my interest through the whole story.
The author is really talented and I can’t wait to read more from her, either from the Skeleton Key series or other books she has written. She used a lot more showing than telling during the story which is a huge plus for me.
Also I would love to read more about Elurien and the other main characters from the book that helped Hazel in Elurien and in the real world.
In short: I loved the book and recommend it to everybody :) Five of Five Stars
August 21, 2017
Wishing this was longer, so hard to say goodbye to the characters that sparked the skeleton key series.
July 12, 2016
From The Book Junkie Reads . . .
Hazel and Zinian have an introduction that was well worth the read. The impact makes its presences known. If for no other reason that finding out this introduction pick up this read. You will keep hold to find out more. The tension, suspense and mystery builds throughout the read. Never really knowing when or if Hazel would disappear. Hazel discovery that humans are not the head of all things. Her understanding the why of the things going on in the world. Then she began to accept her place and actively participate to right things. There were many discoveries made. Hazel had much to learn and share.
Each character had their own deep connection to the story even if just for that moment in time. There was depth to them. The setting was alluring. The dialogue engaging. There was mystery, action, romance, magic and enchantment to carry you through.
There was much of what I found in this read to be reflective of the world that we live in today. The racism. The misinterpretations of the bible. The feel of superiority of one. I could tie this read in to what today's world is feeding our children daily.
**This ARC was provided via IndieSage PR via Kindle in exchange for an honest review.**
Hazel and Zinian have an introduction that was well worth the read. The impact makes its presences known. If for no other reason that finding out this introduction pick up this read. You will keep hold to find out more. The tension, suspense and mystery builds throughout the read. Never really knowing when or if Hazel would disappear. Hazel discovery that humans are not the head of all things. Her understanding the why of the things going on in the world. Then she began to accept her place and actively participate to right things. There were many discoveries made. Hazel had much to learn and share.
Each character had their own deep connection to the story even if just for that moment in time. There was depth to them. The setting was alluring. The dialogue engaging. There was mystery, action, romance, magic and enchantment to carry you through.
There was much of what I found in this read to be reflective of the world that we live in today. The racism. The misinterpretations of the bible. The feel of superiority of one. I could tie this read in to what today's world is feeding our children daily.
**This ARC was provided via IndieSage PR via Kindle in exchange for an honest review.**
July 8, 2017
Hazel reluctantly goes home to her sleepy childhood home, however before she can get there her far from trusty car breaks down. Seeking shelter for the night Hazel implores the nearest accommodation to take her in.
As things go bump in the night Hazel happens upon an odd key and a strange door, landing her in a terrifying world of monsters - but are they?
Kate Sparkes' tale of true evil, prejudice and redemption is masterfully crafted and your views on heroes and villains may well be turned on its head. The characters were vividly imagined and the ending had me biting my nails to the quick.
As things go bump in the night Hazel happens upon an odd key and a strange door, landing her in a terrifying world of monsters - but are they?
Kate Sparkes' tale of true evil, prejudice and redemption is masterfully crafted and your views on heroes and villains may well be turned on its head. The characters were vividly imagined and the ending had me biting my nails to the quick.
June 5, 2016
I had an opportunity to read this book in advance and I'm so glad I did. I sat down and read it almost without stopping (except to eat) in one day. I'm always amazed at the imagination and creativity of people like Kate Sparkes in developing such diverse characters and building truly original worlds.
To be honest, at first I wasn't sure I was going to like Hazel. She seemed to have a bit too much attitude, resentment, bad language, and self-pity. Until Elurien. In Elurien I fell in love with Hazel, Zinian and, of course, Auphel. My heart went out to Zinian and I truly grew to respect Hazel. Auphel had me 'almost from hello.'
It was intriguing and initially a bit challenging to picture the various 'monsters' of Elurien and see them as the good guys and the 'humans' as the evil ones. However, I love being won over and Kate Sparkes truly got me here. For me this was definitely a solid four star read. I have read all of Kate's books in the Bound series as well and HIGHLY recommend them.
(I would suggest that, due to language and sexual situations, caution may be advisable for young teens.)
To be honest, at first I wasn't sure I was going to like Hazel. She seemed to have a bit too much attitude, resentment, bad language, and self-pity. Until Elurien. In Elurien I fell in love with Hazel, Zinian and, of course, Auphel. My heart went out to Zinian and I truly grew to respect Hazel. Auphel had me 'almost from hello.'
It was intriguing and initially a bit challenging to picture the various 'monsters' of Elurien and see them as the good guys and the 'humans' as the evil ones. However, I love being won over and Kate Sparkes truly got me here. For me this was definitely a solid four star read. I have read all of Kate's books in the Bound series as well and HIGHLY recommend them.
(I would suggest that, due to language and sexual situations, caution may be advisable for young teens.)
June 19, 2016
Another superb book from Kate Sparkes; she's become an author I can count on to deliver enchanting fantasy tales filled with well-written, relatable characters I come to know so well they feel like family, and plots I become completely invested in - plots which also happen to weave and twist delightfully - all set in imaginative worlds that leave me longing to live relocate.
When you sit down to read this novella be prepared to be unable to get up until you've turned the last page - it's just that kind of book. Be prepared, too, to be left contemplating life and the world around you, as Sparkes will have you considering how our perception of evil is shaped, and what really makes a monster.
This is a wonderful, fast-paced read, one of those books that doesn't fall out of mind just because you've shelved it. Hazel, Zirian, and Auphel, especially, are still with me, little insights and revelations striking me in new ways, even long after I moved on to my best read. I recommend this - and Sparkes trilogy, as well, very highly. Enjoy the read, you'll be pleased you didn't miss this one
When you sit down to read this novella be prepared to be unable to get up until you've turned the last page - it's just that kind of book. Be prepared, too, to be left contemplating life and the world around you, as Sparkes will have you considering how our perception of evil is shaped, and what really makes a monster.
This is a wonderful, fast-paced read, one of those books that doesn't fall out of mind just because you've shelved it. Hazel, Zirian, and Auphel, especially, are still with me, little insights and revelations striking me in new ways, even long after I moved on to my best read. I recommend this - and Sparkes trilogy, as well, very highly. Enjoy the read, you'll be pleased you didn't miss this one
June 20, 2016
I had such fun reading this book. Hazel is having a bit of a struggle in her personal life, having to tuck her tail and head back home - a place she couldn't wait to leave - then finds a skeleton key, opening a door that takes her to another world. And this author is crazy talented at creating other worlds (The Bound Trilogy).
Hazel's situation makes it easy to identify with her and I enjoyed how her thoughts occasionally fall out of her mouth before she realizes it, and one moment she's all awkwardness, the other oozing confidence. But Auphel had my heart from the beginning - such an endearing and amiable supporting character. The twist on the monsters being the good guys and humans the evil oppressors made Elurien an intriguing place and I'd love to read more about this world and these characters.
This is an absorbing fairy-tale-ish novella containing action, adventure, and, yes, romance - and about finding your place in this world or another.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Hazel's situation makes it easy to identify with her and I enjoyed how her thoughts occasionally fall out of her mouth before she realizes it, and one moment she's all awkwardness, the other oozing confidence. But Auphel had my heart from the beginning - such an endearing and amiable supporting character. The twist on the monsters being the good guys and humans the evil oppressors made Elurien an intriguing place and I'd love to read more about this world and these characters.
This is an absorbing fairy-tale-ish novella containing action, adventure, and, yes, romance - and about finding your place in this world or another.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, i adored this book! I don't like spoilers, so there won't be any here, but i will say that this is a fascinating book with well-fleshed-out, compelling characters and a genuinely interesting plot line. I haven't read any other books in the series, though i have read and loved other books by Kate Sparkes. My biggest complaint about this book would be that it is too short! To fit in the series, as i understand it, she had a length limit. I would love this book to be massive and full of every detail! If you like fantasy aimed at the adult reader, by all means, READ THIS BOOK! Then go on to her other work!!!
July 12, 2016
Every book in the skeleton key series just sucks you in from page 1. Hazel comes back to Fairbrook not like she really wanted too after leaving home. When her cars breaks down she stops in front of the Inn and stays the night and can't sleep so of course she explores and ends up in the attic and there she finds a skeleton key. Finding a door she opens and enters another realm where monsters overtake humans. But Zinian sees something in her and wants to keep her safe. Will he keep her safe and will they finally be free of the crazy Verelle?
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
July 20, 2016
This book is totally different from most I have read... and I loved it.
Hazel is a wonderful main character ...I enjoyed watching her grow and learn things that she would have never learned at home. In her adventure she befriends an ogre named Auphel... She is one of the best secondary characters ever. I wanted more of her... Then there was Zinian... another wonderful strong character... Kate Sparkes has a talent for making you love her people.
Another reason I like this book so much, it was teaching tolerance for differences... and that no matter who or what you are you deserve respect and love like anyone else. Bravo!!!
What a wonderful addition to the Skeleton Key Series!
Hazel is a wonderful main character ...I enjoyed watching her grow and learn things that she would have never learned at home. In her adventure she befriends an ogre named Auphel... She is one of the best secondary characters ever. I wanted more of her... Then there was Zinian... another wonderful strong character... Kate Sparkes has a talent for making you love her people.
Another reason I like this book so much, it was teaching tolerance for differences... and that no matter who or what you are you deserve respect and love like anyone else. Bravo!!!
What a wonderful addition to the Skeleton Key Series!
June 11, 2016
I was lucky enough to be offered an advance review copy of Into Elurien and I am not sure I even have the words to describe how I feel about it.
Our leading lady is truly awesome and quickly became stronger and more compelling as the story unfolded. Her biggest downfall is making assumptions and snap judgements but she overcomes this too to become a hero in her own right.
If i could find a magic key I think I would find it hard to choose between Diagon Alley and Elurien.
I truly hope that Kate can find away to continue visiting this world.
Our leading lady is truly awesome and quickly became stronger and more compelling as the story unfolded. Her biggest downfall is making assumptions and snap judgements but she overcomes this too to become a hero in her own right.
If i could find a magic key I think I would find it hard to choose between Diagon Alley and Elurien.
I truly hope that Kate can find away to continue visiting this world.
June 28, 2016
Facinating
I wasn't surprised that I would get drawn in from the very beginning as the books I've read from this author has stayed with me for a long time. Into Elurien, was completely different, which is good, cause who wants to read the same story with different titles. In this story, You enter a world where the roles of humans and non humans are reversed, the life you knew doesn't exist for you anymore. What would you do? How can survive? Who can you trust? These are some of the questions you'll find in this fascinating book of "Into Elurien"
I wasn't surprised that I would get drawn in from the very beginning as the books I've read from this author has stayed with me for a long time. Into Elurien, was completely different, which is good, cause who wants to read the same story with different titles. In this story, You enter a world where the roles of humans and non humans are reversed, the life you knew doesn't exist for you anymore. What would you do? How can survive? Who can you trust? These are some of the questions you'll find in this fascinating book of "Into Elurien"
July 1, 2016
The Skeleton Key series has been very interesting. Each key leads the characters to a new world and begins a journey that changes them forever.
Hazel is sent to a world where things are very different from her old one. Monsters are not what you expect.
It is a story with a lot of action, adventure and romance. I really enjoyed the experience. It is a quick read and make you eager for more.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
Hazel is sent to a world where things are very different from her old one. Monsters are not what you expect.
It is a story with a lot of action, adventure and romance. I really enjoyed the experience. It is a quick read and make you eager for more.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
January 20, 2017
I was hooked from the very beginning. Into Elurien was beautifully written, and filled with amazing characters! I enjoyed reading this book, very much! I laughed and I cried, I felt connected to the characters and the surroundings. I can't seem to find the right words, but it was a wonderful experience!
This is my first time reading a book by Kate Sparkes, however, I will be reading her others very soon.
This is my first time reading a book by Kate Sparkes, however, I will be reading her others very soon.
June 6, 2016
I read quickly and, for once, I didn't mind the insomnia which plagues me. I had Kate's new book to read. I expect good writing and proper English from this author and was not disappointed. I loved the story, the magic and the characterisations and didn't want to put the book down until I had finished it. Now, I want to know what happens next.
I strongly recommend this book.
I strongly recommend this book.
June 30, 2016
Elurien
I love this book or novella! Full of everything that I look for in a good read. This is a story for everyone who has ever felt rejection and heartache. Elurien felt more real to me than anything I have read in a very long time. I can't wait to see what the skeleton key will open for me next. Thank you for an amazing afternoon reading about such wonderful characters.
I love this book or novella! Full of everything that I look for in a good read. This is a story for everyone who has ever felt rejection and heartache. Elurien felt more real to me than anything I have read in a very long time. I can't wait to see what the skeleton key will open for me next. Thank you for an amazing afternoon reading about such wonderful characters.
July 11, 2016
Want to escape reality?
I recommend this book if you are looking for a different kind of romance. Be prepared to change your ideas about monsters. The alternate reality is a frightening place in this book. The return to the real world isn't much better at first. But don't let that make you put the book down. Read on. You will not be disappointed.
I recommend this book if you are looking for a different kind of romance. Be prepared to change your ideas about monsters. The alternate reality is a frightening place in this book. The return to the real world isn't much better at first. But don't let that make you put the book down. Read on. You will not be disappointed.
August 18, 2016
This is a fun, quick, lighthearted read, and I must admit, I wouldn't mind seeing more of Zinian in the future. *wink wink*
Hazel is a very sympathetic character and I could relate to a lot of her struggles. I love the fairy tale quality of the book, and how self-aware it was -- multiple times poking fun at fiction tropes.
Hazel is a very sympathetic character and I could relate to a lot of her struggles. I love the fairy tale quality of the book, and how self-aware it was -- multiple times poking fun at fiction tropes.
June 27, 2016
Another amazing book from Kate . I was captivated from the first few sentences and read in one go ! It was magical and as I finished , I was sad to say goodbye to Hazel and Zinian .
This is a fair review for being a beta reader
This is a fair review for being a beta reader
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews