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Lock
Sarah Lockwood learned to be self-sufficient when she lost her parents. Life with her aunt on the Renaissance Fair circuit seemed exciting at first, but there was no stability.Her uncle’s gardener, Archer, offers her a trip to another Realm and she jumps at the chance. The parallel world is filled with magic, machines, and beauty. The two are tasked with guarding an enchanted pen that records important events.However, Archer has been keeping secrets that endanger not only himself but Sarah, too. He is a member of a rebellion against the Usurper King.When Archer is kidnapped, Sarah must unravel Archer’s secrets, and every discovery shows Sarah no one is blameless in that magical Realm. Making life and death decisions at nineteen is not what she wants to do, but Sarah either chooses a side or her new home will be nothing except ashes.
- GenresFantasy
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 8, 2019
Imagine being offered a trip to another realm, a parallel world filled with secrets and magic. Little did Sarah know she would also find danger, intrigue and deceit or that her life would be forever changed when she uncovers one of the most vile plots imaginable. With the aid of a magic pen, she has the opportunity to rewrite history or at least set things to “write.”
LOCK by Jordan Elizabeth is an adult fantasy that sometimes feels like young adult read. Sarah is definitely out of her element, but soon learns to adapt. When she uncovers secrets that involve her long lost parents, Sarah will find an inner strength to do the right thing.
I’m not sure I always believed in Sarah as a character. Sure, she was in a strange place, but there were times she seemed too unsure and times when the violence around her seemed excessive, people too untrustworthy.
All told, this is an okay read, but not in the same league as many of Jordan Elizabeth’s other tales.
I received a complimentary copy from Jordan Elizabeth. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: CHBB Publishing (October 27, 2019)
Publication Date: October 27, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 315 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
LOCK by Jordan Elizabeth is an adult fantasy that sometimes feels like young adult read. Sarah is definitely out of her element, but soon learns to adapt. When she uncovers secrets that involve her long lost parents, Sarah will find an inner strength to do the right thing.
I’m not sure I always believed in Sarah as a character. Sure, she was in a strange place, but there were times she seemed too unsure and times when the violence around her seemed excessive, people too untrustworthy.
All told, this is an okay read, but not in the same league as many of Jordan Elizabeth’s other tales.
I received a complimentary copy from Jordan Elizabeth. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: CHBB Publishing (October 27, 2019)
Publication Date: October 27, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 315 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 29, 2026
I barged into this book like a bestie who’s already decided the main character needs therapy and possibly a restraining order — loud, feral, and absolutely ready to cause problems on purpose.
Sarah Lockwood has been DIY‑surviving her whole life — parents gone, aunt dragging her around the Renaissance Fair circuit like it’s a personality trait, and zero stability unless you count “sleeping in a different tent every week” as stability. She’s basically one inconvenience away from snapping.
Enter Archer.
The gardener.
The quiet one.
The “hey, want to go to a parallel Realm?” guy.
And Sarah?
She says yes.
Immediately.
Because apparently we’re making bold life choices today.
The new Realm is gorgeous — magic, machines, beauty, danger, vibes — like someone mashed fantasy and steampunk together and said “good luck.” Sarah and Archer are tasked with guarding an enchanted pen that records important events, which sounds whimsical until you realise this pen is basically the magical equivalent of a security camera with trauma.
But Archer?
Oh, Archer has secrets.
Not cute secrets.
Not “I like you” secrets.
No — rebellion‑against‑the‑Usurper‑King secrets.
Bestie moment:
Sir, you cannot invite me to a magical Realm and forget to mention you’re part of an underground resistance movement. That’s not a footnote — that’s a headline.
When Archer is kidnapped, Sarah has to unravel everything he’s been hiding, and every new discovery is like “surprise, this Realm is morally grey and everyone is a little bit terrible.” She’s nineteen, making life‑and‑death decisions, choosing sides, and trying not to let her new home burn to ashes.
The vibe is:
magic + machines
rebellion simmering under the surface
secrets stacked like Jenga
girl thrown into danger with zero onboarding
enchanted pen chaos
Realm politics that absolutely need HR intervention
It’s fast, fun, dramatic, and soaked in that “I didn’t sign up for this but I guess I’m doing it anyway” energy.
A solid 4‑star read — magical, messy, adventurous, and exactly the kind of chaotic Realm‑hopping drama that keeps you turning pages like you’re running from the Usurper King yourself.
Sarah Lockwood has been DIY‑surviving her whole life — parents gone, aunt dragging her around the Renaissance Fair circuit like it’s a personality trait, and zero stability unless you count “sleeping in a different tent every week” as stability. She’s basically one inconvenience away from snapping.
Enter Archer.
The gardener.
The quiet one.
The “hey, want to go to a parallel Realm?” guy.
And Sarah?
She says yes.
Immediately.
Because apparently we’re making bold life choices today.
The new Realm is gorgeous — magic, machines, beauty, danger, vibes — like someone mashed fantasy and steampunk together and said “good luck.” Sarah and Archer are tasked with guarding an enchanted pen that records important events, which sounds whimsical until you realise this pen is basically the magical equivalent of a security camera with trauma.
But Archer?
Oh, Archer has secrets.
Not cute secrets.
Not “I like you” secrets.
No — rebellion‑against‑the‑Usurper‑King secrets.
Bestie moment:
Sir, you cannot invite me to a magical Realm and forget to mention you’re part of an underground resistance movement. That’s not a footnote — that’s a headline.
When Archer is kidnapped, Sarah has to unravel everything he’s been hiding, and every new discovery is like “surprise, this Realm is morally grey and everyone is a little bit terrible.” She’s nineteen, making life‑and‑death decisions, choosing sides, and trying not to let her new home burn to ashes.
The vibe is:
magic + machines
rebellion simmering under the surface
secrets stacked like Jenga
girl thrown into danger with zero onboarding
enchanted pen chaos
Realm politics that absolutely need HR intervention
It’s fast, fun, dramatic, and soaked in that “I didn’t sign up for this but I guess I’m doing it anyway” energy.
A solid 4‑star read — magical, messy, adventurous, and exactly the kind of chaotic Realm‑hopping drama that keeps you turning pages like you’re running from the Usurper King yourself.
August 11, 2026
This fascinating story starts off introducing Sarah at a young age. Sarah enjoys it when her father tells her a story and this time she asks for him to tell her about the Realm. Fast forward years later, Sarah is all grown up and has been asked to come stay with her uncle William at the Lockwood Estate. That’s when the story really pulls you in and hooks you, making you realize it’s way past your bedtime and you need that “one more chapter”.
Jordan Elizabeth’s writing style makes you feel like you’re there in the story yourself. Wonderful world building and characters that fit this story perfectly.
Jordan Elizabeth’s writing style makes you feel like you’re there in the story yourself. Wonderful world building and characters that fit this story perfectly.
November 30, 2019
My favourite of Jordan Elizabeth's books so far.....and I have read them all. This book takea you on a completely different and it is rather enjoyable. I love how each book has a strong female lead and in my opinion, Lock is the strongest.
August 8, 2026
Sarah Lockwood grew up hearing stories one could only imagine. Then one day she is offered to go to a parallel realm. She never expects that her adventure will not go smoothly and that she will find herself having to navigate through a life that could have catastrophic outcomes if she makes the wrong decisions. Will Sarah's choices end up being the wrongs ones or the right?
This was delightful, I thought the descriptive nature of the story has you entering into a fantastical setting. Really enjoyed this, the unique stories by this author for each book written be so completely different then the others always has me anxious to see what is next. Looking for a fantasy book to pick up and lose yourself in, this is a great one to read.
This was delightful, I thought the descriptive nature of the story has you entering into a fantastical setting. Really enjoyed this, the unique stories by this author for each book written be so completely different then the others always has me anxious to see what is next. Looking for a fantasy book to pick up and lose yourself in, this is a great one to read.
August 11, 2026
5 out of 5 Stars
Lock by Jordan Elizabeth
This isn't the first book I've read by the author. I will say so far every book I've read by them has been amazing. Lock is an amazing book and I really hope to see more like this from the author.
Sarah is given the opportunity of a lifetime when her Uncle's gardener offers her a trip. Not just your ordinary trip either. A trip that is going to change her life for better or worse. Now with her guide kidnapped she has to figure it out on her own. The quote I chose for her is this: “What’s the matter? We have the ring blade. We can still fight. I’m not going to let you sit here and die! We have to get my family to safety.”
Lock by Jordan Elizabeth
This isn't the first book I've read by the author. I will say so far every book I've read by them has been amazing. Lock is an amazing book and I really hope to see more like this from the author.
Sarah is given the opportunity of a lifetime when her Uncle's gardener offers her a trip. Not just your ordinary trip either. A trip that is going to change her life for better or worse. Now with her guide kidnapped she has to figure it out on her own. The quote I chose for her is this: “What’s the matter? We have the ring blade. We can still fight. I’m not going to let you sit here and die! We have to get my family to safety.”
November 13, 2019
good.. parts were irritating to me.. but overall it was a good story.. good plot..and characters were likable.. it was an interesting story and i liked it
December 18, 2020
Blending the classic fantasy tropes of prophecy and travelling to another realm with a more complex view of saviours, Elizabeth creates a young adult novel that offers a grittier perspective on a chosen one facing evil without reducing everything to moral relativism.
Having spent most of her moving from Renaissance Fair to Renaissance Fair, Sarah Lockwood is tired of the travelling life. So when her reclusive paternal uncle asks her to live with him on a trial basis, she jumps at the opportunity. However, his strict rules almost immediately start to grate. Archer, her uncle’s gardener, offers her an escape to an actual other realm; what he doesn’t mention is that the land is burdened with tyranny and political unrest and both sides might have especial interest in Sarah.
At its core, this novel is a tale of a person from this world travelling to a fantasy realm and being seen as a famed hero in the mould of the Chronicles of Narnia and similar books. However, Elizabeth weaves a somewhat more complex version: the “good” guys are a loose coalition of morally imperfect people rather than a noble resistance, and in addition to the traditional struggle Sarah faces with the idea she is the “chosen one” there are those in the resistance who do not believe but are happy to use her for political ends or to draw attention from the person they consider the real candidate. This both produces a more plausible political situation and maintains reader tension over whether Sarah is actually the hero of prophecy.
The hero-or-not thread is further enhanced by Archer being a member of a secret order sworn to observe but not interfere and residents of the realm who are opposed to visitors from our world interfering because history shows it can make things worse. Thus, while Elizabeth does not lean into it, there is a subtle metaphor for the “white saviour” complex of colonial theory.
Very definitely sitting in the young adult category, the fantasy heroics are paralleled by the standard YA threads: a strong belief in the unfairness of adults, the belief one is not a child paired with no real experience, intense desire for romance paired with confusion between options. However, Elizabeth does not allow them to become dominant. Thus the unique blend of utter certainty and constant uncertainty unique to the teenage mind echoes the themes of destiny and political paranoia inherent in the “mystical saviour of an oppressed land” thread, enhancing the impact without requiring the griminess of the main plot to escalate to unfeasible levels.
The increased engagement produced by this alignment is perhaps most obvious in the romance subplot: while this does draw on the classic ‘having two suitors and not knowing who to pick’ trope, the reader’s awareness that both potential love interests are less than perfectly honest and honourable makes it likely that even those readers who usual wish to bang character’s heads together will accept that Sarah is right to feel conflicted.
Apart from the mystical saviour and the magical pen possessed by the order of recorders, Elizabeth’s world is an average Western European medieval society blended with some items from our world. This lack of special creatures, unusual social structures, and such is perhaps one of the book’s greatest strengths as it leaves the reader free to focus on Sarah’s specific situation rather than also having to process myriad unfamiliar things.
Sarah is a sympathetic protagonist. While her lack of majority and her unfamiliarity with the other realm somewhat force a more reactive role on her in places, she is never passive or angst-ridden. Thus, while readers might not always agree with her choices, they are likely to see them as reasonable attempts to achieve worthwhile goals.
The supporting cast are similarly characterful, displaying the mix of weakness and strength, competence and misdirected effort, that real people display.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking a young adult chosen one narrative that offers a different perspective without deviating from the norm for the sake of it.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
Having spent most of her moving from Renaissance Fair to Renaissance Fair, Sarah Lockwood is tired of the travelling life. So when her reclusive paternal uncle asks her to live with him on a trial basis, she jumps at the opportunity. However, his strict rules almost immediately start to grate. Archer, her uncle’s gardener, offers her an escape to an actual other realm; what he doesn’t mention is that the land is burdened with tyranny and political unrest and both sides might have especial interest in Sarah.
At its core, this novel is a tale of a person from this world travelling to a fantasy realm and being seen as a famed hero in the mould of the Chronicles of Narnia and similar books. However, Elizabeth weaves a somewhat more complex version: the “good” guys are a loose coalition of morally imperfect people rather than a noble resistance, and in addition to the traditional struggle Sarah faces with the idea she is the “chosen one” there are those in the resistance who do not believe but are happy to use her for political ends or to draw attention from the person they consider the real candidate. This both produces a more plausible political situation and maintains reader tension over whether Sarah is actually the hero of prophecy.
The hero-or-not thread is further enhanced by Archer being a member of a secret order sworn to observe but not interfere and residents of the realm who are opposed to visitors from our world interfering because history shows it can make things worse. Thus, while Elizabeth does not lean into it, there is a subtle metaphor for the “white saviour” complex of colonial theory.
Very definitely sitting in the young adult category, the fantasy heroics are paralleled by the standard YA threads: a strong belief in the unfairness of adults, the belief one is not a child paired with no real experience, intense desire for romance paired with confusion between options. However, Elizabeth does not allow them to become dominant. Thus the unique blend of utter certainty and constant uncertainty unique to the teenage mind echoes the themes of destiny and political paranoia inherent in the “mystical saviour of an oppressed land” thread, enhancing the impact without requiring the griminess of the main plot to escalate to unfeasible levels.
The increased engagement produced by this alignment is perhaps most obvious in the romance subplot: while this does draw on the classic ‘having two suitors and not knowing who to pick’ trope, the reader’s awareness that both potential love interests are less than perfectly honest and honourable makes it likely that even those readers who usual wish to bang character’s heads together will accept that Sarah is right to feel conflicted.
Apart from the mystical saviour and the magical pen possessed by the order of recorders, Elizabeth’s world is an average Western European medieval society blended with some items from our world. This lack of special creatures, unusual social structures, and such is perhaps one of the book’s greatest strengths as it leaves the reader free to focus on Sarah’s specific situation rather than also having to process myriad unfamiliar things.
Sarah is a sympathetic protagonist. While her lack of majority and her unfamiliarity with the other realm somewhat force a more reactive role on her in places, she is never passive or angst-ridden. Thus, while readers might not always agree with her choices, they are likely to see them as reasonable attempts to achieve worthwhile goals.
The supporting cast are similarly characterful, displaying the mix of weakness and strength, competence and misdirected effort, that real people display.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking a young adult chosen one narrative that offers a different perspective without deviating from the norm for the sake of it.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
August 11, 2026
Lock pulled me into its world so quickly, and I absolutely loved getting to experience it alongside Sarah. She begins the story simply wanting some stability after losing her parents, only to find herself thrown into a completely different realm filled with magic, machines, political unrest, rebellion, and more secrets than she knows what to do with.
One of my favorite parts of this book was watching Sarah grow throughout the story. She's nineteen, and she actually acts like it. She doesn't have all the answers, she makes mistakes, questions who she can trust, and has to figure things out as she goes. Her decisions feel like they come from someone learning how to navigate a world that is completely unfamiliar to her, which made it incredibly easy to root for her.
And then there's Archer. 👀 I never quite knew what to make of him, especially when it came to how much he was telling Sarah versus how much he was keeping to himself. His secrets added another layer of mystery to the story, and I found myself constantly wondering what he knew and what was going to be revealed next.
The world-building was another huge highlight for me. A realm filled with magic and machines was such a fascinating combination, and I loved discovering more of it alongside Sarah. The enchanted pen that records important events was such a cool concept, too! There was always another piece of the world, another secret, or another revelation waiting around the corner.
I also really enjoyed the themes of rebellion and the idea that choosing a side can have serious consequences. Sarah is forced to make decisions where there isn't necessarily a perfect answer, and those choices make the stakes feel much more personal.
Overall, Lock was such a fun adventure. It's mysterious, magical, occasionally dangerous, and filled with characters and secrets that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. Jordan Elizabeth once again created a world that made me want to crawl inside the pages and explore it for myself.
If you enjoy fantasy with magic, mystery, adventure, political intrigue, rebellion, and a heroine who is still figuring herself out, definitely give Lock a try! 🔐✨
One of my favorite parts of this book was watching Sarah grow throughout the story. She's nineteen, and she actually acts like it. She doesn't have all the answers, she makes mistakes, questions who she can trust, and has to figure things out as she goes. Her decisions feel like they come from someone learning how to navigate a world that is completely unfamiliar to her, which made it incredibly easy to root for her.
And then there's Archer. 👀 I never quite knew what to make of him, especially when it came to how much he was telling Sarah versus how much he was keeping to himself. His secrets added another layer of mystery to the story, and I found myself constantly wondering what he knew and what was going to be revealed next.
The world-building was another huge highlight for me. A realm filled with magic and machines was such a fascinating combination, and I loved discovering more of it alongside Sarah. The enchanted pen that records important events was such a cool concept, too! There was always another piece of the world, another secret, or another revelation waiting around the corner.
I also really enjoyed the themes of rebellion and the idea that choosing a side can have serious consequences. Sarah is forced to make decisions where there isn't necessarily a perfect answer, and those choices make the stakes feel much more personal.
Overall, Lock was such a fun adventure. It's mysterious, magical, occasionally dangerous, and filled with characters and secrets that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. Jordan Elizabeth once again created a world that made me want to crawl inside the pages and explore it for myself.
If you enjoy fantasy with magic, mystery, adventure, political intrigue, rebellion, and a heroine who is still figuring herself out, definitely give Lock a try! 🔐✨
November 26, 2019
I received a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Contemporary, young adult, romance, fantasy, steampunk, action... is there any category this book does not fit in to?! Jordan Elizabeth takes readers on a journey from New York to a fantasy world that very few knows exist in her recent novel Lock. Sarah Lockwood, the protagonist, thought the Realm was a story her late father used to tell her, however, when she discovers it is real, she jumps at the chance to visit, not realising the dangers that lie ahead.
Sarah is a self-sufficient young woman who has been living with her belly-dancing aunt since the death of her parents. Invited to stay with her Uncle William, she feels obliged to accept, however, almost regrets the decision after the cold welcome she receives. The gardener's son Archer, however, soon takes her mind off her troubles, particularly when he suggests travelling to a parallel world.
Archer comes from a family of Record Writers and it is his job to record the daily goings-on in the Realm. Sarah soon learns the Realm no longer lives up to the descriptions in the fairytales. A usurper has murdered the royal family and the inhabitants live in constant fear and poverty. Whilst this is shocking, Sarah unveils another revelation: the usurper is someone from her world, someone very close to home.
Although Lock has similarities with fantasy lands such as Narnia, it is written for a slightly older generation of readers. Sarah is 19 years old and some scenes are markedly "adult". There is also a lot of bloodshed and the occasional expletive. Nonetheless, it is a fast-paced, exciting story.
Once again, Jordan Elizabeth has written a book that is unlike the others she has written before. It is difficult to categorise the author and her novels since they are so diverse, however, one thing is for sure: Jordan Elizabeth knows how to tell a good story.
Contemporary, young adult, romance, fantasy, steampunk, action... is there any category this book does not fit in to?! Jordan Elizabeth takes readers on a journey from New York to a fantasy world that very few knows exist in her recent novel Lock. Sarah Lockwood, the protagonist, thought the Realm was a story her late father used to tell her, however, when she discovers it is real, she jumps at the chance to visit, not realising the dangers that lie ahead.
Sarah is a self-sufficient young woman who has been living with her belly-dancing aunt since the death of her parents. Invited to stay with her Uncle William, she feels obliged to accept, however, almost regrets the decision after the cold welcome she receives. The gardener's son Archer, however, soon takes her mind off her troubles, particularly when he suggests travelling to a parallel world.
Archer comes from a family of Record Writers and it is his job to record the daily goings-on in the Realm. Sarah soon learns the Realm no longer lives up to the descriptions in the fairytales. A usurper has murdered the royal family and the inhabitants live in constant fear and poverty. Whilst this is shocking, Sarah unveils another revelation: the usurper is someone from her world, someone very close to home.
Although Lock has similarities with fantasy lands such as Narnia, it is written for a slightly older generation of readers. Sarah is 19 years old and some scenes are markedly "adult". There is also a lot of bloodshed and the occasional expletive. Nonetheless, it is a fast-paced, exciting story.
Once again, Jordan Elizabeth has written a book that is unlike the others she has written before. It is difficult to categorise the author and her novels since they are so diverse, however, one thing is for sure: Jordan Elizabeth knows how to tell a good story.
August 11, 2026
Sarah Lockwood, or Lock, is determined to make it on her own. She has been living with one of her uncles and his family since she became and orphan. Another uncle, William, wants her to stay with him for a while. She of course takes up the offer thinking that things will be good. A change of scenery and more stability is just what she needs. It is at the Lockwood house that she meets a boy named Archer. He tells her the story of the Realm which she had heard from her father. She believed it then as a young child but now as an adult she finds it hard to believe that such a place exists. On top of that she keeps hearing someone whisper as if they are right next to her. The Usurper is coming for her and she has no clue what it means. Will she get all of her answers in the Realm? I am not one for reading a synopsis most of the time but it was a little hard to know what the book would possibly be about from just the cover. I expected some magic but nothing like what was described within the pages. This book is not something I would normally read but it sucked me in. I have read other books by this author and they were vastly different. I do hope we get another story like this or even a continuation of this story.
July 22, 2020
Sarah thought her life with her aunt would be exciting but was quickly disappointed by what her new life has to offer. When she’s given a glimpse into a parallel realm, she takes the opportunity without thinking twice. While the other realm is filled with beauty, mystery, and intrigue, it is also rife with danger. Will Sarah make it out alive?
Sarah was not my favorite character. I’ve read a lot of Miss Elizabeth’s work at this point, and I was a little disappointed at the choice of main character in this one. Sarah was flaky and irresponsible. She made some questionable decisions that made it difficult to want to root for her.
As usual with Jordan Elizabeth’s work though, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and worldbuilding. I’m always a sucker for parallel universe stories, and this one was thoroughly entertaining. Suspenseful and engaging, it becomes a race against the clock for Sarah to gather herself together and step up to save those around her or let her home be destroyed.
Narration was okay.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Sarah was not my favorite character. I’ve read a lot of Miss Elizabeth’s work at this point, and I was a little disappointed at the choice of main character in this one. Sarah was flaky and irresponsible. She made some questionable decisions that made it difficult to want to root for her.
As usual with Jordan Elizabeth’s work though, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and worldbuilding. I’m always a sucker for parallel universe stories, and this one was thoroughly entertaining. Suspenseful and engaging, it becomes a race against the clock for Sarah to gather herself together and step up to save those around her or let her home be destroyed.
Narration was okay.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
July 28, 2026
This story is by an author that I have not only enjoyed reading but never hesitate to pick up. One of the things I enjoy about this author is their creative details that makes me feel as if I am part of the story. One of the other things I enjoy is their creative characters. They bring the story to life and keep me coming back for more. This is a story about Sarah. She has been on a fair circuit with her aunt that was fun at first but now not so much. This is where the garden’s uncle offers her something else. Something in another realm. Archer has been keeping secrets from Sarah. What will happen when he is kidnapped and Sarah is left with making decisions that no one should have to make? I enjoyed all the characters in this story. They are well developed, engaging and connectable. They had me wanting to know more about them and what would happen to them next. There is a great growth to this story that makes it easy and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. This is a story that you don’t want to miss. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author and I highly recommend this story.
July 31, 2026
I always enjoy Jordan Elizabeth's imagination, and this was another fun, fast paced fantasy with an interesting world to explore.
The parallel realm was easily my favorite part of the book. I loved the mix of magic, politics, and steampunk elements, and there was always something new happening to keep me interested. The magical pen was also a really unique idea.
Sarah wasn't my favorite main character. She made quite a few frustrating decisions, and I never fully connected with her. That said, she does grow throughout the story, and I liked seeing her become more confident as she uncovered the truth about the Realm and her own past.
The plot kept me turning the pages with plenty of twists, danger, and secrets. I also liked that the story wasn't as straightforward as a typical chosen one fantasy. The different sides all had their own flaws, which made the world feel a little more believable.
This was an entertaining YA fantasy with an imaginative world, lots of action, and enough mystery to keep me hooked. It wasn't my favorite from this author, but I'd still recommend it to fantasy readers who enjoy portal fantasy, magic, and adventure.
The parallel realm was easily my favorite part of the book. I loved the mix of magic, politics, and steampunk elements, and there was always something new happening to keep me interested. The magical pen was also a really unique idea.
Sarah wasn't my favorite main character. She made quite a few frustrating decisions, and I never fully connected with her. That said, she does grow throughout the story, and I liked seeing her become more confident as she uncovered the truth about the Realm and her own past.
The plot kept me turning the pages with plenty of twists, danger, and secrets. I also liked that the story wasn't as straightforward as a typical chosen one fantasy. The different sides all had their own flaws, which made the world feel a little more believable.
This was an entertaining YA fantasy with an imaginative world, lots of action, and enough mystery to keep me hooked. It wasn't my favorite from this author, but I'd still recommend it to fantasy readers who enjoy portal fantasy, magic, and adventure.
August 5, 2026
Lock by Jordan Elizabeth
4 Stars
Thi was such an interesting read! Sarah jumps at the chance to enter a parallel world called the Realm after growing up hearing all of her father’s stories about it. Unfortunately, her excitement doesn’t last long once she realizes just how dangerous the Realm really is.
As Sarah uncovers secret after secret, she has to admit that, at nineteen, she’s definitely not ready to save the world. But knowing no one is coming to rescue her, she puts on her big girl boots and faces every challenge head-on. I really liked that about her—she’s strong, capable, and exactly the kind of female main character I enjoy reading about.
The Realm is a magical and unique world that Jordan Elizabeth created, and it was fun exploring it alongside Sarah. With action, drama, lies, twists, and plenty of adventure, this story kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
4 Stars
Thi was such an interesting read! Sarah jumps at the chance to enter a parallel world called the Realm after growing up hearing all of her father’s stories about it. Unfortunately, her excitement doesn’t last long once she realizes just how dangerous the Realm really is.
As Sarah uncovers secret after secret, she has to admit that, at nineteen, she’s definitely not ready to save the world. But knowing no one is coming to rescue her, she puts on her big girl boots and faces every challenge head-on. I really liked that about her—she’s strong, capable, and exactly the kind of female main character I enjoy reading about.
The Realm is a magical and unique world that Jordan Elizabeth created, and it was fun exploring it alongside Sarah. With action, drama, lies, twists, and plenty of adventure, this story kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
August 7, 2026
Lock by Jordan Elizabeth. This is a great Young adult, fantasy read that I really enjoyed. It's the story of Sarah whose parents have passed so she has been traveling Renaissance Fair to Renaissance Fair and she is tried of traveling. She is just bored with life so when her paternal Uncle asks her to live with him temporarily she jumps at the chance. Once there her Uncle's gardener, Archer offers to take her to another realm. She jumps at the chance but what Archer failed to mention is that realm is full of unrest and fighting. Archer's existence in this realm throws things off balance because he is a member of the secret order who is ordered to not interfere with anything and bringing an outsider is an even bigger no no. Sarah is put in even more danger because she is not welcome. When Archer gets kidnapped she has to unravel a lot of clues and be put in dangerous situations to even have a shot at surviving. This is such a fast paced young adult read!
August 10, 2026
Every time I pick up a Jordan Elizabeth book I know I am in for an adventure. All too often characters act much older than they are, but I loved how Sarah in this one is 19 and she truly is 19 she makes mistakes she second guesses her decisions and has realistic reactions to learning something new. No one wants to face life or death decisions but personally I felt I related to Sarah. She is still learning who she is and that was before this new realm and starting a new life now she has more on her plate and secrets to discover. This was the perfect day read to kick off the final week of summer break before going back to early mornings, and sports practices. I cannot wait to see what book I will pick up next from this author, but I know it will be a heck of an adventure from start to finish.
August 11, 2026
This was an interesting fantasy adventure that kept me gripped from the beginning. It is a story filled with action and adventure, danger and tension. A journey where picking the wrong side could lead to the destruction of a kingdom.
Sarah Lockwood has a tough life after her parents death she goes to join her aunty on a renaissance Fair. Which at first seems fun but that soon wears off.
When her uncle invites her to join him in another realm she jumps at the idea. But what started out as an exciting adventure turns into something more dangerous when her uncle is taken. When Sarah finds out he is part of a rebellion against the king she realises it’s not just his life in danger but hers as well.
Now Sarah is in a race against time to uncover all the secrets her uncle was hiding and pick a side before the new magical realm she is in gets destroyed
Sarah Lockwood has a tough life after her parents death she goes to join her aunty on a renaissance Fair. Which at first seems fun but that soon wears off.
When her uncle invites her to join him in another realm she jumps at the idea. But what started out as an exciting adventure turns into something more dangerous when her uncle is taken. When Sarah finds out he is part of a rebellion against the king she realises it’s not just his life in danger but hers as well.
Now Sarah is in a race against time to uncover all the secrets her uncle was hiding and pick a side before the new magical realm she is in gets destroyed
August 11, 2026
Sarah is thrown into a completely different realm filled with magic, machines, political unrest, and a whole lot of secrets. She starts out just wanting a little stability in her life, and suddenly she's expected to make life-or-death decisions. Talk about being thrown into the deep end! 😅
I really liked watching Sarah grow throughout the story. She isn't some perfectly prepared hero who magically knows what to do—she makes mistakes, questions who she can trust, and has to figure things out as she goes. Archer was also such an interesting character, especially because you never quite know how much he's telling Sarah and how much he's keeping from her.
The enchanted pen was such a cool addition to the story, and I loved the whole idea of it recording important events. The world-building was probably one of my favorite parts because there was so much going on beneath the surface. Just when Sarah thinks she understands what's happening, another secret comes out.
I definitely found myself getting invested in the characters and wanting to know what was going to happen to them. It's a fun mix of fantasy, mystery, rebellion, and adventure, and I'm always a sucker for a story where someone gets thrown into another world and has to figure out where they belong. ✨📖
I really liked watching Sarah grow throughout the story. She isn't some perfectly prepared hero who magically knows what to do—she makes mistakes, questions who she can trust, and has to figure things out as she goes. Archer was also such an interesting character, especially because you never quite know how much he's telling Sarah and how much he's keeping from her.
The enchanted pen was such a cool addition to the story, and I loved the whole idea of it recording important events. The world-building was probably one of my favorite parts because there was so much going on beneath the surface. Just when Sarah thinks she understands what's happening, another secret comes out.
I definitely found myself getting invested in the characters and wanting to know what was going to happen to them. It's a fun mix of fantasy, mystery, rebellion, and adventure, and I'm always a sucker for a story where someone gets thrown into another world and has to figure out where they belong. ✨📖
July 28, 2026
I have read books from this author before and greatly enjoyed them and this story was no different. The author does a great job of bringing you into the magical realm with Sarah as she learns about the new land her uncle’s gardener has brought her to. The vivid descriptions really make you feel as though you are there with her. I really enjoyed seeing Sarah’s character development as the story progressed. She isn’t perfect, she is 19 and trying to get her life figured out, while also trying to save an entire realm that she just arrived at. She makes mistakes, but she learns from them and discovers more hidden truths that were meant to stay buried. If you love fantasy, young adult, steampunk, romance and action, this is a story you will not want to miss!
July 29, 2026
4 Stars
‘Choosing a side could destroy a kingdom.’
Lock by Jordan Elizabeth is a YA fantasy that blends portal/parallel worlds with destiny, magic, action, adventure, drama, a quest/mission, danger, rebels, tension, and a journey of discovery.
The novel follows Sarah Lockwood, a resilient young woman shaped by loss and instability after her parents’ deaths. Life with her aunt on the Renaissance Fair circuit offers novelty but no real ‘roots’. Her life is turned upside down when she’s invited to another realm, and what awaits sends her on an adventure full of magic, intriguing machinery, and breathtaking landscapes — but also plenty of danger, political intrigue, and moral complexity.
Another fun read from Elizabeth Jordan.
Happy Reading…
‘Choosing a side could destroy a kingdom.’
Lock by Jordan Elizabeth is a YA fantasy that blends portal/parallel worlds with destiny, magic, action, adventure, drama, a quest/mission, danger, rebels, tension, and a journey of discovery.
The novel follows Sarah Lockwood, a resilient young woman shaped by loss and instability after her parents’ deaths. Life with her aunt on the Renaissance Fair circuit offers novelty but no real ‘roots’. Her life is turned upside down when she’s invited to another realm, and what awaits sends her on an adventure full of magic, intriguing machinery, and breathtaking landscapes — but also plenty of danger, political intrigue, and moral complexity.
Another fun read from Elizabeth Jordan.
Happy Reading…
December 30, 2019
It was a bit hard to get into this book. There was a bit too much of unknown for too long.
The main character is kept in the dark for most of the book with people around doing nonsensical things to solve a problem without telling her that she is the key to the solution. I find that it gets a bit tiring.
I guess this is due to the story being more world based than character based. You have a very good description of the world the character evolve in and you can get a good understanding of things.
Some of the twists were a bit obvious from the "prophecy" that came at the beginning.
I was still a nice and imaginative story.
The main character is kept in the dark for most of the book with people around doing nonsensical things to solve a problem without telling her that she is the key to the solution. I find that it gets a bit tiring.
I guess this is due to the story being more world based than character based. You have a very good description of the world the character evolve in and you can get a good understanding of things.
Some of the twists were a bit obvious from the "prophecy" that came at the beginning.
I was still a nice and imaginative story.
July 29, 2026
Having read a few books by this author, I was excited to see what this next one had to offer. The story was an interesting one; with different realms and rebellion movements it had all the markers for a great book. I became invested quite quickly and wanted to know more as the story progressed. I wasn’t too keen on the main FC at times. She came across as unreliable and a bit flighty. I would have preferred her to be a bit stronger to match the story. Because of this, I would have to say this book isn’t one of my favourites by this author but it is definitely worth the read.
August 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I love fantasy and romantasy books and this book definitely takes you into the fantasy magical realm. Jordan does such a great job with the main character, Sarah Lockwood. Sarah is only 19 and trying to figure herself and her life out and is then thrown into this magical realm and trying to figure all of that out as well and it was easy for me to see myself through Sarah's eyes. I remember being 19 and being thrown into crazy situations and having to toughen up and make it through. I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend to others!
August 8, 2026
Lock by Jordan Elizabeth was such an interesting read! I loved the darker, mysterious feel of the story and how it kept me wondering what was going to happen next. There were definitely moments where I thought I had things figured out… only to realize I absolutely did not. 😂 I really enjoyed the characters and the overall atmosphere of the book. It was creepy, intriguing, and different enough to keep me hooked until the end. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy YA stories with mystery and a darker edge! 🔐🖤
August 10, 2026
Sarah has lost her parents and learned to be self sufficient. After moving to be with her uncle the groundskeeper’s son Archer takes her on an adventure to another world. Lock is stubborn and impulsive. She also cares. The characters and the other realm are alive. The evil and menace are way too real. Can Lock save those she loves and set things right again? Little touches like people remembering that Lock doesn’t eat meat are skillfully woven in to help you immerse yourself in this world. I loved it.
July 28, 2026
Lock is another great book by Jordan Elizabeth! Sarah Lockwood is a wonderful character. She behaves as any young adult would in the situation she found herself in. She truly didn’t understand what Archer talked her into, and found herself stuck in a world that she didn’t understand. While in the Realm, Sarah matured into a strong and brave young woman. I enjoyed this book very much and it’s a great young adult story.
August 3, 2026
Really enjoyed this YA Fantasy!!
I was intrigued by the synopsis and it definitely did not disappoint.
The main character Sarah is put into some crazy situations and I kept wanting to read more to find out what was going to happen and how she was going to handle things.
Lock was an entertaining read and looking forward to checking out more by this author.
Recommend for anyone who enjoys these types of books!
I was intrigued by the synopsis and it definitely did not disappoint.
The main character Sarah is put into some crazy situations and I kept wanting to read more to find out what was going to happen and how she was going to handle things.
Lock was an entertaining read and looking forward to checking out more by this author.
Recommend for anyone who enjoys these types of books!
August 4, 2026
This is the first time that I have read a book by this author. I will say that it is a rather gruesome story. I had a hard time getting into the story to start, however as I continued to read it there was some actions that grabbed my attention. It’s very much like a fairytale gone wrong. It’s definitely a book that makes you think and wonder what’s going to happen. It definitely a book that I would recommend to other readers who like fairytales gone wrong.
August 8, 2026
Wow, can I say that I really liked this book? The premise sounded good, but the book itself is even better! I loved that Sarah, being 19, acts 19. She makes mistakes, she makes hard decisions she doesn’t even know the consequences of. Asher is someone that can lead anyone down a path, and they won’t even realize they are there until it is too late! This book was truly a surprise to me, and I really liked it!
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