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The Riverfall Chronicles #2
The Spider Key
DON’T LOOK. DON’T ASK. DON’T GET INVOLVED.
This was once Inkwell Featherfield’s way of life. It was simple. Straightforward. Easy to remember. Too bad he botched it so spectacularly. And now, despite his best efforts to escape his troubles, things are even worse.
The Wickwire Watch is showing him visions—though not about the missing parents he seeks. The powerful Lady Seherene is now an ally but demands a steep price for it. The Colonists have welcomed him into their family . . . which might be nice if they weren’t hunted fugitives in constant mortal danger.
Worse still, his grandfather is back from the dead and demanding that Ink help put a stop to Caradoc, the Keyholder attempting to gain control of the ghostly Spektors. Allegedly. Trouble is, he’s also the one person able to keep Ink safe from them. If only the man wasn’t so secretive. It would make life so much easier.
Above all else, Inkwell and the Colonists are in desperate need of answers. The pursuit will lead them through grand halls and trap-riddled trenches to a secret ceremony and a private city high in the frozen mountains. Ink’s eyes are opened to things more beautiful and terrible than he ever could have dreamed. It’s enough to wish he’d kept them shut.
This was once Inkwell Featherfield’s way of life. It was simple. Straightforward. Easy to remember. Too bad he botched it so spectacularly. And now, despite his best efforts to escape his troubles, things are even worse.
The Wickwire Watch is showing him visions—though not about the missing parents he seeks. The powerful Lady Seherene is now an ally but demands a steep price for it. The Colonists have welcomed him into their family . . . which might be nice if they weren’t hunted fugitives in constant mortal danger.
Worse still, his grandfather is back from the dead and demanding that Ink help put a stop to Caradoc, the Keyholder attempting to gain control of the ghostly Spektors. Allegedly. Trouble is, he’s also the one person able to keep Ink safe from them. If only the man wasn’t so secretive. It would make life so much easier.
Above all else, Inkwell and the Colonists are in desperate need of answers. The pursuit will lead them through grand halls and trap-riddled trenches to a secret ceremony and a private city high in the frozen mountains. Ink’s eyes are opened to things more beautiful and terrible than he ever could have dreamed. It’s enough to wish he’d kept them shut.
572 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
21 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelyn Hagen
4 books83 followersJacquelyn Hagen is the author of the epic fantasy series "The Riverfall Chronicles". She currently resides wherever the U.S. Air Force needs her to be. In her free time, she devours stories in every form (usually while hanging out with her two big fluffy dogs), but has also been known to play in folk bands, raise chickens, and try to improve her bread-baking skills.
Visit her website at jacquelynhagen.com.
Visit her website at jacquelynhagen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 18, 2023
First read July 2023: 5 stars
Second read December 2023: 5 gloooowing stars again
*******************************************
The Spider Key, book 2 in the incredible Victorian-esque steampunk epic fantasy Riverfall Chronicles, takes everything that was so wonderful about book 1 and just cranks it all up to eleven. More delightful found family vibes, more magical mayhem, more schemes and secrets, more ghostly enemies, more shocking revelations, more emotional turmoil, and somehow also even more heart. This is how you write a banger of a sequel!
After all the crazy events and reveals at the end of The Wickwire Watch, our lovely crew of hunted fugitives returns to Riverfall, their (semi) safe haven, to deal with the fallout. Though with danger lurking around every corner and bonds of trust being tested beyond belief, Ink and co. are quickly thrust into all kinds of high stakes situations while they hunt for answers. And answers they will find, though by the end they might find themselves wondering if they weren't better off living on in blissful ignorance after all.
The way that this book builds on everything that was set up and hinted at in The Wickwire Watch is absolutely magnificent! I already loved the complex and rich character work in book 1, but here we get an even deeper look into the (troubled) minds of the protagonists, antagonists, and all the complex and elusive people in between the two.
The character dynamics are only becoming more complicated, compelling and deep, and I am so impressed with how the author presents certain characters in different lights at different times in the story. There is no clear good vs. evil here and I love that the reader is really encouraged to be open minded and to puzzle out how they feel about every character on their own. Everyone has their own understandable motivations and it’s so easy to sympathise with both the most loveable and the most hateable characters of this story. That said, I have made up my mind about whose side I am on and I think my faves deserve to be protected at all costs!!
I was also very impressed and satisfied with how the world just blew open here. Whereas The Wickwire Watch largely felt like Ink's story, this sequel just expands the scope and dives way deeper. We get to explore the world outside of Riverfall and get to learn a lot more about the Spektors, the Colonists, various magical artefacts, and the mystifying abilities of the Key bearers.
This series is just filled to the brim with mystery and intrigue, and I think Hagen is so skilled at revealing just the right amount of titillating information at just the right times to keep you completely glued to the page and desperate for more answers. The idea of ‘history is written by the victors’ is so thoughtfully explored in this story, and I really appreciate how delicate themes of misinformation, propaganda, fear mongering, and mental health are so seamlessly woven into the narrative.
Also, Ink is haunted by mysterious magical visions which provide a lot of insight into the tragic past of the Colonists and I loved exploring how their life experiences have shaped them into the people they are today. These characters are so painfully human and the author is so gifted at capturing raw human emotion, which makes it incredibly easy to latch onto everyone. I feel so deeply for this motley crew of oddball characters and was very emotionally impacted by their tragic backstories, which made this book such a wild emotional rollercoaster for me.
The stakes are truly raised to unbelievable heights and there is a bit more action compared to book 1, but I really appreciated that the author was somehow able to maintain that cosy and charming vibe that made me fall in love with this series in the first place. And what’s even better, the slightly more action-packed plot didn’t hinder the character development, expansion of the world building or overall plot progression at all.
This story is just so well-balanced and there is truly something compelling happening on every single page, whether it be a riveting escape, a visit to a labyrinthine library, a dangerous encounter with antagonists or tentative allies, a heartfelt conversation full of wise life lessons, or even a delightful evening of opera singing.
I could go on and on about how much I loved this sequel, but I would honestly rather you just go explore the beauty of this story on your own right now.
The Riverfall Chronicles is quickly shaping up to become one of my new favourite series and after this brutal (and I mean BRUTAL!!!) cliffhanger, I am desperate for more!
If you are looking for a charming fantasy series full of mystery, morally grey characters, found family vibes, elusive magic, steampunk aesthetics, and even a sprinkle of horror, then you have come to the right place. I can’t recommend this series highly enough!
Second read December 2023: 5 gloooowing stars again
*******************************************
The Spider Key, book 2 in the incredible Victorian-esque steampunk epic fantasy Riverfall Chronicles, takes everything that was so wonderful about book 1 and just cranks it all up to eleven. More delightful found family vibes, more magical mayhem, more schemes and secrets, more ghostly enemies, more shocking revelations, more emotional turmoil, and somehow also even more heart. This is how you write a banger of a sequel!
After all the crazy events and reveals at the end of The Wickwire Watch, our lovely crew of hunted fugitives returns to Riverfall, their (semi) safe haven, to deal with the fallout. Though with danger lurking around every corner and bonds of trust being tested beyond belief, Ink and co. are quickly thrust into all kinds of high stakes situations while they hunt for answers. And answers they will find, though by the end they might find themselves wondering if they weren't better off living on in blissful ignorance after all.
The way that this book builds on everything that was set up and hinted at in The Wickwire Watch is absolutely magnificent! I already loved the complex and rich character work in book 1, but here we get an even deeper look into the (troubled) minds of the protagonists, antagonists, and all the complex and elusive people in between the two.
The character dynamics are only becoming more complicated, compelling and deep, and I am so impressed with how the author presents certain characters in different lights at different times in the story. There is no clear good vs. evil here and I love that the reader is really encouraged to be open minded and to puzzle out how they feel about every character on their own. Everyone has their own understandable motivations and it’s so easy to sympathise with both the most loveable and the most hateable characters of this story. That said, I have made up my mind about whose side I am on and I think my faves deserve to be protected at all costs!!
I was also very impressed and satisfied with how the world just blew open here. Whereas The Wickwire Watch largely felt like Ink's story, this sequel just expands the scope and dives way deeper. We get to explore the world outside of Riverfall and get to learn a lot more about the Spektors, the Colonists, various magical artefacts, and the mystifying abilities of the Key bearers.
This series is just filled to the brim with mystery and intrigue, and I think Hagen is so skilled at revealing just the right amount of titillating information at just the right times to keep you completely glued to the page and desperate for more answers. The idea of ‘history is written by the victors’ is so thoughtfully explored in this story, and I really appreciate how delicate themes of misinformation, propaganda, fear mongering, and mental health are so seamlessly woven into the narrative.
Also, Ink is haunted by mysterious magical visions which provide a lot of insight into the tragic past of the Colonists and I loved exploring how their life experiences have shaped them into the people they are today. These characters are so painfully human and the author is so gifted at capturing raw human emotion, which makes it incredibly easy to latch onto everyone. I feel so deeply for this motley crew of oddball characters and was very emotionally impacted by their tragic backstories, which made this book such a wild emotional rollercoaster for me.
The stakes are truly raised to unbelievable heights and there is a bit more action compared to book 1, but I really appreciated that the author was somehow able to maintain that cosy and charming vibe that made me fall in love with this series in the first place. And what’s even better, the slightly more action-packed plot didn’t hinder the character development, expansion of the world building or overall plot progression at all.
This story is just so well-balanced and there is truly something compelling happening on every single page, whether it be a riveting escape, a visit to a labyrinthine library, a dangerous encounter with antagonists or tentative allies, a heartfelt conversation full of wise life lessons, or even a delightful evening of opera singing.
I could go on and on about how much I loved this sequel, but I would honestly rather you just go explore the beauty of this story on your own right now.
The Riverfall Chronicles is quickly shaping up to become one of my new favourite series and after this brutal (and I mean BRUTAL!!!) cliffhanger, I am desperate for more!
If you are looking for a charming fantasy series full of mystery, morally grey characters, found family vibes, elusive magic, steampunk aesthetics, and even a sprinkle of horror, then you have come to the right place. I can’t recommend this series highly enough!
November 22, 2025
Due to the Christian undertones that sometimes feels like preaching and the lack of diversity I won't continue the series, even though this book ended on a huge clifhanger.
August 1, 2023
Just as good as the first one! Ill be back for the Blue Flame out in August.
February 6, 2024
A great follow up to the wickwire watch! Full of fantastic writing and great character moments. This series is well worth the read.
December 21, 2023
Maybe even better than book 1, which mostly focused on establishing the world, mystery and characters. The Spider Key now cashes in on this while also showing new sides to all of these aspects. It leaves me with as many questions as The Wickwire Watch and I highly recommend having book three at hand when finishing this.
August 7, 2023
I love this series already, and Jackie just levels everything from book one UP in this sequel. We get to see more of the magic system, the stakes are higher, and we get further invested in the lives of the characters we fell in love with in The Wickwire Watch.
There's such a refreshing blend of subgenres and elements to this series, and where Jackie really shines is her incredible writing of authentic, layered characters. With motley crews, it is very easy to let a few of the characters feel more 2-D while focusing on others. This book avoids that pitfall and each character feels nuanced and intentional regardless of their screentime.
The other thing that I enjoy is the use of an inventive magic system firmly rooted in the supernatural. There's a spiritual aspect to it that is incredibly well utilized.
This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year thus far and I cannot wait to continue on in the series. An absolutely incredible debut series, I can't wait to read anything Jackie writes in the future.
There's such a refreshing blend of subgenres and elements to this series, and where Jackie really shines is her incredible writing of authentic, layered characters. With motley crews, it is very easy to let a few of the characters feel more 2-D while focusing on others. This book avoids that pitfall and each character feels nuanced and intentional regardless of their screentime.
The other thing that I enjoy is the use of an inventive magic system firmly rooted in the supernatural. There's a spiritual aspect to it that is incredibly well utilized.
This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year thus far and I cannot wait to continue on in the series. An absolutely incredible debut series, I can't wait to read anything Jackie writes in the future.
March 15, 2025
Wow, just wow. Jacquelyn Hagen has knocked it out of the park- no, out of the damn world. It's amazing. The way she tackles themes of trust: How do we learn to trust people? And why should we trust people?
No book has made me feel such a sense of found family. That this cast of characters aren't just a group of friends working together but like a group of family members forced to deal with each other. No one trusts each other and yet they are all dealing with their traumas. Some people let their pain overwhelm them, others keep it buried deep. And as they have to work together they all have to learn more about one another. They have to learn to communicate better, to comfort each other, and grow to love and display their love for one another. BRILLIANCE! You all NEED to read this.
No book has made me feel such a sense of found family. That this cast of characters aren't just a group of friends working together but like a group of family members forced to deal with each other. No one trusts each other and yet they are all dealing with their traumas. Some people let their pain overwhelm them, others keep it buried deep. And as they have to work together they all have to learn more about one another. They have to learn to communicate better, to comfort each other, and grow to love and display their love for one another. BRILLIANCE! You all NEED to read this.
August 25, 2023
5/5 Stars
An enthralling sequel! Jaquelyn Hagen delivers yet another masterful story within The Riverfall Chronicles.
It’s always a joy when I come across a book or series I don’t want to put down, quickly invests me in the characters, easily immerses me in the world, leaves me internally screaming and eager for the next book.
So far Jacquelyn Hagen has delivered on this, twice!
The Spider Key helped solidify and build on the characters we came to know in The Wickwire Watch. Further investing readers in their circumstances, seeing how they’ve become who they are today, yet building doubt about their intentions, and their past.
The variety of characters is well balanced, and each felt nuanced. With quirky, charming, conniving, rough, capable, endearing or morally grey characters. From their good and bad traits, I’ve come to love this cast of characters and the found family that’s been built.
One thing I was excited to see was further exploration of the world and magic. As the characters travel, we get to learn more about the towns, history, magic and players within the plot.
There’s also no shortage of emotionally evoking scenes. From intense or wholesome moments, suspense, and emotional damage there was a lot to process. Despite this I had a hard time putting the book down. Between the character growth, plot developments and intensity of the scenes it was a mesmerizing read.
The Spider Key also shows where the authors skills have grown in various aspects, most notably in pacing and storytelling. The story progression was spot on, storytelling masterful and wove several breadcrumbs in to keep readers theorizing.
As the stakes get higher, the characters are faced with harder choices, and increased danger. Something I appreciated was the inclusion of more action without taking away from the story or characters.
Now, the biggest surprise was just how dark the author could go, showing the severity of those higher stakes. Between all these aspects, the story felt faster paced with small breathers in between.
All of this demonstrates incredible skill! To create satisfying character/plot developments while still shrouding them in mystery, getting readers to root for the characters yet sowing doubt, along with spot on pacing, a seamless blending of genres, and expanding the world artfully, is hard to do. Yet Jacquelyn Hagen accomplishes it with ease.
So far, The Riverfall Chronicles has been an immersive read that’s hit the mark and become a new favourite. This is how you write stories that keep readers coming back.
Don’t sleep on The Riverfall Chronicles, an incredible blending of gaslamp fantasy mystery, cozy fantasy, supernatural, horror, and thriller expertly crafted into a rollercoaster of a binge read.
An enthralling sequel! Jaquelyn Hagen delivers yet another masterful story within The Riverfall Chronicles.
It’s always a joy when I come across a book or series I don’t want to put down, quickly invests me in the characters, easily immerses me in the world, leaves me internally screaming and eager for the next book.
So far Jacquelyn Hagen has delivered on this, twice!
The Spider Key helped solidify and build on the characters we came to know in The Wickwire Watch. Further investing readers in their circumstances, seeing how they’ve become who they are today, yet building doubt about their intentions, and their past.
The variety of characters is well balanced, and each felt nuanced. With quirky, charming, conniving, rough, capable, endearing or morally grey characters. From their good and bad traits, I’ve come to love this cast of characters and the found family that’s been built.
One thing I was excited to see was further exploration of the world and magic. As the characters travel, we get to learn more about the towns, history, magic and players within the plot.
There’s also no shortage of emotionally evoking scenes. From intense or wholesome moments, suspense, and emotional damage there was a lot to process. Despite this I had a hard time putting the book down. Between the character growth, plot developments and intensity of the scenes it was a mesmerizing read.
The Spider Key also shows where the authors skills have grown in various aspects, most notably in pacing and storytelling. The story progression was spot on, storytelling masterful and wove several breadcrumbs in to keep readers theorizing.
As the stakes get higher, the characters are faced with harder choices, and increased danger. Something I appreciated was the inclusion of more action without taking away from the story or characters.
Now, the biggest surprise was just how dark the author could go, showing the severity of those higher stakes. Between all these aspects, the story felt faster paced with small breathers in between.
All of this demonstrates incredible skill! To create satisfying character/plot developments while still shrouding them in mystery, getting readers to root for the characters yet sowing doubt, along with spot on pacing, a seamless blending of genres, and expanding the world artfully, is hard to do. Yet Jacquelyn Hagen accomplishes it with ease.
So far, The Riverfall Chronicles has been an immersive read that’s hit the mark and become a new favourite. This is how you write stories that keep readers coming back.
Don’t sleep on The Riverfall Chronicles, an incredible blending of gaslamp fantasy mystery, cozy fantasy, supernatural, horror, and thriller expertly crafted into a rollercoaster of a binge read.
March 13, 2025
Wow! So well written, with excellent character development. The world really opened up in this one compared to The Wickwire Watch. Many more secrets have been revealed, but with many more hinted at still being yet to uncover. The ending was a shocking cliffhanger!!!
April 19, 2023
I just screamed aloud
August 30, 2025
4.5/5
Even though I read the first books this year as well I think, I had forgotten a lot already but the author did a good job to remind me of the details during the plot of this one.
I really liked the lore and the character development of the varying characters, as well as the introduction of more people. We also got new mysteries about the main cast's past that I really want to know more about.
There was a town later on and I really liked the atmosphere there and the whole vibe. It made a lot of sense what happened even though I wanted to strangle certain characters.
And that ending! I'm really happy that I can dive into the third book as soon as it's available because I have questions I desperately need answers to.
Even though I read the first books this year as well I think, I had forgotten a lot already but the author did a good job to remind me of the details during the plot of this one.
I really liked the lore and the character development of the varying characters, as well as the introduction of more people. We also got new mysteries about the main cast's past that I really want to know more about.
There was a town later on and I really liked the atmosphere there and the whole vibe. It made a lot of sense what happened even though I wanted to strangle certain characters.
And that ending! I'm really happy that I can dive into the third book as soon as it's available because I have questions I desperately need answers to.
September 3, 2024
What a Great Story!
Ms. Hagen is an outstanding writer who has built a fascinating world, peopled it with interesting characters - who are to be both loved and hated - and created a story that is a joy to read. There are twists and turns - some to be expected, but others are not. I look forward to continuing this wonderful series!
In addition, I have alternated between reading this on Kindle and listening to the audiobook on Chirp. The narrator does a wonderful job with the voices - highly recommended as an audiobook!!
Ms. Hagen is an outstanding writer who has built a fascinating world, peopled it with interesting characters - who are to be both loved and hated - and created a story that is a joy to read. There are twists and turns - some to be expected, but others are not. I look forward to continuing this wonderful series!
In addition, I have alternated between reading this on Kindle and listening to the audiobook on Chirp. The narrator does a wonderful job with the voices - highly recommended as an audiobook!!
December 13, 2023
I enjoyed this book as much as the first, was definitely exciting and had another surprise ending.
More mysteries unfolded and things got darker in Riverfall. Again, the writing style has a lot of atmosphere and character to it.
More mysteries unfolded and things got darker in Riverfall. Again, the writing style has a lot of atmosphere and character to it.
June 7, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up. Another fantastic showing by the second installment of the Riverfall Chronicles.
These characters are so thoughtfully and wonderfully developed by the author, each with their own backstory and issues that we excavate in tiny detail here and there, as we work with them toward solving the ultimate mystery what really happened, who is at fault, and who we can trust. There are so many cogs working within the story ... It's so much fun to try to figure it out.
Moving on to #3 ...
These characters are so thoughtfully and wonderfully developed by the author, each with their own backstory and issues that we excavate in tiny detail here and there, as we work with them toward solving the ultimate mystery what really happened, who is at fault, and who we can trust. There are so many cogs working within the story ... It's so much fun to try to figure it out.
Moving on to #3 ...
August 23, 2023
I have never needed a sequel more than I need book three right now.
Also, Mavie is my new Edna Mode.
Also, Mavie is my new Edna Mode.
July 21, 2023
Last few chapters had my jaw CLENCHED
December 20, 2025
The Spider Key only builds upon the already incredible foundation built in The Wickwire Watch. I loved it even more and that's saying a lot. The world expands dramatically in The Spider Key and the characters become intensely relatable. The richness of this story stuck to my bones and I'm still thinking about it days and many books later. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my copy of The Blue Flames. Read. This. Series.
December 17, 2025
I loved this book, I really did. I had a few qualms, but nothing that docked a whole star. The good vastly outweighed any negatives.
Especially that ending. Hoo boy. I am so mad about it, but in a good way.
No major spoilers though, so I'll move on.
My main negative is that there were several instances in The Spider Key that felt kind of random. I mean, there was a general force driving the Colonists: the desire to be exonerated (and save the world, of course).
Obviously, the Colonists cannot stay on Riverfall forever. And that became much more obvious in this book.
So it makes sense that we're discovering new things that reveal more about the Mistress, their enemy. Visiting the library, attending the meeting of the Blue Flames, and following the lead to Harroway has a logical flow to it.
That being said, sometimes the Colonists' actions were not logical.
For instance, at Mastmarner in the library, they have their discussion with Mavie. And then decide to spend the next 15 minutes "browsing"? That seems highly dangerous for a group of fugitives on a time crunch. And then for them to just stumble upon Bill Stone and Coram? A little obvious, really.
I think what I missed was some tightly-knit foreshadowing.
That being said, we did get a certain plotline which ended up being way more of a disaster than I would've expected. I'm eager to one day reread The Spider Key and see if I can catch that foreshadowing.
And overall, really, I loved the book. Even though the plot may not have been at its strongest, I loved getting to witness more of Eriaris. One of the most satisfying components of sequels is how they expand their fantasy world, and we definitely got that here.
Also, the characters are so loveable. I mean, I devoured this book in 3 days because I couldn't stand not knowing what would happen to these lovely people. They're what drive me through the story, and I adore continually peeling back the layers of these characters.
I have to rate it 5 stars because of them. I truly was on the edge of my seat for the whole 550 pages, and I cannot wait for the next installment.
Especially that ending. Hoo boy. I am so mad about it, but in a good way.
No major spoilers though, so I'll move on.
My main negative is that there were several instances in The Spider Key that felt kind of random. I mean, there was a general force driving the Colonists: the desire to be exonerated (and save the world, of course).
Obviously, the Colonists cannot stay on Riverfall forever. And that became much more obvious in this book.
So it makes sense that we're discovering new things that reveal more about the Mistress, their enemy. Visiting the library, attending the meeting of the Blue Flames, and following the lead to Harroway has a logical flow to it.
That being said, sometimes the Colonists' actions were not logical.
For instance, at Mastmarner in the library, they have their discussion with Mavie. And then decide to spend the next 15 minutes "browsing"? That seems highly dangerous for a group of fugitives on a time crunch. And then for them to just stumble upon Bill Stone and Coram? A little obvious, really.
I think what I missed was some tightly-knit foreshadowing.
That being said, we did get a certain plotline which ended up being way more of a disaster than I would've expected. I'm eager to one day reread The Spider Key and see if I can catch that foreshadowing.
And overall, really, I loved the book. Even though the plot may not have been at its strongest, I loved getting to witness more of Eriaris. One of the most satisfying components of sequels is how they expand their fantasy world, and we definitely got that here.
Also, the characters are so loveable. I mean, I devoured this book in 3 days because I couldn't stand not knowing what would happen to these lovely people. They're what drive me through the story, and I adore continually peeling back the layers of these characters.
I have to rate it 5 stars because of them. I truly was on the edge of my seat for the whole 550 pages, and I cannot wait for the next installment.
October 1, 2023
Where the first book was an introduction and an exploration that set the story in motion, this book is a full-steam, mid-story continuation. The main character and his found family are on the search for answers, but so is everyone else. Alliances are formed, secret business is conducted, and everyone is hunting for specific artifacts that hold terrible power.
This one felt much more like a series of set pieces, as the characters have an adventure, go to a new location, and then have an adventure there. There were no filler sequences though, each of the set pieces moved the narrative forward. There are a handful of new characters, some powerful and dangerous, others friendly. The main character finds himself in increasingly difficult situations, trusting some and not others, while not having told anyone the whole truth.
There are a couple of particularly strong locations (Mastmarner!), and an increasing amount of violence. Despite the looming threat in the first book, the stakes feel higher in this one. The end sequence is especially strong, and culminates in an unexpected cliffhanger. I started the third book right after finishing.
This one felt much more like a series of set pieces, as the characters have an adventure, go to a new location, and then have an adventure there. There were no filler sequences though, each of the set pieces moved the narrative forward. There are a handful of new characters, some powerful and dangerous, others friendly. The main character finds himself in increasingly difficult situations, trusting some and not others, while not having told anyone the whole truth.
There are a couple of particularly strong locations (Mastmarner!), and an increasing amount of violence. Despite the looming threat in the first book, the stakes feel higher in this one. The end sequence is especially strong, and culminates in an unexpected cliffhanger. I started the third book right after finishing.
June 1, 2025
The Riverfall Chronicles is a contender for a place in my top series. I'll need to finish the series before a decision can be made. The Spider Key is the second book in the Series. I'm not gonna say a lot of what the book is about, in case someone hasn't read the first book, "The Whickwire Watch." This picks up after Ink as made a choice from the first book. We do see more character interactions and get more of a backstory for some of the characters. I still don't know who's the main heroes or the villains are. The colonists are like a big dysfunctional family. This reads as a classic fantasy. I did skim a little when it came to the perspectives of the political people, but I read enough, so I knew what was happening. I'm just gonna say Seherene's mother is soooomething. This isn't labeled as a christian book, but there are christian tones in it.
Jacquelyn Hagen has mastered pacing and timing. She gives just enough information to keep you interested and her cliff hangers....💋. I mean, who ends a book this way.
Content Warnings
slight language, worst is dam.
violence
death
ghost/demons, mild
Jacquelyn Hagen has mastered pacing and timing. She gives just enough information to keep you interested and her cliff hangers....💋. I mean, who ends a book this way.
Content Warnings
slight language, worst is dam.
violence
death
ghost/demons, mild
March 13, 2024
These cliffhangers are killing me, but the execution of getting there is just so damn good. The fact I'm full on mourning someone but have no idea who (although it's obvious it wouldn't be young Master Inkwell), is truly masterful and downright sneaky writing (bloody SACKS!!) in a way I can only tip my hat at and give my respect. Now I'm just hoping I can hold myself back from looking up spoilers before Everand gives me access to the third book on the 30th. Also I didn't give props to the audiobook narrator in my first review, but their performance and especially the way they differentiate all the characters for the listener and bring them (and the story itself) to life, again 10/10 no notes, give him all the prizes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2024
I loved the way Hagen expanded the world and the intrigue around the colonists in this second installment. And that CLIFFHANGER!
Full of oddly tender character moments which touch upon our basic nature of wanting to look after those in our inner circle. A plot that thickens with every chapter and a whole lot of mysteries left unsolved!
This unique blend of genre and tone is a breath of fresh air and utterly addictive!
Full of oddly tender character moments which touch upon our basic nature of wanting to look after those in our inner circle. A plot that thickens with every chapter and a whole lot of mysteries left unsolved!
This unique blend of genre and tone is a breath of fresh air and utterly addictive!
January 26, 2025
I took a break in the middle of reading this book so to be honest I don't remember everything lol. But I did think that this book was really well written! The writing style flows really well, I love the characters, and we got a lot of worldbuilding and lore information in this one. We're in a new setting, so that was interesting, too. Always a big fan of mystery and intrigue, as well as rat bastard little kids causing problems for everyone. Fun!
June 1, 2023
Another excellent book from Jacquelyn Hagen ! You get a deeper glimpse into the past of some of the characters and the struggles the colonists went through. I really liked learning more about the key bearer s and their abilities. The end of this book is very surprising and definitely leaves you on an exciting cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the next book!
April 28, 2025
This was a great continuation of the series! The editing and prose are top notch. We have the same great characters from the first book. My only complaint about the whole book is that some of the Colonist characters don't feel fully fleshed out, but a lot of them do, and I feel anxious for them the whole time. I'm excited to read the next book. There are so many unanswered questions.
April 22, 2024
And here I thought book 1 was good...
Hagen doubled down on literally everything in this one. And that cliffhanger... GAH! I don't think I could have waited for the next installment. I can just jump in right away.
Hagen doubled down on literally everything in this one. And that cliffhanger... GAH! I don't think I could have waited for the next installment. I can just jump in right away.
June 10, 2024
Excellent
(4.5) Thoroughly enjoying the Riverfall Chronicles. The Spider Key continues building this fascinating world, compelling characters, twists and turns, this series just gets better, love it!
(4.5) Thoroughly enjoying the Riverfall Chronicles. The Spider Key continues building this fascinating world, compelling characters, twists and turns, this series just gets better, love it!
August 20, 2024
Another enjoyable installment of the Riverfall Chronicles. A cosy community, steampunk / gaslamp fantasy, adventure, humour, conspiracies and intrigue. And more revelations about Caradoc, Inkwell and the force behind the ghastly Spectors.
July 2, 2023
What next? Has to wait a month!
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