ISBN: 9781463671839 Cover Price: $12.99 Publisher: CreateSpace ASIN: B0058KBQRS List Price: $1.99 Publisher: Author, via Smashwords

Yes, I did use the word "fantastical" correctly. I know, because I looked it up. Not only am I referring to the fact that The Key of Kilenya is a fantastic read, but I'm also referring to the fantasy element. This applies to the "as if conceived by an unrestrained imagination" portion of the definition. (quoted from Dictionary.com)

As is always the case when I read a YA book, I started off not really thinking I was going to like it. The reason I always start this way is because the book is written for someone younger than me, so I have a harder time getting connected with the characters. However, if the author is good at what they do (writing) then they will draw me in regardless of the character's age. Andrea Pearson does just that.

I was so engrossed in Jacob's travel through a gateway to another world that I actually read this story in one sitting. As with all worlds there's a history here that ultimately leads to Jacob's arrival. The Key of Kilenya is a story that will have you asking questions all the way through it. What happened to the people from before? Where did they go? What powers does Jacob hold? How exactly does this key work? Who are "the humans" that come and stay in the tree from time to time? Is there a connection between the people from before and Jacob's family?

I grew frustrated towards the end of the story as I was made to remember that, while I would have a conclusion of sorts, this is the first book in a series. Therefore some of Jacob's story is still left to be told, not all of my questions got answered. Argh! However, I was very happy to note that book two is already available. Oh yeah, it was that good that I immediately searched for the next one in the series. And yes, I am buying it!

My recommendation is to go get yourself both books, The Key of Kilenya and The Ember Gods, and keep reading!