Jenn L. KellyReviews

I received this book in a giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
While being intrigued by the premise (single adult woman, feeling stuck, and the possibility of our past lives having an influence on our life now), the story itself was actually rather different from my expectations, however I didn't mind that and came to enjoy the book as it was. And found it hard to put down.
I could relate to Jenny, and not only cause of the 30-single prerequisite, but cause we've all been stuck one way or the other, doesn't matter if in singledom, or in the after wave of a broken relationship, or within said trainwreck of a relationship. Jenny thought about things I have mulled over in the past, and sometimes think about in the present. I came to deeply care for her journey to peace of mind, the exploration of her soul and mind, and acceptance and forgiveness of herself and the people around her.
I did find two of the past-lives a little weaker in writing (more sketch like) than the third one and the writing is strongest, deepest in all the present day Cleveland episodes. However, the further I got with the book, the more emotionally satisfied I felt. The book ends in a hopeful note that was simply good to read about.

A quick weekend read with a light flowing prose, strong imagery and well set atmosphere, and a focus on spiritual self-discovery. In fact, the whole adventure was for me a symbol of finding yourself and who you are.
I had initially several questions regarding the world, but these got answered in due course of the book.
I found Ka to be a likeable lead, easy to relate to, and her relationships with family and friends felt natural. (One of my favourite scene was with Ka and her friend Ahna on swings after school)
A bold move, mixing together elements of sci-ci, urban fantasy and spirituality. Overall, a fun read, with the added benefit of meaningful philosophy.

I think for me The Earth Key was a little weaker than book 1 of the series, Army of Fire.

From some scenes in the beginning of the book, I hoped for an exploration mother-daughter relationship, which is I feel a very important relationship in any woman's life, but isn't much explored in YA-fantasy, and there was some of that, but it didn't go as far as I hoped, and it took me quite a long time to realize that this wasn't the theme of the book at all, instead it was coming to terms with the sudden loss of a parent.

I think overall, the story was an up and down wave of very good scenes (and imagery, which are strongest in the more fantastical places, anything to do with the Elemental Abyss and the Land of Earth, the one snakey monster) and scenes that were good, but didn't have as much impact on me.

I think I felt this one wasn't as intense as Army of Fire, which was pretty much straight as an arrow, while The Earth Key took a little more time to meander. Then again, many characters and their backstories were introduced further and there mystery of the ID deepens, I'm interested in seeing, where it's going and what's going to happen next to the characters Ka, Sloan.

The Earth Key had for me also a vibe of a chosen one story I loved as a teenager, from the anime Sailor Moon, not sure why, because the two stories are nothing alike.. or maybe they are in the philosophical context.. My favourite thing was the legend of the five sisters of the universe. That was a lovely addition.

...as I'm writing this review though.. I feel the appreciation for the book growing, seems it's one of those that packs a punch long after you've finished reading it. So maybe it wasn't weaker than Army of Fire after all :)

I found this an interesting read, and was pleasantly surprised that not reading Book 1 didn't make this book less enjoyable. The characters were colorful and interesting, the plot easy to follow, and the premise not unbelievable. There were even a few surprising developments in the story that were totally unexpected.

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and I'm very happy I did. I love this book! The author writes perfectly for children and has good family humor. I will definitely recommend this fantastc, creative, and whimsical tale to any one who has a young reader in the house. I will be reading this book to my children one day. :)

去年暮れに買った児童本Jackson Jones, Book1を読んだ。112歳の大叔母の髪の毛の中に入って自分探しの旅をする10歳半のJackson。かなりシュールでエグいが面白かった。Christians本という声もあるが軽めの哲学書としてもいける。

If you like children's books that will make you laugh and keep you AND your children hooked, then this book is a must read. It's quirky, silly and captivating with pictures and words that the younger generation will be able to understand. The fantasy style of the book adds a bonus to keep the children hooked. Jennifer Kelly has created a book full of humor with lots of messages woven throughout that make this a easily read keeper! It's hard to write an overly long review of a short, easy read such as this one,especially since I was able to read it one day. Jackson,the main character is a bit on the nerdy side(maybe that's why I connected to this children's book character so well?!) and Meeka was a beautifully created character to add just the right amount of support to this charming story! This is a book that I give 4 stars to, and will be reading it to my children often! I definitely recommend this book to everyone who wants a good laugh or have children who love to read and like to laugh! Well done, Jennifer, on an awesomely written children's book!