Jenn L. Kelly

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.
… (more)

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.… (more)

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 :)

… (more)