Book: The Sleeping Key by Gemma Ashborne
Reviewed by SimplySammie
Rating: 6/5
Fey is a character that I felt an immediate connection with. Her broken bits were so familiar to me. Anxious. Confused. Unsure. Insomniac. Strained Relationship with her parents. When she took steps to go to the school of her dreams for college and to maybe, finally, do something truly for herself. I was so proud. Because me at that age? Could never.
And then she arrives at St. Peter's Art Institute, and she finds a lot more than just an education in graphic design.
A magical journey that straddles the line between the world of the waking and dreams, the physical and the metaphysical - The Sleeping Key is a wonderfully crafted story that had me from word one.
Each character has quirks that made them so unique and interesting. I was constantly going are you... but you... WHAT?!?!
The story is built around a very cool magic system and a really beautiful lore that I loved watching unfold. Each new piece of the story just layered on perfectly. The narrative and the craft are incredible.
Mostly, I was just wrapped up in the emotional journey Fey goes on. I adore her. I believe what I said to other early readers was "And this is where we put Fey in a cone of love and light and bubble wrap and nothing bad ever happens to her ever." We can't have that because we need tension... but it's what she deserves. she's baby girl.
Oh, and the MC is pretty great too.