I literally just finished this book and my mind refuses to leave Key's world and come back to reality. I knew I had to read this as soon as I saw the description - it couldn't be more up my alley. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect - but I definitely didn't expect how much I would end up loving this book. I was immediately sucked into the story and into Key's world. The author does a fantastic job bringing the Under to life to the point where I felt like I was right there alongside Key throughout the entire novel. There were tons of detailed descriptions and vivid imagery that made it all jump off the pages and into my mind. I loved learning everything I could about the Under, the residents there, and of course - the huge unraveling mystery of it all.

Key was an incredible main character who I connected with and loved right from the start. She was very realistic and the author made her even easier to empathize with because of all the hurt, guilt, and wrenching pain that was constantly eating away at her. She was brave and fierce, determined to find out the truth no matter how awful or painful it was and to stop whatever madness was going on around them. I can't go into very much detail about the other characters or the plot because I don't want to do any spoilers, but I will tell you that I adored every bit of it. There were parts of the story that I had figured out before it was revealed in the book, but I was still completely invested in putting all the pieces together and to figure out the truth of what happened. I will mention that there was more romance involved in the story than I thought there would be and normally I would hate this. I think that when the main character has any kind of romantic ties to another character, that this small part of the plot overshadows the main story line. There was definitely a romantic aspect to this story - a big one - but instead of annoying me and turning it into a negative experience, it only made me love it more. I don't ever normally do the whole "book boyfriend" thing, but I absolutely loved Smoke and I was rooting for my theories about him and Key throughout the entire novel. I loved each second of it and I think it plays a huge part in the plot, which only made my heart cry for it more. It sounds weird, but I don't know how else to explain it without giving anything away.

Overall, this was a phenomenal novel that blew my expectations and hopes out of the water and hit me hard on a personal and "all the feelings" type level. Not many books do that for me anymore, so it's always a nice surprise and a wonderful gift when it happens. I highly recommend this novel for fans of any genre - there's something in there for just about everyone to enjoy. Seriously - you need to read this book now.

Smoke and Key is a dark yet intriguing tale set in an magical world that the reader will not be able to get enough of. The story revolves around the character of Key, a young woman, who has recently died and the only thing left to identify her is a key that she wears around her neck. As she navigates her way around this strange new place, she quickly learns that she must protect herself against an unknown assailant that is killing of members of the Under. With a handsome young man by her side, Key must put the pieces of her identity back together before it is too late.

Ms. Sutton has created this rich magical world that I absolutely got lost in. I was intrigued by Key and Smoke and this new place between Heaven and Hell. Smoke and Key is one of my favorite books this year and it is one that I will go back and read to see all the clues that I might have missed. Amazing story and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Smoke and Key was better than I expected it to be. It was like all of Tim Burton's movies were combined into this book (or that was the feeling I was getting - deal with it). This also sort of spoke to my own super dark soul because I just loved everything about it.

Enter a world, where dead people are kind of alive. Kind of like zombies.. but not really. They are alive in the form of their body that they died in - sounds kind of cool right? YES! While being alive again, they basically have zero memories of what happened before they die. So what do the good people of this dead world do? Well they create a new identity for themselves - mostly with the token they died with.

This is where we meet Key - cute and unique name so I give my girl mad props. I probably would've named myself shoe if I was wearing one. Well this Key is super mysterious because.. who the heck dies with a damn key necklace. While being alive and shit, she starts to make friends - one of them is named Smoke (hence the title guys).

Now before I end up deep diving into spoiler territory, I'm just going to cute this review mad short and say it was amazing from start to finish. Whenever I see this beautiful book at B&N, I will for sure buy it. Also, low-key wishing for another book because this can't end as a freaking stand-a-lone.

AHHHH! So cool. I loved the concept and the world of Under was refreshingly interesting.

I found the entire story to be refreshing, in fact. Even though there are some pacing issues, I still found myself wanting to read more.

The romance is subtle, but definitely present, which I also enjoyed.

Highly recommended for those who want something new and unique.

I was confused throughout most of the book. It was like wandering through a maze and failing to find a way out. I reread some pages because I wondered if I my brain was fried and maybe that’s why I was so confused. When I neared the ending, I finally found my way of the maze and understood everything that was going on.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book if you’re thinking of picking this up as your first fantasy read or just in general.. I didn’t like it and I’m sorry because this book is an author’s years of hard work. I loved the unique concept of the undead, their naming, and the backstory of how they came to be undead.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The story opens with a dead girl who fell down from her grave into a world called Under. She has no recollection of her past or why she fell down. She didn’t even know that she’s dead. The only thing that connects her with her past is a key in a chain around her neck, so eventually she was named Key. As everyone else in Under, she’s named after the only possession she has with her. In Under, she met Smoke, Doll, Journal, Ribbon, Tintype and others. All of them had bodies that looked like they already started decaying. Key, though, is different. Her body is intact. Then she started remembering things. And then the murders start; bodies that are burnt to a crisp. After being burned, the dead stay dead. Key is running out of time to discover who she was—and what secret someone is willing to kill to keep hidden—before she becomes the next victim…

The beginning of the novel really pulled me in, it started right where the interesting part of the story begins. It was so intriguing and atmospheric. First, because Key and the others are being too mysterious, mainly because they can’t remember a thing about their lives before they died. Like, who are they? I was immensely curious. And they kept me interested in them till the last page. I also think their character ARCs are well done and even though there are sad parts about the characters’ lives, I was content as to how everything ended for everyone. Especially Key. The reveal of her past and her relationship with Smoke. It was really interesting and intriguing.

And there’s Under. I find Under as one of the most interesting fictional world I’ve ever read. It’s so eerie and so secretive. Like something would pop out in its walls any moment.

As for the overall plot, it’s worth reading. I love the idea of dead people being murdered and a setting that’s a pure mystery. My only issue on this book is at some point, the pacing turns too slow. I put down my tablet (it’s where I read since I haven’t bought a new Kindle yet after I lost my old one) twice before I finished the whole novel. There are also parts, that for me, are just fillers and the novel can do without. Same with the Romance. It was fine it’s part of the story, but even if it’s not, it would be fine.

Overall, this is an amazing read. It’s actually a little refreshing. I know this won’t be the last book I’ll read from this author. Kelsey Sutton’s writing is almost lyrical and really atmospheric. I just love her devices and overall writing style.

Imagine waking up as you were falling, but you’re different than you remember. The difference… you’re dead. You don’t know how you died, you have no memories. Now, those who were with you are slowly disappearing, and you have to find out why before you’re next.

While this was a bit of a slow start for me, it was still an interesting story. The characters and the plot kept you guessing. It was interesting to meet some of the characters, such as Smoke, Journal and Ribbon. The story is told from Key’s perspective and the details of the world created was great. There was a romance aspect but it’s wasn’t a main factor. Kelsey Sutton’s writing is stunning. It’s engaging and she tells quite the story. The pace was just a bit slow, which kept this from being a 5-star review. I’m interested to read more of her work.

Welcome to Under the place the dead go when they fall out of their graves. It is often said that the people who end up here have unfinished business with the world above. Key is a girl that ends up in this place of dirt and secrets and darkness. She doesn't know her identity and doesn't know why she is dead. The only clue is a key around her neck. However, soon after she starts to investigate with her new friend Smoke, the citizens of Under begin being murdered one by one. Key teams up with Smoke to solve this mystery and in the process discover more than her identity but also love. Loved the new take on the old classic mystery genre. Creepy and filled with magic and mystery. Loved this atmospheric dark mystery filled with magic and secrets!

Kelsey Sutton sucked me right into Smoke and Key.
I thought Smoke and Key would be a fascinating murder mystery set underground with the dead. But as I got in the story, I discovered I was so so wrong. From early in the novel, Sutton sucks me into the world of Under. Key wakes up dead with no memories other than a key around her neck. Others who live in Under are the same as well, and like Key each of them has an item they came with they identify themselves with.

Mysterious and creepy.
Smoke and Key is everything I thought a world of dead people would be - mysterious and creepy. When Key awakens in Under, she has a feeling everyone around her is in the world for a reason - she just can't remember why. As she sets out to discover who she is, some of the residents are murdered brutally with no return. Key hopes that as she discovers the reason why everyone is there, she'll solve the cause as well before she is murdered.

Sutton creates an atmospheric world while building a mystery that kept me turning the pages. There were moments where I thought I would know how the story will play out in the end, but I would turn out to be entirely wrong. Sutton continues to do this until near the end when everything circles together.

A little romance underneath.
Sutton includes a good amount of romance in her latest novel developing throughout that I enjoyed. Despite the romance being a trope I normally have a dislike for, Sutton turns the tables and handles it nicely. There is also a good balance between the romance and everything else in the story, so it doesn't overshadow the plot despite ultimately being a love story.

Superb character development.
I adored all of the characters who made up the world of Under. Each of them has individual contributions to the society that is developed. What's neat about Smoke and Key is the story is in two timelines that come together in the end. One timeline is in the present in Under while the other as Key discovers her past that led them all to this world. Having the two timelines allows readers to see how the relationships have developed.

Smoke and Key is a beautifully written novel with magic and romance built with mysterious and creepy vibes.

An interesting concept with unique characters and setting. Not the type of book i'd usually read, but was pretty good overall. Didn't know what to expect from this book.

“She has no idea who or where she is. Or why she's dead.”

Set in a world of the dark and whimsical atmosphere called Under, SMOKE AND KEY is a young adult mystery with a touch of magic and romance in which our heroine has no idea who or where she is—or why she's dead. Her only clue to her identity hangs around her neck: a single rusted key.

Under is a place of dirt and secrets, and Key is determined to discover the truth of her past in order to escape it.
The story’s setting has such a great atmosphere. Dark and eerie, it is an afterworld that the heroine Key literally falls down into from a graveyard. The dirt and earth open up, dropping characters into this limbo-like world where they cannot remember their lives before they fell. Key begins to piece together the mystery of how their lives are connected and why someone wants them to never remember. Then the murders begin.

Secrets, Betrayal and Romance
Kelsey Sutton does a great job of adding plenty of twists and secrets to uncover in this story. Each character entered the Under with an item, many of which are clues to the above-world that make for a fascinating mystery. Not every character is as they seem and betrayal is around every corner in this story.

For those of you who enjoy romance in your reads, there is definitely a building one that ended-up pretty swoon-worthy. Two young men seem to have personal connections to Key but we don’t know why and only discover how as Key does. Smoke is the boy with a fierce heart that rivals even the living and Journal is the quiet and thoughtful one who seems to know more than he lets on. Key's heart tells her there is something important about each of them, even if she can't remember why.

Curses, Keys, and a Touch of Magic
My favorite part of the story was linking the various characters to the real world with those in Under. Readers are treated to a mystery that encompasses both and sees how the actions of certain individuals affect both worlds—which was really interesting to read. I also really enjoyed the touch of magic in the story which gave everything and slightly spooky and chilling vibe.

In the End
Overall I found the story and mystery well done and the atmosphere fantastic. The romance was definitely swoony and I couldn't help but root for them. The beginning is a bit slower-paced as the author sets the stage for the mystery and readers need to be patient at times, but I was invested the whole time in the characters and plot. I would definitely recommend this to readers of YA, mystery, and the supernatural.

The book is about a young girl that had passed away and had fallen from grave to a world named Under. She does not her name or who she was in her past life and how she came to be decreased. The only thing that she had in possession when she fell was a key so she was named Key. Key met a young man named Smoke when she had fallen who help her around Under. She was introduce to other dead people in Under, whose names were possession that they had been buried with and fallen with. Their names were Journal, Ribbon, Doll, and Tintype and there were other dead who resided in Under. Majority of the dead were in some form decomposed states but Key was oddly preserved. Everyone who was there had no recollection of who they were before they had died.

Upon Key arrival, there started to be a series of murders among the dead. Yes, the dead can be killed via fire. When the first murdered happen, Key started to get memories back from her past life and she started to recognize some of the people who were in Under. This cause her dead life in jeopardy.

I found that I really enjoy the character of Key, she was portrayed really well and it was interesting to see how she reacted to the memories that she experiencing. It was nice to see how Smoke and Journal were connected to Key’s past and to be able to experience her relationship with Smoke. He was another character that was intriguing, I was left with wanting to know more about him.

The best part about this book is how the tension and mystery of the story was built throughout the book. I love books that have mystery and eeriness to them because I could imagine all of the characters in the book like I was watching a movie.

However, the one thing that I would have like to read more about was the magic that was mention. I felt like there wasn’t a backstory to how the magic really plan in the story, I would have like to have known more about it.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and love how unique the story was. I am big fan of dark fantasy and this book really gave me what I needed to get out of my reading slump. I am looking forward to reading more from Kelsey Sutton.

Fantasy, paranormal and mystery fans who are looking for a different type of read will enjoy picking up this one.

Key wakes to find herself in a dark, tightly enclosed space with only a voice coming from nowhere. Then, she falls. Landing in the Under, a strange place that many have fallen from their graves into after their deaths, her memories have who she was and who she knew during life are gone. Instead, she needs to find her place in a society of dead people...most who are at least partially decomposed and suffering the same memory loss. Soon, she finds some friends but, at the same time, her memories start to return. Then, the impossible happens. Someone is brutally murdering the already dead, and Key begins to suspect it has something to do with her and the object whose namesake she now carries—the key around her neck.

I'm not sure where to start with this review, since there's no way I can possibly bring the story across in all of its rich strangeness and curious atmosphere. It takes place in a space under the dirt, where types of living spaces have been carved out of the dirt. And the characters are partially decomposed, except for Key, who although laying in her grave for years, has somehow remained pretty much intact. The dead are friendly enough and have formed a type of townish society. It's an odd setting with a dismal atmosphere, and it works.

Each character, named after whatever object they might have possessed when they 'fell', gains a surprisingly rich personality. Everything is coated with a sense of mystery and curiosity, and as the plot unfolds, all of it gains in depth. The characters hook and each possess their own surprising history. The mystery itself isn't so much a hunt for clues, but unfolds as the memories return in dreamlike flashbacks. While a bit predictable in some respects, the mixture works and makes it hard to put the book down.

There's romance in here too, which is warm and yet, strange in its own right thanks to the characters being dead. This leaves an odd feel to it, which isn't necessarily bad or good. Simply different.

One woman’s choices in life follow her into the afterlife … and she can’t escape the consequences without unraveling the truth of her past.

What Fed My Addiction:

Creepy and atmospheric.
The book takes place Under, which is a creepy afterlife that’s literally under the graveyard. All of the characters show signs of their deaths–often quite gruesome–and the world is made of dirt and devoid of light (aside from light from torches). Sutton does a fantastic job of establishing a memorable setting.

Lots of mysteries.
Key wakes up in Under with no memory of her life or her death, but it soon becomes apparent that her life held numerous secrets and betrayals. When people in Under start dying (again), Key has reason to believe that it’s somehow because of her. Her memory starts to come back to her in pieces, and we discover the whole sordid history along with her as the book progresses.

Real life vs. Under.
One of my favorite things in this book was seeing Key interact with the characters in Under and then finding out how they related to each other in their “real” lives. Some of the feelings and relationships from Key’s original life bled into her afterlife, and it was really intriguing to see that unfold.

What Left Me Hungry for More:

Slightly slow start.
The beginning of the book is really all about setting up the atmosphere, and it took until about a third of the way through before we got a big revelation that truly hooked me into the story. It also did take me a while to become invested in the romance, but by the end I found myself rooting for them.

Some twists were predictable.
I figured out who the villain in the story was almost immediately, but the why and the how of it all kept me interested (and I definitely had some doubts along the way).

If you’re a fan of creepy ghost stories with a touch of magical flair and a dash of revenge, this is the book for you!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher and FFBC Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

I had no idea that Smoke and Key was the Zombie romance murder mystery I have always been missing from my life. Anyone who knows me knows of my undying (ha, couldn't resist) love for all things zombie and when I discovered that the setting for this book was a place called Under that was inhabited by decomposing reanimated corpses just doing trying to get by, I knew that this was a story for me. Add in the fact there was tons of intrigue and secrets, a forbidden love with a love triangle AND a suspenseful murder mystery to solve?? It was as if Kelsey wrote this book just for me.(But don't worry, I will share.)

Shocking to say, this review will be short and sweet (with less rambling) because I do not want to give anything away and ruin the journey to slow discovery of the truth Key takes. This is actually the third book I have read by Kelsey and she is the master of atmosphere and settings, with real life situations that have just a dash of surreal to make this an escape read- and feel like it could potentially happen. I felt like I was transported to Under, I could see the houses made of dirt, the roots running everywhere, the odd collections of treasures, and the holes that brought the citizens there to begin with. Everything was so detailed (and at times creepy), creating the perfect visual world that I could basically see and experience too, keeping me on the edge of my seat as I hoped for the safety of Key.

The mystery was uniquely delivered too, mixing past and present to help build the suspense and the questions. I had lots of suspects and each time I was sure I knew who and why, I was left stumped and I loved it. A good mystery is one you are not completely sure of and I think the way the pacing, as well as how the plot and characters were slowly unraveled really helped to set everything into motion.

Smoke and Key is a standalone story so you can pick this up and enjoy it by itself, which always makes me happy. Not to say I would not love to have more books set in this creepy magical place, but I am 100% happy with the outcome of the book. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes a little supernatural mixed in with their murder mysteries- as well as some swoony stolen romantic moments.

**Review can be found at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/

So, honestly even though it started with what was supposed to be a pretty exciting or sudden frightening event, I felt as if it started a bit slow for me. It took a bit to get in. A third of the way through it did pick up, and I became invested in the characters and what was happening. As I continued to read I started thinking of what might be the twist. While I thought I knew what it might be, the author definitely kept me guessing till the end with the true motivations. There was at least one twist I did not see coming, even as who certain characters were fell into place, one or two still were surprises when I found out who they had been in the world before. While I get who and why all of this happened, I feel like the twists and turns made it harder for me to believe exactly how it all went down. It was original in how it ended and its overall plot, but I wouldn't put it as a top read of mine for the year. However it did keep my attention for the most part, and had some good moments and interesting character development, it maybe be more for you than it was for me.

"Are you waiting for death to claim you?" he clarifies, tilting his head. The movement makes his hair glint in the light. "   Hate to remind you, darlin' but that's  already been taken care of."

This was an amazing, wonderfully mysterious and eerie fantasy! I think this is a really interesting and unique story! I loved getting to the characters. They are just so interesting and well written. I especially loved Smoke and Key. I really liked that this book was so mysterious and dark. I really loved Smoke and Key and I can't wait to read more by this author!

So, honestly even though it started with what was supposed to be a pretty exciting or sudden frightening event, I felt as if it started a bit slow for me. It took a bit to get in. A third of the way through it did pick up, and I became invested in the characters and what was happening. As I continued to read I started thinking of what might be the twist. While I thought I knew what it might be, the author definitely kept me guessing till the end with the true motivations. There was at least one twist I did not see coming, even as who certain characters were fell into place, one or two still were surprises when I found out who they had been in the world before. While I get who and why all of this happened, I feel like the twists and turns made it harder for me to believe exactly how it all went down. It was original in how it ended and its overall plot, but I wouldn't put it as a top read of mine for the year. However it did keep my attention for the most part, and had some good moments and interesting character development, it maybe be more for you than it was for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

This is one of those books you just wish you had time to read sooner. Unfortunately we will never read every book we want to, but I'm so glad I found the time to get into this one, because I adored it. It had like a Coraline vibe to it; our main character wakes in a grave, only to fall through the earth into a dingy kind of hell below. Named only by the objects they possess, Key must work out why she's the only one with memories and what her connection is with the people around her.

The darkness and the unknown were really good for this book; you never knew what motivated people or why things happened the way they did until the end. I had my suspicions, but they remained that until everything cleared. Not having an obvious end was really refreshing- and so was the romance! I don't want to give away any spoilers on that account, but it was a good match and I enjoyed their moments together ;)

A really good and different YA. Five stars.

Will Key be able to figure out why they died but not truly dead?
Smoke and Key by Kelsey Sutton is a book that I fell in love with from the cover to the plot summary and to the story itself. Ms. Sutton has a great way with words, and this book is proof of that. I felt like I was Key trying to remember my life from before and knowing that I need to be able to put a stop to someone or something.

What I like:
• Written in the first-person with our main character being Key. I felt like I was getting into the character and understanding her way of thinking. Key is trying so hard to remember throughout the story since she knows that she needs to do something.
• I love the memories and the way that she remembers those along with others involved.
• The whole book is great especially the way that she starts to remember other people around her and how Key is trying not to let anyone know that she is remembering.
• Ms. Sutton makes this adventure seem so realistic. I adored the characters, especially Key, Smoke, Ribbon, Doll, and Journal. Even the other people that weren’t so into it either. Key is trying to save everyone.
• The villain is great, and I can’t believe that I didn’t realize who it was at the beginning.

What I don’t like:
There are some things that I didn’t like about the book. Most of it has to do with how Key keeps somethings to herself, it's almost as if she doesn't trust the friends she has made in Under. Some of the other dislikes have to deal with spoilers from the book but let’s just say that Smoke and Key is excellent.

Five Star
Smoke and Key by Kelsey Sutton is a spectacular book; it kept me guessing and entertained. It’s definitely a fantasy and a love story type of book. Kelsey Sutton is a master storyteller; she never dropped a beat, the world and characters were so realistic, such a fabulous story. I wouldn’t mind being friends with Smoke and Key.

I am giving it a five-star rating and recommending it to anyone that likes young adult love stories and fantasies.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
Happy Reading!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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