I have not read the other books in the series but had no trouble diving into this one. The main character is easy to connect with and no problem to root for until the very last page. The tale runs along at a good pace...some sections were a bit slow, but I tend to thrive on action. By no means, though, did I grow bored.
The scenes are well set, and as a time travel, it's well done. I was surprised how broad this part reaches. Combine that with the intriguing twists and unexpected surprises at every turn, and it definitely has me curious to pick up the first books in the series and see how this all started.

For anyone that daydreams of time travel and loves to root for the underdog, then Orphan Tree and the Vanishing Skeleton Key is for you. For every adventure story out there, so few are lead by a strong independent Daniela. While the book is a sequel, I found it easy to get lost in Brown's wonderfully quirky and fantastical world without having read her previous Orphan Dreamer series.