What do you think?
Rate this book
The Key Collector #1
Key of Magic
A murder to solve. A magical, time-traveling key. And a debt to pay.
When my father died in front of me, I swore to find the murderer and avenge his death.
As a side job, of course. My first duty is to pay off my debt to the Thieve’s Guild: Five-hundred jobs, at their discretion, stealing dangerous magical objects for profit.
Fortunately my father trained me well—as a master of both thievery and weapons, I’d been groomed since childhood to do this job on my own. Plus, I have a magical key that makes it almost too easy to steal the impossible-to-steal items.
Unfortunately, fate keeps throwing an unwelcome kink in my plans, in the form of a frustratingly handsome thief from my past. He insists he wants to help, but I trust him about as far as I can throw him for good reason.
And as I get closer to uncovering the truth, I keep narrowly escaping the suspected murderer, who now seems to have his sights set on me.
Is he out to kill me and steal my key, or is there more at play than even I realize?
I have to find out how deep this rabbit hole goes, before I end up just another victim of time.
Key of Magic is the first in a new series of exciting urban fantasy novels featuring a clever, sword-wielding heroine, endless mysteries to solve, pulse-pounding action, and a brand-new magical system in the gritty underworld of thievery and murder. The first four novels in this extended world will release in January through March of 2022.
Expected release dates:
Key of Magic: January 6th
Key of Spies: January 27th
Key of Disguises: February 17th
Key of Dreams: March 31st
Key of Magic was previously released under my other pen name, Laurel Night, in 2019. This new, second edition features an updated story and includes the prequel novella, The Magic Thief!
When my father died in front of me, I swore to find the murderer and avenge his death.
As a side job, of course. My first duty is to pay off my debt to the Thieve’s Guild: Five-hundred jobs, at their discretion, stealing dangerous magical objects for profit.
Fortunately my father trained me well—as a master of both thievery and weapons, I’d been groomed since childhood to do this job on my own. Plus, I have a magical key that makes it almost too easy to steal the impossible-to-steal items.
Unfortunately, fate keeps throwing an unwelcome kink in my plans, in the form of a frustratingly handsome thief from my past. He insists he wants to help, but I trust him about as far as I can throw him for good reason.
And as I get closer to uncovering the truth, I keep narrowly escaping the suspected murderer, who now seems to have his sights set on me.
Is he out to kill me and steal my key, or is there more at play than even I realize?
I have to find out how deep this rabbit hole goes, before I end up just another victim of time.
Key of Magic is the first in a new series of exciting urban fantasy novels featuring a clever, sword-wielding heroine, endless mysteries to solve, pulse-pounding action, and a brand-new magical system in the gritty underworld of thievery and murder. The first four novels in this extended world will release in January through March of 2022.
Expected release dates:
Key of Magic: January 6th
Key of Spies: January 27th
Key of Disguises: February 17th
Key of Dreams: March 31st
Key of Magic was previously released under my other pen name, Laurel Night, in 2019. This new, second edition features an updated story and includes the prequel novella, The Magic Thief!
- GenresUrban FantasyParanormal
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2020
19 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Night
22 books1,140 followersHi! I'm Laurel, I love all things fantasy, magic, and sci-fi, so you may find that my books have surprising twists that you didn't see coming.
I'm an avid traveller and adventurer, and I find my travels inspire stories I want to write! I have an amazing daughter and we currently live in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains. I love a good craft cocktail, sunny beaches and snowy slopes, and a cozy chair with a nearby fireplace for the perfect read.
I'm an avid traveller and adventurer, and I find my travels inspire stories I want to write! I have an amazing daughter and we currently live in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains. I love a good craft cocktail, sunny beaches and snowy slopes, and a cozy chair with a nearby fireplace for the perfect read.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 16, 2022
LJ Night
Key of Magic: An action-packed Urban Fantasy (The Key Collector Book 1)
Maribel learns to trust
Maribel has led a hard life. Trained by her father not to trust anyone, as he taught her how to be a master thief and ninja, she finally is of need of someone to trust with her secrets.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Key of Magic: An action-packed Urban Fantasy (The Key Collector Book 1)
Maribel learns to trust
Maribel has led a hard life. Trained by her father not to trust anyone, as he taught her how to be a master thief and ninja, she finally is of need of someone to trust with her secrets.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2022
Interesting and creative new world
An interesting and creative new world that LJ has created. Initially, I wasn’t sure what I was going to think about the book but I very quickly became interested in the story and wanted to know more about the characters, the mystery and what had happened in the past.
The character started to grow on me, I especially liked Bastien and his easy-going ways. I can understand Maribel’s personality because of how she grew up and I liked that being around Bastien helped her open up a bit more. Their dynamic, bickering and their plans to work together, especially with the romance blossoming, will definitely increase the appeal of the story.
There were a few different mysteries in the story and they were all a smaller piece of an even bigger picture. Just when you think that we actually know what the bigger picture is, more pieces are added. I don’t even think we know what the big mystery is.
I also liked the extended epilogue/prequel at the end of the book to give us more of a background of Maribel’s life. Looking forward to book two.
An interesting and creative new world that LJ has created. Initially, I wasn’t sure what I was going to think about the book but I very quickly became interested in the story and wanted to know more about the characters, the mystery and what had happened in the past.
The character started to grow on me, I especially liked Bastien and his easy-going ways. I can understand Maribel’s personality because of how she grew up and I liked that being around Bastien helped her open up a bit more. Their dynamic, bickering and their plans to work together, especially with the romance blossoming, will definitely increase the appeal of the story.
There were a few different mysteries in the story and they were all a smaller piece of an even bigger picture. Just when you think that we actually know what the bigger picture is, more pieces are added. I don’t even think we know what the big mystery is.
I also liked the extended epilogue/prequel at the end of the book to give us more of a background of Maribel’s life. Looking forward to book two.
January 9, 2022
Key of Magic is book one in the Key Collector series, written by LJ Night. It follows a young woman who happens to be a professional thief for a group referred to as “The Guild.” Maribel (Belle) uses her late father’s magic key to successfully complete missions no one else seems to be able to do. As a result of the somewhat recent loss of her father, and the circumstances surrounding his death, Maribel is not the most trusting or soft person. Enter Bastien, an ex... whatever, whom she’ll need to learn to trust. If not him, then someone will need to find their way inside our stoic heroine’s walls.
For no reason whatsoever, other than my own personal love of animals, I adore when authors work a pet into our MC’s life. I like it more when it is an untraditional pet, in type or personality. LJ Night has given us that in the sweet Diego, the bearded dragon. So, that’s just a little nugget present in the book that just brings me simple joy. Not to mention, I find it humanizes characters to me, if I don’t connect with them for any other reason. But Belle is a very relatable character for me to read. Despite being standoffish and (perceived to be) cold, she’s a very likable character.
The pacing of the book was very pleasant to read. This is something I find this author does very well. It’s not so high-paced as to drive me into a “reading frenzy” (those are nice, but they have their place, and it shouldn’t be every book). It’s a book I can comfortably sit down and read a couple of chapters at a time, then set it down without feeling like I’m pausing in the middle of an episode of a show. But I’m still drawn to continue the story. I care about the character(s).
LJ Night does a lovely job at writing a mystery. I feel Belle’s frustration at not having or being able to find the answers to her (many) questions. But I also don’t feel like those answers are being willfully withheld. They’re just something we’ll have to work for in future books.
This was a really pleasant read and I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy urban fantasy (that are sort of “contemporary adjacent”), especially those who appreciate a mystery-bend.
For no reason whatsoever, other than my own personal love of animals, I adore when authors work a pet into our MC’s life. I like it more when it is an untraditional pet, in type or personality. LJ Night has given us that in the sweet Diego, the bearded dragon. So, that’s just a little nugget present in the book that just brings me simple joy. Not to mention, I find it humanizes characters to me, if I don’t connect with them for any other reason. But Belle is a very relatable character for me to read. Despite being standoffish and (perceived to be) cold, she’s a very likable character.
The pacing of the book was very pleasant to read. This is something I find this author does very well. It’s not so high-paced as to drive me into a “reading frenzy” (those are nice, but they have their place, and it shouldn’t be every book). It’s a book I can comfortably sit down and read a couple of chapters at a time, then set it down without feeling like I’m pausing in the middle of an episode of a show. But I’m still drawn to continue the story. I care about the character(s).
LJ Night does a lovely job at writing a mystery. I feel Belle’s frustration at not having or being able to find the answers to her (many) questions. But I also don’t feel like those answers are being willfully withheld. They’re just something we’ll have to work for in future books.
This was a really pleasant read and I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy urban fantasy (that are sort of “contemporary adjacent”), especially those who appreciate a mystery-bend.
January 7, 2022
LJ Night did a fantastic job with this time traveling mystery book. I don't often read M/F books but I really enjoy Night's RH books under her other pen name, so I knew her writing would draw me in with this one. Maribel and Bastien were such interesting characters and their relationship with the snarky banter and constant back and forth between them was very entertaining to read about.
The relationship development between Maribel and Bastien was something I really loved watching take place. Forced proximity and a shoulder to lean on turned one-sided hatred to a friendship with the possibility for more in future books. With the manner that Maribel was raised, it was often hard for her to relate to other people and build trust with them. She's the type of person to build her walls extremely high so she doesn't have to rely on anyone else, so it made me happy to see Bastien slowly working on knocking down some of those walls just by being there whenever Maribel needed him, even without asking. I think him showing up without her having to ask did a lot in her opening up with him because she knew she could rely on him without it feeling like she owed him anything afterwards.
The missions that these characters went on, gave you a glimpse of their skill set without fully giving you all the details about some of their capabilities until later on in the book. The reveal went along with the building of the trust between Maribel and Bastien and I can't wait to see them work together more in future missions as they search for more answers about what really happened to Maribel's father and who is responsible. The epilogue makes it seem like things are going to be turned up a notch in the next book!
The relationship development between Maribel and Bastien was something I really loved watching take place. Forced proximity and a shoulder to lean on turned one-sided hatred to a friendship with the possibility for more in future books. With the manner that Maribel was raised, it was often hard for her to relate to other people and build trust with them. She's the type of person to build her walls extremely high so she doesn't have to rely on anyone else, so it made me happy to see Bastien slowly working on knocking down some of those walls just by being there whenever Maribel needed him, even without asking. I think him showing up without her having to ask did a lot in her opening up with him because she knew she could rely on him without it feeling like she owed him anything afterwards.
The missions that these characters went on, gave you a glimpse of their skill set without fully giving you all the details about some of their capabilities until later on in the book. The reveal went along with the building of the trust between Maribel and Bastien and I can't wait to see them work together more in future missions as they search for more answers about what really happened to Maribel's father and who is responsible. The epilogue makes it seem like things are going to be turned up a notch in the next book!
October 14, 2020
🗝️🗝️ONE ACTION PACKED TREAT🗝️🗝️
Splendid! Laurel cranks this puppy up full throttle, delivering all the wit, charm and talent, weaving a cocoon around you so intricately and precise, drawing you deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist, launching this jewel to staggering heights. Anarchy, escapades and mayhem rule the roost, serving up some daring drama, perilous intrigue, underlying currents, unfolding revelations, escalating danger, spiraling suspense and intense situations, blasting this jewel to life flawlessly. Stumbling through the deadly twists and startling turns, drawing deep for every ounce of strength in a fierce surge of self preservation and determination, powering through with such intensity and vigor, catapulting this jewel to life brilliantly. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating one vivid backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Awesome job Laurel, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Splendid! Laurel cranks this puppy up full throttle, delivering all the wit, charm and talent, weaving a cocoon around you so intricately and precise, drawing you deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist, launching this jewel to staggering heights. Anarchy, escapades and mayhem rule the roost, serving up some daring drama, perilous intrigue, underlying currents, unfolding revelations, escalating danger, spiraling suspense and intense situations, blasting this jewel to life flawlessly. Stumbling through the deadly twists and startling turns, drawing deep for every ounce of strength in a fierce surge of self preservation and determination, powering through with such intensity and vigor, catapulting this jewel to life brilliantly. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating one vivid backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Awesome job Laurel, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
October 13, 2022
This is urban fantasy - but more on the magical realism, understated side of things and definitely kept very hush hush. Maribel is fiercely independent and practical to austerity. You've got action-driven heist scenes, where Maribel is pursuing high value items to complete jobs in her unique way, a mystery to solve regarding her father's killer, and flashbacks to a demanding and unforgiving upbringing. Wrapped up in all of this is the organization is she is working for, their unknown objective, and what they know about her. Also Bastien, the too sweet ex who is somehow always there when she needs him - what is his angle?
The included prequel, The Magic Thief, tells the story of Maribel and her father's last job together and gives quite a bit of background to the story. It can be read before or after and in some ways was richer to me after reading Key of Magic since that is where you see more of Maribel's upbringing and you start to understand their dynamic more. Book 1 in a series, this book does a lot of world building and character development, but in an engaging dynamic, don't want to put the book down way. One major issue is solved - but the book ends with a huge twist that sets up things to come in the next book.
The included prequel, The Magic Thief, tells the story of Maribel and her father's last job together and gives quite a bit of background to the story. It can be read before or after and in some ways was richer to me after reading Key of Magic since that is where you see more of Maribel's upbringing and you start to understand their dynamic more. Book 1 in a series, this book does a lot of world building and character development, but in an engaging dynamic, don't want to put the book down way. One major issue is solved - but the book ends with a huge twist that sets up things to come in the next book.
October 10, 2020
„Key of Magic“, the first full-length book in the “Key Collector Series” by Lauren Night, focuses on Maribel, a nineteen year old, working for the Thieves’ Guild as a magical objects thief, and paying back at the same time her late father’s debt to the Guild, by taking on special assignments. For the last two years Maribel has been searching for his father’s assassin, to exact her vengeance. Maribel always works ‘solo’ both as preference and to keep her trade secret, nevertheless this time she will be saddle with Bastien Frenier, who to put it very mildly is not exactly her preferred person.
A very well-written story, fast-paced and easy to read, with a fantastic FMC, who shows her ingenuity every step of the way, without ever stop to be relatable. Her interaction with Bastien is a real delight, with a plethora of funny situations and witty remarks. The plot develops nicely, with unexpected turns and twists, building up to a very satisfying end that opens the door 😊 to new adventures.
A very well-written story, fast-paced and easy to read, with a fantastic FMC, who shows her ingenuity every step of the way, without ever stop to be relatable. Her interaction with Bastien is a real delight, with a plethora of funny situations and witty remarks. The plot develops nicely, with unexpected turns and twists, building up to a very satisfying end that opens the door 😊 to new adventures.
March 10, 2021
Maribel is a thief, like her father before her, but a thief with a particular set of skills and a debt of 445 jobs to do before she was free of her father’s debt to the thieves guild. Her key opens doors to a room in the past that Maribel need to steal the item contracted for. But, she has a slight problem. Someone is following her, trying to kill her and steal her key or strand her in the past.
This book has some surprising twists and turns including a big one with a cliffhanger at the end of the is is a different look at NYC and a part humans don’t get to see. The world-building is done well as well as the characters growing and fleshing out as the story progresses as well as learning about the world rather than a big info dump as part of exposition.
Definitely recommend this book and looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book has some surprising twists and turns including a big one with a cliffhanger at the end of the is is a different look at NYC and a part humans don’t get to see. The world-building is done well as well as the characters growing and fleshing out as the story progresses as well as learning about the world rather than a big info dump as part of exposition.
Definitely recommend this book and looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2022
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring.)
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
October 23, 2020
Our heroine has a key to the past, literally. Trapped by a debt she inherited from her father, she will need it if she ever wants to be free. But someone else wants it as well and that person might have killed her father...
This is book one of the series. It helps to have read the prequel, but it is not necessary.
This is an urban fantasy story. The story is well written and easy to read, introducing us to a fascinating world and the characters within it. We get to develop the characters and setting quite a bit, which was really nice. At the same time, the story itself was also highly enjoyable and very addictive. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book one of the series. It helps to have read the prequel, but it is not necessary.
This is an urban fantasy story. The story is well written and easy to read, introducing us to a fascinating world and the characters within it. We get to develop the characters and setting quite a bit, which was really nice. At the same time, the story itself was also highly enjoyable and very addictive. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
December 20, 2021
This was such a great book, I really enjoyed reading it. You get to follow Maribel on her adventures with a guild she is employed by. Doing her "Required job" that have been left as debt to her from her father who was murdered. She searches for this person while also doing her jobs. She has a key that will unlock the past which is what enables her to do the job(s) she is given by the guild, but she is unsure if they know if she has kind of way to do things.
This has no spoilers in it besides what is already laid out for the most part, for those who wish to read the book without getting too much info.
I will say that it leaves off in a good place (at least it does to me) with a nice cliff-hangar without being overdone. It really helps you get excited for what the next book will have in store for you. I really hope to see the second one out soon, and know it will be a great sequel.
This has no spoilers in it besides what is already laid out for the most part, for those who wish to read the book without getting too much info.
I will say that it leaves off in a good place (at least it does to me) with a nice cliff-hangar without being overdone. It really helps you get excited for what the next book will have in store for you. I really hope to see the second one out soon, and know it will be a great sequel.
March 17, 2022
A magical and interesting new world Night has created! Following Mirabel a professional thief who uses her late fathers key to complete missions and pay off her debt. Bastien comes along who Mirabel used to know and she’ll need to learn to trust him again so they can work together!
Nights was able to quickly pull me into Key of Magic pretty quickly, with wanting to know more about the characters and the mystery of it all.
I can’t wait to see where Bastien and Maribel relationship goes with their bickering and working together I can definitely see the romance blossoming.
The mystery in Key of Magic just keeps growing, as soon as you get one piece of the puzzle you find out that the puzzle needs 5 more additional pieces are now missing that you didn’t know were missing before.
Definitely for someone who enjoys urban fantasy!
Nights was able to quickly pull me into Key of Magic pretty quickly, with wanting to know more about the characters and the mystery of it all.
I can’t wait to see where Bastien and Maribel relationship goes with their bickering and working together I can definitely see the romance blossoming.
The mystery in Key of Magic just keeps growing, as soon as you get one piece of the puzzle you find out that the puzzle needs 5 more additional pieces are now missing that you didn’t know were missing before.
Definitely for someone who enjoys urban fantasy!
October 20, 2020
Can A Loner Survive in a World of Thieves, Magic, and Mystery
Mirabel is a master at her craft aided by a Magic Key. She is a thief who had inherited a debt from her father to the Guild. She works alone always. That's her rule as she attempts to work off the debt and figure out who murderd her father.
Bastien is always in her way-literally and figuratively. He is her ex who apparently doesn't want the relationship to have ended.
The characters are well-developed and we have a clear view of the world in which they exist.
The book has closure on some of the major story arcs while definitely setting up the series to follow. It has a good share of plot twists and turns many of which are unexpected.
I had fun reading this book and look forward to the rest of the series.
Mirabel is a master at her craft aided by a Magic Key. She is a thief who had inherited a debt from her father to the Guild. She works alone always. That's her rule as she attempts to work off the debt and figure out who murderd her father.
Bastien is always in her way-literally and figuratively. He is her ex who apparently doesn't want the relationship to have ended.
The characters are well-developed and we have a clear view of the world in which they exist.
The book has closure on some of the major story arcs while definitely setting up the series to follow. It has a good share of plot twists and turns many of which are unexpected.
I had fun reading this book and look forward to the rest of the series.
February 1, 2021
Mirabelle's continuous mission, to pay off her father's debt, and find his killer, has just gotten a bit harder.
Mirabelle had been constantly rejecting other people all of her life because she felt that she was safest on her own. She'd even rejected Bastian when she felt that their relationship had been broken by his betrayal. Time gives one experience, and perspective, maybe it wasn't something wrong with her, and not just everyone else? The characters story draws you in, and you want to help Mirabelle find her father's murderer, and cheer her on as she changes the course of her life as she opens herself up minutely to the possibility that she can have more in her life than a lizard named Diego.
Mirabelle had been constantly rejecting other people all of her life because she felt that she was safest on her own. She'd even rejected Bastian when she felt that their relationship had been broken by his betrayal. Time gives one experience, and perspective, maybe it wasn't something wrong with her, and not just everyone else? The characters story draws you in, and you want to help Mirabelle find her father's murderer, and cheer her on as she changes the course of her life as she opens herself up minutely to the possibility that she can have more in her life than a lizard named Diego.
October 17, 2020
A great book
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Laurel Knight and I really enjoyed it.
Maribel or “Belle” is a a strong main character with major trust issues. I like the dynamic between her and her friend Bastien - they are a great duo, very entertaining and believable.
The storyline is gripping and just the right side of complicated. It is well thought out and builds nicely throughout the book.
I look forward to reading the follow up(s) as well as exploring other books by the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Laurel Knight and I really enjoyed it.
Maribel or “Belle” is a a strong main character with major trust issues. I like the dynamic between her and her friend Bastien - they are a great duo, very entertaining and believable.
The storyline is gripping and just the right side of complicated. It is well thought out and builds nicely throughout the book.
I look forward to reading the follow up(s) as well as exploring other books by the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2020
*spoilers *
The book was absolutely amazing. It constantly added new twists and turns that kept you on your toes. The only con in the entire book, Maribele insisted on not telling Bastian about the key or what it did until the very end, but towards the middle of the book she mentioned that her attacker "flew through a door from fifteen years in the past" with no reaction to this outburst from Bastian or Maribel recognizing her slip-up. It contradicts the rest of the story.
Besides that one sentence, the rest of the book really draws you in. I'm already anxious to read the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book was absolutely amazing. It constantly added new twists and turns that kept you on your toes. The only con in the entire book, Maribele insisted on not telling Bastian about the key or what it did until the very end, but towards the middle of the book she mentioned that her attacker "flew through a door from fifteen years in the past" with no reaction to this outburst from Bastian or Maribel recognizing her slip-up. It contradicts the rest of the story.
Besides that one sentence, the rest of the book really draws you in. I'm already anxious to read the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2020
Lately I've read books that had all the right elements, great proofreading, but still did not draw me in. This one was perfect! It doesn't have a lot of characters in the story yet but does catch you. In spite of being a smart mouth you can feel for Mirabelle and you find Bastian interesting. With subtle clues you begin to form an idea of the person not only killed her Dad, but is after her. (It's all in the eyes.) The book goes too quickly, so, I'm going to be looking for the next release, something I didn't do on the last few I've read.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout in return for an honest review.
October 25, 2020
A magical mystery whodunit. Belle has been trying for two years to find out who murdered her father. She believes it has something to do with the Guild. The Guild she works for to retrieve artifacts. Because the thief always seems to know where she is and he has tried to kill her several times. When she has to do a job with Bastien, her ex, she isn’t happy. But he not only helps her but saves her several times. Can she trust him with her father’s secrets? Secrets that will hopefully lead to her father’s killer and maybe release her from her debt to the Guild. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
June 22, 2022
What An Adventure
Wow!! What a unique and intriguing story!! I am totally invested in this world that LJ Night has created and cannot wait to find out what happens next. Belle is such a bada$$ FMC that has her inner battles that she has to fight, but seeing her work through them and come out stronger is so encouraging. Bastien seems to balance and ground Belle and I really enjoyed how their friendship twisted and turned until it settled into something that I think they both needed. The amount of suspense, action, and mystery that is shrouded in this books makes this a phenomenal read.
Wow!! What a unique and intriguing story!! I am totally invested in this world that LJ Night has created and cannot wait to find out what happens next. Belle is such a bada$$ FMC that has her inner battles that she has to fight, but seeing her work through them and come out stronger is so encouraging. Bastien seems to balance and ground Belle and I really enjoyed how their friendship twisted and turned until it settled into something that I think they both needed. The amount of suspense, action, and mystery that is shrouded in this books makes this a phenomenal read.
October 23, 2020
Laurel does it again with book 1 of her new time-traveling series!
We meet Maribel who uses a time-traveling key to complete jobs from the Guild. After her father died, she inherited his jobs and is working on finishing job 55 of 500. Maribel is tasked to work with a sort-of ex-boyfriend on her latest job. As they work, she discovers there’s more to her magic key than she thought and she can’t do this alone.
I can’t wait to continue the next book to see how Maribel and Bastien figure out the mysteries! Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Maribel who uses a time-traveling key to complete jobs from the Guild. After her father died, she inherited his jobs and is working on finishing job 55 of 500. Maribel is tasked to work with a sort-of ex-boyfriend on her latest job. As they work, she discovers there’s more to her magic key than she thought and she can’t do this alone.
I can’t wait to continue the next book to see how Maribel and Bastien figure out the mysteries! Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2022
Really interesting premise and I liked Mirabel a lot. She doesn’t seem like a 19 year old, far more mature than I was at that age. I like where the author is going with the key(s) and am secretly waiting for Bastien to be a villain…just me? Probably just me, I don’t trust him because he called her Belle after being asked not to and everything he said in the diner, I dislike that kind of attitude so even though I don’t think he’s realllllyyy going to be bad or bad for her he’s my villain surprise.
January 20, 2022
Key of Magic by LJ Night is Book 1 of The Key Collector series. Laurel has created a unique storyline with wonderful characters. It is filled with magical objects, mystery, twists, time travel that catches your interest and keeps you reading to the last page. The relationship that develops between Maribel and Bastien is great to watch as Bastien is able to draw Maribel out of her shell. Am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I recommend this book. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
June 3, 2022
I absolutely love this book and can't wait to read the next book in the series! I love how the story line is overall very mysterious and I haven't been able to guess what is going to happen yet. I love how it isn't the same old book. I also love the suspense between Bastian and Belle. I enjoyed this book so much that i was reading it on my breaks at work just to find out what happened next. It is a great read and I would totally recommend it to all of my friends and people out there that like different types of story lines.
October 21, 2020
This story had me from the start. Fast paced with a few twists and turns. A woman chasing the murderer of her father whilst paying off her father's debt as a thief. Loved the main character whose resourceful and brave though sometimes paying for trying to do it alone.
Can't wait for the next chapter
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can't wait for the next chapter
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2020
I can honestly say this book isn’t like any other book I have ever read. The story is unique and pulls you in! This author is new to me but by far making herself stand out with books like this! If you want an exciting on the edge of your seat, can’t wait for more... well this is your book! I absolutely can not wait for the next book and will be one clicking as soon as it’s available!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2020
Mirabel has a magic key which enables her to unlock the past.
She does jobs for the Thieves Guild to work of a debt of her Fathers.
She is the best and what she does.
Always trying to find who killed her Father .
Lots of great characters which make this an awesome story......so go and buy it now and enjoy the ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She does jobs for the Thieves Guild to work of a debt of her Fathers.
She is the best and what she does.
Always trying to find who killed her Father .
Lots of great characters which make this an awesome story......so go and buy it now and enjoy the ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2022
Maribel is an independent, slightly naive, strong, capable woman with some serious trust issues, a mountain of debt passed down from her father, and a drive to solve her father's murder. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, I like the character development and the slow uncovering of clues and added questions. The tension builds throughout the story and I was right there with the FMC, truly unable to decide whether to trust anything or anyone. Great start to a new series!
January 30, 2022
This was a fun one!
Follow Belle as she goes on a journey to see if she can solve her father's murderer, while simultaneously completing missions. I love the bicker between Belle and Bastian and I am really curious to see if we see a full relationship develop throughout the next books. This book was action packed, with just the right amount of magic!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Follow Belle as she goes on a journey to see if she can solve her father's murderer, while simultaneously completing missions. I love the bicker between Belle and Bastian and I am really curious to see if we see a full relationship develop throughout the next books. This book was action packed, with just the right amount of magic!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 6, 2020
When I read the prequel, I was like this sounds like it's gonna be pretty good. This exceeded my expectations. It was really good. There wasn't a moment I wasn't caught up in the story and the characters. It's unique and intriguing and exactly what I've come to expect from this author. She seems to think outside of the, shall we say, magical box. I'm anxiously awaiting the next Maribel adventure.
October 9, 2020
Key of Magic by Laurel Night is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful series and I can not wait to read the rest of this wonderful series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about urban fantasy, mystery and dark magic.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews