Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

The Name and the Key by Kristina Elyse Butke is about Lily Bellamy, a teenage girl whose world slowly falls apart after her mother vanishes and is later found drowned in the marshlands near their home. Lily has grown up in the shadow of her mother’s strange disappearance, and the loss leaves Lily emotionally shaken. After the funeral, she begins seeing her mother’s reflection in mirrors and water, hearing her plead for help and urging Lily to “open the door.” Her childhood friend Andresh, who recently returned from Sindalia, knows about old magic built on true names and rituals. When things continue to go wrong, and Andresh leaves for his homeland, Lily is forced to confront both the mystery surrounding her mother’s death and the possibility that she is tied to something ancient and powerful.

Kristina Elyse Butke's The Name and the Key is a memorable book. The premise of the story offers a philosophical concept combined with fantasy and the supernatural. The writing is atmospheric, with descriptive and almost moody prose that pulls you into a dark and mysterious world without losing sight of the characters. Lily’s reactions are realistic, especially her guilt and the way trauma affects her everyday habits. The magic system is intriguing, particularly the idea that knowing a thing’s true name grants one power over it. It reminds me of the concept of true/real names, and this adds philosophical depth to the story without turning it into a lecture. The relationship between Lily and Andresh also gives warmth and tension, balancing the darker themes. Overall, it’s a thoughtful yet haunting fantasy that focuses less on spectacle and more on emotion, identity, and the lingering weight of loss. I would definitely recommend this book.