This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
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.
