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The Spiral Key
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5 copies available
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For fans of Holly Jackson and Jessica Goodman, this high-stakes thriller is set in a virtual-reality paradise turned hellscape, from a celebrated writer making their YA debut.
At the start of each school year, Madison Pembroke, the most popular girl at Lincoln Academy, sends out invitations to her epic birthday party in the form of custom forged spiral keys. For that one night, a few lucky teens get to enter Ametrine, a virtual paradise designed to be the party of the year—an unforgettable celebration that will secure their social status in the real world. As Madison’s hated ex-BFF, Bree Benson never receives a key.
Until this year.
Despite warnings from her boyfriend, Bree sees the invite as an olive branch, the perfect opportunity to rekindle her once-amazing friendship with Madison. But as the party games begin to turn provocative and violent, Bree finds that Ametrine might not be the virtual paradise she was promised. And that Madison may have let Bree enter Ametrine, but she has no intention of ever letting her leave . . .
Kelsey Day’s gripping debut shows that while best friends know each other the best, ex–best friends know how to hurt each other the worst.
At the start of each school year, Madison Pembroke, the most popular girl at Lincoln Academy, sends out invitations to her epic birthday party in the form of custom forged spiral keys. For that one night, a few lucky teens get to enter Ametrine, a virtual paradise designed to be the party of the year—an unforgettable celebration that will secure their social status in the real world. As Madison’s hated ex-BFF, Bree Benson never receives a key.
Until this year.
Despite warnings from her boyfriend, Bree sees the invite as an olive branch, the perfect opportunity to rekindle her once-amazing friendship with Madison. But as the party games begin to turn provocative and violent, Bree finds that Ametrine might not be the virtual paradise she was promised. And that Madison may have let Bree enter Ametrine, but she has no intention of ever letting her leave . . .
Kelsey Day’s gripping debut shows that while best friends know each other the best, ex–best friends know how to hurt each other the worst.
272 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 24, 2026
6913 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 3, 2025
2.5 stars, rounded up
So this ended up being nothing like what I expected it to be but I still mostly enjoyed it.
The premise was interesting — an epic birthday party in a VR setting — but I didn’t like any of the characters much, especially the main character Bree. She was clueless! At one point she thinks to herself about the dumb decisions characters make in horror movies, while making similar dumb decisions herself (I don’t want to say too much because of spoilers).
The antagonist was quite ridiculous and over the top. I also wanted more from the resolution and ending.
I did find the book to be a very quick read that drew me in and the VR setting was interesting and definitely unique. I also thought the book was well written and the story was engaging, if a bit over the top in spots.
So this ended up being nothing like what I expected it to be but I still mostly enjoyed it.
The premise was interesting — an epic birthday party in a VR setting — but I didn’t like any of the characters much, especially the main character Bree. She was clueless! At one point she thinks to herself about the dumb decisions characters make in horror movies, while making similar dumb decisions herself (I don’t want to say too much because of spoilers).
The antagonist was quite ridiculous and over the top. I also wanted more from the resolution and ending.
I did find the book to be a very quick read that drew me in and the VR setting was interesting and definitely unique. I also thought the book was well written and the story was engaging, if a bit over the top in spots.
February 8, 2026
Wow. I’ve read a ton of YA thrillers this year, and I’m forever on the hunt for the one that actually rises above the chaos — the one that truly deserves all that publisher hype we’re constantly being sold. Well… this one delivers. I’ve been gushing about it all day to friends and family IRL like a woman possessed. Honestly, they’re probably screening my calls now.
So what makes it special? First: the writing. The author doesn’t spoon-feed you; she shows you everything with cinematic flair. I could see, hear, smell, and practically taste the world she built. At one point I realized I hadn’t blinked in five minutes. That’s the level of immersion we’re talking about.
Second: it’s actually unique. We’re drowning in stories about teens getting sucked into brands, influencers, aesthetics, curated nonsense — pick your poison. But Ms. Day said, “What if… virtual reality, but make it terrifying?” and somehow made it feel completely fresh.
Is it a little far-fetched? Absolutely. Did I care? Not even a little. Because what grounds this story is the beautifully messy emotional reality of its characters. I adored the neurospicy and queer representation — not forced, not spotlighted, just naturally woven into the cast like real teens being real teens instead of checking off “Diversity Trope #4.”
I could go on (and honestly, I will if someone even whispers this title near me), but I’ll spare you the full TED Talk. Just know this: I highly recommend this YA thriller. It’s my current #1 of the genre for 2025, and if another book wants that crown, it better come ready to fight.
Audiobook update: You know I had to do a reread on audio before release day, and it did not disappoint. The narration by Taylor Meskimen was fantastic. I’ll admit, bumping the speed up slightly to 1.1x made the experience even smoother, but her natural pacing at 1x was already solid.
What really stood out was the fluidity of her voice — a light huskiness that perfectly captured the FMC’s personality. Her character distinctions were subtle but effective, never distracting, and always clear. This audiobook gave me an experience just as strong as my first read-through, which is saying a lot.
I’m officially adding Taylor Meskimen to my narrator watchlist because this was my first time hearing her work and I am absolutely on board for more.
Bottom line: this book remains my favorite YA thriller of 2025 in both formats. Whether you read it or listen to it, you’re in for a wild, immersive ride.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Viking Penguin via NetGalley and the ALC through PRH Audio’s influencer program, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me as it has way too many issues; I never DNF ARCs but would have had it not been one.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
So what makes it special? First: the writing. The author doesn’t spoon-feed you; she shows you everything with cinematic flair. I could see, hear, smell, and practically taste the world she built. At one point I realized I hadn’t blinked in five minutes. That’s the level of immersion we’re talking about.
Second: it’s actually unique. We’re drowning in stories about teens getting sucked into brands, influencers, aesthetics, curated nonsense — pick your poison. But Ms. Day said, “What if… virtual reality, but make it terrifying?” and somehow made it feel completely fresh.
Is it a little far-fetched? Absolutely. Did I care? Not even a little. Because what grounds this story is the beautifully messy emotional reality of its characters. I adored the neurospicy and queer representation — not forced, not spotlighted, just naturally woven into the cast like real teens being real teens instead of checking off “Diversity Trope #4.”
I could go on (and honestly, I will if someone even whispers this title near me), but I’ll spare you the full TED Talk. Just know this: I highly recommend this YA thriller. It’s my current #1 of the genre for 2025, and if another book wants that crown, it better come ready to fight.
Audiobook update: You know I had to do a reread on audio before release day, and it did not disappoint. The narration by Taylor Meskimen was fantastic. I’ll admit, bumping the speed up slightly to 1.1x made the experience even smoother, but her natural pacing at 1x was already solid.
What really stood out was the fluidity of her voice — a light huskiness that perfectly captured the FMC’s personality. Her character distinctions were subtle but effective, never distracting, and always clear. This audiobook gave me an experience just as strong as my first read-through, which is saying a lot.
I’m officially adding Taylor Meskimen to my narrator watchlist because this was my first time hearing her work and I am absolutely on board for more.
Bottom line: this book remains my favorite YA thriller of 2025 in both formats. Whether you read it or listen to it, you’re in for a wild, immersive ride.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Viking Penguin via NetGalley and the ALC through PRH Audio’s influencer program, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me as it has way too many issues; I never DNF ARCs but would have had it not been one.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
February 18, 2026
3.5⭐️
This was a quick, entertaining read.
Bree is pulled into a virtual reality/AI world for her ex-best friend, Madison’s birthday party. She goes hoping to reestablish their friendship, but it turns out Madison’s motives are more sinister than they appear.
I think this touched on the very real feeling of loss when close friendships end. The what-ifs and blame that can surface, and the underlying hope for a reunion in the future. I sympathized with Bree in regard to these aspects.
In an increasingly digital age, this also touched on the ethics of AI, cellphones, cameras, and the constant monitoring of our lives. Day provided a well thought out critique on our increasingly digital (& invasive) world.
I received a digital copy from Penguin Teen Canada in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick, entertaining read.
Bree is pulled into a virtual reality/AI world for her ex-best friend, Madison’s birthday party. She goes hoping to reestablish their friendship, but it turns out Madison’s motives are more sinister than they appear.
I think this touched on the very real feeling of loss when close friendships end. The what-ifs and blame that can surface, and the underlying hope for a reunion in the future. I sympathized with Bree in regard to these aspects.
In an increasingly digital age, this also touched on the ethics of AI, cellphones, cameras, and the constant monitoring of our lives. Day provided a well thought out critique on our increasingly digital (& invasive) world.
I received a digital copy from Penguin Teen Canada in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2025
A tense, twisty YA thriller that’s impossible to put down. Kelsey Day perfectly captures the drama and danger of friendship gone wrong—smart, sharp, and full of surprises.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Okay, look. The Spiral Key is like if someone dared a YA thriller to be a tech dystopia, a virtual horror show, and a therapy session for broken female friendships all at once. And the book looked up from its energy drink, said “bet,” and never looked back.
The setup? Madison Pembroke, rich girl villain™️ of Lincoln Academy, throws an invite-only birthday rager every year in a hyper-exclusive virtual world called Ametrine. And when I say “rager,” I don’t mean red Solo cups and a bad Spotify playlist. I mean fully immersive VR hellscape created by her tech billionaire parents, where your social status gets hard-launched into the stratosphere... or set on fire. It’s part Hunger Games, part Snapchat filter nightmare. But Bree, our emotionally bruised and desperate for redemption main girl, hasn’t seen the inside of this party since she and Madison had a nuclear BFF breakup years ago.
Until now. Cue dramatic music and deeply bad decisions.
Bree gets a key. Despite her boyfriend’s extremely valid concerns (and by valid, I mean SCREAMING red flags with party hats on), she takes this as a sign from the social gods that maybe she and Madison can finally bury the trauma hatchet and be besties again. Bree, baby. No.
Once she jacks into Ametrine, things go from slightly awkward to Saw meets The Sims very quickly. What starts as a high-gloss reboot of a friendship ends up being a whole revenge horror arc that makes Madison feel less like a girl with hurt feelings and more like a Bond villain with access to unethical tech. The virtual party becomes a VR purge, where every high school sin is dragged into the light and consequences come wrapped in neon death traps and emotional blackmail.
Now, is any of this plausible? No. But does it slap? Mostly.
Bree is infuriatingly relatable in that very YA way where you want to shake her and then hug her and then maybe shake her again. Her obsession with Madison, part guilt, part nostalgia, part “I literally have no idea who I am without this girl’s approval,” felt painfully real. But her logic? Swiss cheese. Girl walks into a literal digital torture dome and STILL goes, “Maybe this is all just symbolic?” Ma’am. The symbolism is bludgeoning you.
Madison, on the other hand, is like if Blair Waldorf got tech savvy and morally unhinged. Her villain arc is theatrical, occasionally cartoonish, and honestly? A little one-note. I get it. Bullying scars. But she takes that pain and builds an entire virtual murder Disneyland to get revenge. That’s not justice, girl. That’s a felony with good lighting.
Do not go in expecting a subtle psychological thriller. This is YA drama on high volume, and sometimes the plot swerves so hard it throws its own logic out the window. People act wild, consequences don’t always scale, and there's at least one moment where I audibly went, “Okay, that’s excessive, even for a traumatized 17-year-old with a God complex.”
But you know what? Despite its flaws, I was never bored. The pacing is tight, the tension is steady, and the ending sticks enough of the emotional landing to make the ride feel worth it. Also, Petey the little brother is a precious cinnamon roll and the only one in this book with any damn sense.
I’m settling at 3.5 stars because while the execution got a little messy, the concept is strong, the drama is juicy, and there’s something weirdly cathartic about watching the social elite implode in VR. Perfect for fans of high-stakes mess, tech goth aesthetics, and stories where the real horror is unresolved teen grief disguised as party games.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Side-Eye Every Glitchy Digital Surface in My House
And a big chaotic thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC. I entered Ametrine, survived the emotional bloodbath, and came back with only mild trust issues and a strong urge to delete every party invite I’ve ever received.
The setup? Madison Pembroke, rich girl villain™️ of Lincoln Academy, throws an invite-only birthday rager every year in a hyper-exclusive virtual world called Ametrine. And when I say “rager,” I don’t mean red Solo cups and a bad Spotify playlist. I mean fully immersive VR hellscape created by her tech billionaire parents, where your social status gets hard-launched into the stratosphere... or set on fire. It’s part Hunger Games, part Snapchat filter nightmare. But Bree, our emotionally bruised and desperate for redemption main girl, hasn’t seen the inside of this party since she and Madison had a nuclear BFF breakup years ago.
Until now. Cue dramatic music and deeply bad decisions.
Bree gets a key. Despite her boyfriend’s extremely valid concerns (and by valid, I mean SCREAMING red flags with party hats on), she takes this as a sign from the social gods that maybe she and Madison can finally bury the trauma hatchet and be besties again. Bree, baby. No.
Once she jacks into Ametrine, things go from slightly awkward to Saw meets The Sims very quickly. What starts as a high-gloss reboot of a friendship ends up being a whole revenge horror arc that makes Madison feel less like a girl with hurt feelings and more like a Bond villain with access to unethical tech. The virtual party becomes a VR purge, where every high school sin is dragged into the light and consequences come wrapped in neon death traps and emotional blackmail.
Now, is any of this plausible? No. But does it slap? Mostly.
Bree is infuriatingly relatable in that very YA way where you want to shake her and then hug her and then maybe shake her again. Her obsession with Madison, part guilt, part nostalgia, part “I literally have no idea who I am without this girl’s approval,” felt painfully real. But her logic? Swiss cheese. Girl walks into a literal digital torture dome and STILL goes, “Maybe this is all just symbolic?” Ma’am. The symbolism is bludgeoning you.
Madison, on the other hand, is like if Blair Waldorf got tech savvy and morally unhinged. Her villain arc is theatrical, occasionally cartoonish, and honestly? A little one-note. I get it. Bullying scars. But she takes that pain and builds an entire virtual murder Disneyland to get revenge. That’s not justice, girl. That’s a felony with good lighting.
Do not go in expecting a subtle psychological thriller. This is YA drama on high volume, and sometimes the plot swerves so hard it throws its own logic out the window. People act wild, consequences don’t always scale, and there's at least one moment where I audibly went, “Okay, that’s excessive, even for a traumatized 17-year-old with a God complex.”
But you know what? Despite its flaws, I was never bored. The pacing is tight, the tension is steady, and the ending sticks enough of the emotional landing to make the ride feel worth it. Also, Petey the little brother is a precious cinnamon roll and the only one in this book with any damn sense.
I’m settling at 3.5 stars because while the execution got a little messy, the concept is strong, the drama is juicy, and there’s something weirdly cathartic about watching the social elite implode in VR. Perfect for fans of high-stakes mess, tech goth aesthetics, and stories where the real horror is unresolved teen grief disguised as party games.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Side-Eye Every Glitchy Digital Surface in My House
And a big chaotic thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC. I entered Ametrine, survived the emotional bloodbath, and came back with only mild trust issues and a strong urge to delete every party invite I’ve ever received.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Spiral Key” is a fierce, fast-paced YA thriller that drags the familiar emotional chaos of high school into a hyperreal virtual world then turns the intensity up to eleven. Kelsey Day’s debut combines virtual reality horror with social warfare, delivering a story where friendships curdle into vendettas and every choice carries consequences, even when those consequences are digital.
The story follows Bree Benson, once queen bee–adjacent and now desperate to reclaim a place in her school’s social hierarchy. Her old best friend Madison Pembroke rules Lincoln Academy, thanks in part to Ametrine, which is an exclusive virtual reality world built by her billionaire parents and used only for her legendary birthday parties. When Bree unexpectedly receives one of the coveted spiral keys granting entry, she convinces herself that Madison wants to mend fences. Instead, she steps straight into Madison’s trap.
Inside Ametrine, the line between game and reality blurs. Pain is real, fear is real, and Bree quickly realizes that Madison’s version of revenge is extreme, obsessive, and entirely unhinged. What begins as an extravagant VR celebration spirals into a locked-room nightmare where Madison controls the environment and the lives of those trapped within it. As the “games” become more dangerous, Bree is forced to confront not just Madison’s rage, but her own past cruelty. The twist? Bree wasn’t the victim she always imagined herself to be. She was once Madison’s tormentor, and Madison’s retaliation, however exaggerated, springs from real wounds.
Day handles this emotional reversal with surprising nuance. Beneath the high stakes and dramatic set pieces lies a story about accountability, perception, and the danger of letting old grudges define your future. Bree’s journey isn’t just escape; it’s recognition, remorse, and hard-earned growth. The cast includes neurodivergent and queer characters whose identities feel naturally integrated, reflecting the diversity of real teens rather than checking boxes.
The book’s biggest strengths lie in its propulsive pace and imaginative worldbuilding. Ametrine feels cinematic and immersive, from sensory suits that simulate touch and taste to environments that twist at Madison’s command. It’s outlandish at times, and intentionally so, but never dull. Even those who struggle to like the characters (and many will) will find themselves rooting for Bree’s survival and transformation.
Not everything lands perfectly. Some emotional reactions are dialed up to extremes, and Madison’s obsession borders on unbelievable, though younger YA readers may find those reactions relatable in their heightened intensity. A few twists and the final resolution don’t hit quite as sharply as the build-up promises, but the ending still provides closure, especially in watching Bree reckon with who she was and who she wants to become.
Overall, this is a dramatic, adrenaline-fueled mystery-thriller that examines bullying, betrayal, and the messy desire to belong. “The Spiral Key” is over the top, gripping, occasionally ridiculous and often exactly what a YA thriller should be. This book is perfect for those who like their stories intense, their characters flawed, and their thrills wrapped in neon VR aesthetics.
“The Spiral Key” is a fierce, fast-paced YA thriller that drags the familiar emotional chaos of high school into a hyperreal virtual world then turns the intensity up to eleven. Kelsey Day’s debut combines virtual reality horror with social warfare, delivering a story where friendships curdle into vendettas and every choice carries consequences, even when those consequences are digital.
The story follows Bree Benson, once queen bee–adjacent and now desperate to reclaim a place in her school’s social hierarchy. Her old best friend Madison Pembroke rules Lincoln Academy, thanks in part to Ametrine, which is an exclusive virtual reality world built by her billionaire parents and used only for her legendary birthday parties. When Bree unexpectedly receives one of the coveted spiral keys granting entry, she convinces herself that Madison wants to mend fences. Instead, she steps straight into Madison’s trap.
Inside Ametrine, the line between game and reality blurs. Pain is real, fear is real, and Bree quickly realizes that Madison’s version of revenge is extreme, obsessive, and entirely unhinged. What begins as an extravagant VR celebration spirals into a locked-room nightmare where Madison controls the environment and the lives of those trapped within it. As the “games” become more dangerous, Bree is forced to confront not just Madison’s rage, but her own past cruelty. The twist? Bree wasn’t the victim she always imagined herself to be. She was once Madison’s tormentor, and Madison’s retaliation, however exaggerated, springs from real wounds.
Day handles this emotional reversal with surprising nuance. Beneath the high stakes and dramatic set pieces lies a story about accountability, perception, and the danger of letting old grudges define your future. Bree’s journey isn’t just escape; it’s recognition, remorse, and hard-earned growth. The cast includes neurodivergent and queer characters whose identities feel naturally integrated, reflecting the diversity of real teens rather than checking boxes.
The book’s biggest strengths lie in its propulsive pace and imaginative worldbuilding. Ametrine feels cinematic and immersive, from sensory suits that simulate touch and taste to environments that twist at Madison’s command. It’s outlandish at times, and intentionally so, but never dull. Even those who struggle to like the characters (and many will) will find themselves rooting for Bree’s survival and transformation.
Not everything lands perfectly. Some emotional reactions are dialed up to extremes, and Madison’s obsession borders on unbelievable, though younger YA readers may find those reactions relatable in their heightened intensity. A few twists and the final resolution don’t hit quite as sharply as the build-up promises, but the ending still provides closure, especially in watching Bree reckon with who she was and who she wants to become.
Overall, this is a dramatic, adrenaline-fueled mystery-thriller that examines bullying, betrayal, and the messy desire to belong. “The Spiral Key” is over the top, gripping, occasionally ridiculous and often exactly what a YA thriller should be. This book is perfect for those who like their stories intense, their characters flawed, and their thrills wrapped in neon VR aesthetics.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Welcome to Ametrine, are you ready to play? 🗝️
2.75 stars rounded up! ✨
✧˚ · . Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book will be released on February 24th!
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
⌚️ ⌗ what I liked
I really liked the premise of this book! With the rise of AI, a book which takes place in a virtual reality where you can be anything with the help of artificial intelligence sounded so current and intriguing. Upon reading this book, the concept remains cool and it's actual even scarier having finished the actual book. The lengths one can go with such software at their disposal is limitless. I found that aspect, therefore, very accurate and enticing, even concerning. 📱✨
I also found this book very fast-paced! It's a YA thriller and it reads as such tone-wise, with the fast pace aiding the mystery aspect. We are following our FMC Bree, who is Madison's ex best friend, so we are experiencing this world through her POV. We are uncovering the truth alongside Bree, which I found helped maintain the mystery element further. I did finish this extremely quickly, I believe within 24 hours so I can confirm the validity of the pace. 🤭
⌚️ ⌗ what didn't work for me
Now onto some elements that I didn't enjoy as much. 😅 I found most of the characters unlikeable. Now, take this with a grain of salt because I think they are intended to come across as such...however, I thought it was a bit over the top. 😕 For a 3D setting, they did fall flat many times. They felt very stereotypical, black & white school bullies without much of a personality besides their behaviour in the game. I would've liked a bit more depth and character development. Again, I understand we ARE reading about high school students but it did not feel very realistic to not have any development throughout outside of maybe 1-2 scenes near the end. 😅 The only character I liked was Devin and I did feel soo bad for him.
I have to say, I was very surprised with how aggressive and graphically violent this was for a YA book. I didn't necessarily understand the point of it in some instances. Initially, it was shocking and I assumed we were going to get into the nitty gritty of 'pack mentality' and the devolution of people. Instead, I think all this violence lost its momentum once it started getting more ridiculous and unquestioned. 🥲 There are definitely some Lord of the Flies moments here, but I don't think they came across as well fleshed out as I was expecting them to based on the premise and initial impressions.
⌚️ ⌗ overall thoughts
I think the concept of this book is so fascinating but the overall execution didn't work as well for me as I was expecting. It is extremely fast-paced, a bit of an extreme social study of high schoolers with access to high tech. This sadly didn't work for me but if this sounds like something you'd like, please give it a go! ♡
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
✧˚ · . Once again, thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All aforementioned opinions are my own. 💞
2.75 stars rounded up! ✨
✧˚ · . Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book will be released on February 24th!
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
⌚️ ⌗ what I liked
I really liked the premise of this book! With the rise of AI, a book which takes place in a virtual reality where you can be anything with the help of artificial intelligence sounded so current and intriguing. Upon reading this book, the concept remains cool and it's actual even scarier having finished the actual book. The lengths one can go with such software at their disposal is limitless. I found that aspect, therefore, very accurate and enticing, even concerning. 📱✨
I also found this book very fast-paced! It's a YA thriller and it reads as such tone-wise, with the fast pace aiding the mystery aspect. We are following our FMC Bree, who is Madison's ex best friend, so we are experiencing this world through her POV. We are uncovering the truth alongside Bree, which I found helped maintain the mystery element further. I did finish this extremely quickly, I believe within 24 hours so I can confirm the validity of the pace. 🤭
⌚️ ⌗ what didn't work for me
Now onto some elements that I didn't enjoy as much. 😅 I found most of the characters unlikeable. Now, take this with a grain of salt because I think they are intended to come across as such...however, I thought it was a bit over the top. 😕 For a 3D setting, they did fall flat many times. They felt very stereotypical, black & white school bullies without much of a personality besides their behaviour in the game. I would've liked a bit more depth and character development. Again, I understand we ARE reading about high school students but it did not feel very realistic to not have any development throughout outside of maybe 1-2 scenes near the end. 😅 The only character I liked was Devin and I did feel soo bad for him.
I have to say, I was very surprised with how aggressive and graphically violent this was for a YA book. I didn't necessarily understand the point of it in some instances. Initially, it was shocking and I assumed we were going to get into the nitty gritty of 'pack mentality' and the devolution of people. Instead, I think all this violence lost its momentum once it started getting more ridiculous and unquestioned. 🥲 There are definitely some Lord of the Flies moments here, but I don't think they came across as well fleshed out as I was expecting them to based on the premise and initial impressions.
⌚️ ⌗ overall thoughts
I think the concept of this book is so fascinating but the overall execution didn't work as well for me as I was expecting. It is extremely fast-paced, a bit of an extreme social study of high schoolers with access to high tech. This sadly didn't work for me but if this sounds like something you'd like, please give it a go! ♡
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
✧˚ · . Once again, thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All aforementioned opinions are my own. 💞
October 24, 2025
All opinions are my own! Thank you to NetGalley
Remember that old movie quote: “If you die in the game, you die in real life”? What if that quote had some truth to it?
Kelsey Day’s “The Spiral Key” takes that premise and twists it in her YA debut.
Madison Pembroke is the Queen Bee of Lincoln Academy. And in such fashion, she is notorious for her birthday parties, where your invitation, a custom spiral key, gives you entrance into Ametrine, a virtual reality world designed by Madison’s tech billionaire parents, solely used to host Madison’s uber exclusive birthday party.
Bree Benson, Madison’s ex-bff, has been branded as Public Enemy Number One since freshman year, and thus has never been a recipient of one of these coveted keys.
But when she finds one in her possession, with a note from Madison that she sees as an olive branch, Bree decides to go, with the hope of rekindling their former friendship.
When party games turn provocative, bordering on violent, Bree realizes that there was more to the invitation than she thought, and Madison’s olive branch was just a ploy to get her here. And while Bree was lucky enough to enter Ametrine…well, she’ll be even more lucky if Madison actually lets her leave.
A thriller/mystery with the setting of a virtual reality game? That immediately peaked my interest. The concept felt interesting enough to get me reading, and honestly? It kept me hooked through to the end. Day crafts a world that feels so real, so that the stakes feel like they’re equally real. Coupled with the way she designed the world and how the characters interact (specialized suits that allow them to experience things in the game, but also experience the feeling (like being touched, or eating, or even smelling).
The characters, primarily Madison and Bree, felt the most fleshed out, which makes sense, since this is their story. Day has captured the essence of a childhood friendship turned obsession, and how one moment can ruin it.
The side characters had their moments, and did feel like they were necessary to the story in different ways, so no one felt unimportant. I would have loved to hear more about the previous parties and what happened to the guests of those, especially Everly, Madison’s right hand girl and Bree’s ex frenemy.
This book was a quick read, and enjoyable. Definitely something to grab on a snowy day and allow yourself to get lost in Ametrine for a few hours too.
Remember that old movie quote: “If you die in the game, you die in real life”? What if that quote had some truth to it?
Kelsey Day’s “The Spiral Key” takes that premise and twists it in her YA debut.
Madison Pembroke is the Queen Bee of Lincoln Academy. And in such fashion, she is notorious for her birthday parties, where your invitation, a custom spiral key, gives you entrance into Ametrine, a virtual reality world designed by Madison’s tech billionaire parents, solely used to host Madison’s uber exclusive birthday party.
Bree Benson, Madison’s ex-bff, has been branded as Public Enemy Number One since freshman year, and thus has never been a recipient of one of these coveted keys.
But when she finds one in her possession, with a note from Madison that she sees as an olive branch, Bree decides to go, with the hope of rekindling their former friendship.
When party games turn provocative, bordering on violent, Bree realizes that there was more to the invitation than she thought, and Madison’s olive branch was just a ploy to get her here. And while Bree was lucky enough to enter Ametrine…well, she’ll be even more lucky if Madison actually lets her leave.
A thriller/mystery with the setting of a virtual reality game? That immediately peaked my interest. The concept felt interesting enough to get me reading, and honestly? It kept me hooked through to the end. Day crafts a world that feels so real, so that the stakes feel like they’re equally real. Coupled with the way she designed the world and how the characters interact (specialized suits that allow them to experience things in the game, but also experience the feeling (like being touched, or eating, or even smelling).
The characters, primarily Madison and Bree, felt the most fleshed out, which makes sense, since this is their story. Day has captured the essence of a childhood friendship turned obsession, and how one moment can ruin it.
The side characters had their moments, and did feel like they were necessary to the story in different ways, so no one felt unimportant. I would have loved to hear more about the previous parties and what happened to the guests of those, especially Everly, Madison’s right hand girl and Bree’s ex frenemy.
This book was a quick read, and enjoyable. Definitely something to grab on a snowy day and allow yourself to get lost in Ametrine for a few hours too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Twisty, High-Stakes YA Thriller That Hits Hard
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.
The Spiral Key by Kelsey Day is an intriguing, edge-of-your-seat YA mystery-thriller that had me hooked from the first page—perfect for anyone who loves stories blending high school drama with a dark speculative twist!
The story centers on Madison Pembroke, the ultimate queen bee at Lincoln Academy, whose legendary birthday parties in the exclusive virtual world of Ametrine are the social event of the year—invitations come as custom spiral keys, and getting one means everything. But when her former best friend Bree gets an unexpected invite, what starts as a chance to mend old wounds spirals into something far more dangerous and obsessive. The party setup is wildly intriguing: a dreamlike VR paradise that turns nightmarish, showing how far some people go for leverage, control, and belonging—driven by insecurities they try to hide.
What stands out most is the unflinching look at consequences. Words and actions from middle school can haunt you long after, and the book doesn't shy away from showing remorse, regret, and the real impact of being a "brat" in the past—some things are inexcusable, even if growth happens later. Friendships curdle into vendettas, and the lengths people go to punish or manipulate others feel maniacal yet scarily genius at times. There's real depth in exploring how desperation to be "queen bee" or hide vulnerabilities can destroy others—and yourself.
The twists and turns keep coming, the pacing is fast and gripping, and the characters (especially the complex dynamics between Madison, Bree, and others like Devin) feel raw and relatable. It's got that sharp edge of social warfare mixed with speculative horror, making it both thrilling and thought-provoking.
I gave it a strong 4 out of 5 stars—super enjoyable with solid writing, memorable characters, and a plot full of suspense and emotional punches. It's a fresh take on friendship betrayal, the need to belong, and the dark side of technology in teen life.
Highly recommend for fans of YA thrillers like those by Holly Jackson or Jessica Goodman—anyone who enjoys Mean Girls vibes crossed with Black Mirror-style twists, high school hierarchies, and stories that make you think about regret and redemption. If you like intense, twisty reads with heart and edge, this one's a must!
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.
The Spiral Key by Kelsey Day is an intriguing, edge-of-your-seat YA mystery-thriller that had me hooked from the first page—perfect for anyone who loves stories blending high school drama with a dark speculative twist!
The story centers on Madison Pembroke, the ultimate queen bee at Lincoln Academy, whose legendary birthday parties in the exclusive virtual world of Ametrine are the social event of the year—invitations come as custom spiral keys, and getting one means everything. But when her former best friend Bree gets an unexpected invite, what starts as a chance to mend old wounds spirals into something far more dangerous and obsessive. The party setup is wildly intriguing: a dreamlike VR paradise that turns nightmarish, showing how far some people go for leverage, control, and belonging—driven by insecurities they try to hide.
What stands out most is the unflinching look at consequences. Words and actions from middle school can haunt you long after, and the book doesn't shy away from showing remorse, regret, and the real impact of being a "brat" in the past—some things are inexcusable, even if growth happens later. Friendships curdle into vendettas, and the lengths people go to punish or manipulate others feel maniacal yet scarily genius at times. There's real depth in exploring how desperation to be "queen bee" or hide vulnerabilities can destroy others—and yourself.
The twists and turns keep coming, the pacing is fast and gripping, and the characters (especially the complex dynamics between Madison, Bree, and others like Devin) feel raw and relatable. It's got that sharp edge of social warfare mixed with speculative horror, making it both thrilling and thought-provoking.
I gave it a strong 4 out of 5 stars—super enjoyable with solid writing, memorable characters, and a plot full of suspense and emotional punches. It's a fresh take on friendship betrayal, the need to belong, and the dark side of technology in teen life.
Highly recommend for fans of YA thrillers like those by Holly Jackson or Jessica Goodman—anyone who enjoys Mean Girls vibes crossed with Black Mirror-style twists, high school hierarchies, and stories that make you think about regret and redemption. If you like intense, twisty reads with heart and edge, this one's a must!
January 27, 2026
When I first read the blurb for this book I was intrigued, but thought “How could the stakes possibly be high enough to get the reader invested when it’s virtual and the characters can just leave”. But the author did a fantastic job remedying that worry early on. The stakes, the fear, the pain, and the emotions felt very real and raw. I couldn’t put this one down.
The pacing was fantastic. It was so entertaining all the way through and I got so engrossed in the story. It also was a super quick read, but didn’t feel too short.
The world building in the virtual reality was so good! Each area was described so well and i really felt like I was in this world with the characters.
I also appreciated how messy, raw, and real our main character, Bree, was. She was clearly flawed and that’s revealed more and more throughout the book, but you just couldn’t help rooting for her anyway. Such a great example of how to create a fully rounded and real character.
The author illustrated so beautifully how perception is really everything. Our perception is our reality, but through someone else’s eyes that reality can look completely different. Such a great case to show how important empathy is.
This also was a great allegory for the dangers or AI and then technology that is taking over our world. It honestly didn’t even feel very far off as to what could happen in the very near future.
There were only a few things that bothered me throughout:
- All the “cool guy” characters kind of bled together for me. I had a hard time remembering which one was which.
- The biggest question I had was “Why now?” After everything that happened between Madison and Bree in junior high, why did Madison wait until senior year to get her revenge. It just felt a little out of the blue and didn’t fully track with me.
- I also had a hard time believing that so many of the students would be so physically violent and enjoy it. I get that it was virtual reality, but even so, I feel most kids would not find so much pleasure in physically hurting someone just because they gossiped about them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it! If you enjoy Jessica Goodman or Joelle Wellington, I think you would really like this one too.
I received a a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.
The pacing was fantastic. It was so entertaining all the way through and I got so engrossed in the story. It also was a super quick read, but didn’t feel too short.
The world building in the virtual reality was so good! Each area was described so well and i really felt like I was in this world with the characters.
I also appreciated how messy, raw, and real our main character, Bree, was. She was clearly flawed and that’s revealed more and more throughout the book, but you just couldn’t help rooting for her anyway. Such a great example of how to create a fully rounded and real character.
The author illustrated so beautifully how perception is really everything. Our perception is our reality, but through someone else’s eyes that reality can look completely different. Such a great case to show how important empathy is.
This also was a great allegory for the dangers or AI and then technology that is taking over our world. It honestly didn’t even feel very far off as to what could happen in the very near future.
There were only a few things that bothered me throughout:
- All the “cool guy” characters kind of bled together for me. I had a hard time remembering which one was which.
- The biggest question I had was “Why now?” After everything that happened between Madison and Bree in junior high, why did Madison wait until senior year to get her revenge. It just felt a little out of the blue and didn’t fully track with me.
- I also had a hard time believing that so many of the students would be so physically violent and enjoy it. I get that it was virtual reality, but even so, I feel most kids would not find so much pleasure in physically hurting someone just because they gossiped about them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it! If you enjoy Jessica Goodman or Joelle Wellington, I think you would really like this one too.
I received a a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this story! Bree, our heroine, is a bit of a loner in high school. She's an artsy kid who only really talks to her boyfriend, Devin, but she's haunted by the specter of her former friendship with Madison Pembroke. They used to be best friends before Bree's dad was arrested and her family lost everything, but now, Madison is the most popular girl in school, flanked by her friends, Everly, Chet, and Mark. Every year, Madison throughs a huge party in the VR world of Ametrine, which was created for her by her tech developer parents. Anything can happen in the VR world, so invitations are highly coveted. Since it's senior year, this one will be the last of high school, so students across all walks of life are hoping to score a spiral key that signals the door to their adventure. Bree is crestfallen when Devin receives a key and seems to want to go, but, after a brief non-hostile interaction, Bree receives a key of her own. Hoping for a reconciliation, Bree goes to the party but finds out that Madison's motives may be a lot more sinister than she originally perceived. When it turns out that Madison and her family have been collecting data to train the AI from their social media app, Hive Mind, as well as other more surreptitious surveillance, the situation becomes even worse. Bree didn't think the party would end up in a fight for her life, but things that happen in the VR world aren't real, right?
Bree is a likable, flawed heroine. The story is told from her perspective, but the VR world enables us to see Madison's side of things, and Bree has to take an introspective look at her previous behavior. This helps Bree gain some closure over the "death" of their friendship - while Madison may not have been perfect, neither was Bree, and maybe it was better that they grew apart. It's a story of growth, how hurt feelings can snowball, and how everything has two sides. There's suspense, a cool take on a VR world, and lots of high school drama, so fans of any of those will definitely enjoy this story.
Bree is a likable, flawed heroine. The story is told from her perspective, but the VR world enables us to see Madison's side of things, and Bree has to take an introspective look at her previous behavior. This helps Bree gain some closure over the "death" of their friendship - while Madison may not have been perfect, neither was Bree, and maybe it was better that they grew apart. It's a story of growth, how hurt feelings can snowball, and how everything has two sides. There's suspense, a cool take on a VR world, and lots of high school drama, so fans of any of those will definitely enjoy this story.
December 20, 2025
🕶️ ┊❝ forgive and forget? or at least forgive? ❞
PLOT
I really liked the virtual city the characters are taken into. It’s vivid and easy to picture, which made Ametrine feel immersive and unsettling. The party games were a good sort of tense, and the invitees' refusal to leave as things grew darker and more violent was a pretty realistic portrayal of peer pressure. The overall story--centered on a girl with billionaire parents being given full reign over a virtual world--felt a bit implausible, but I still enjoyed it despite that.
I would say the violence was a tad too intense for a YA book, though.
CHARACTERS
Bree: I liked that Bree wasn’t a typical YA protagonist. Her thought process was easy to understand, and her choices felt believable. I especially appreciated that she ultimately accepted her own responsibility in what happened instead of being framed as entirely blameless. I also really enjoyed her dynamic with her little brother, which made her feel more human.
Madison: I want to say that I feel sorry for her, but I don't. She felt overly villainous and a bit one-note. While I understood her motives, she took things far beyond what felt believable, and with either more restraint or deeper insight into how everything warped her, I might have felt differently.
Devin: Although he was more of a side character, I thought his relationship with Bree was sweet and I liked how they ended things off.
Other Partygoers: They were an interesting mix and, although a few of them annoyed me, I think they added a good amount of tension to the story. Everly and Vanessa stood out as highlights, as I liked that they weren't two-dimensional.
PLOT
I really liked the virtual city the characters are taken into. It’s vivid and easy to picture, which made Ametrine feel immersive and unsettling. The party games were a good sort of tense, and the invitees' refusal to leave as things grew darker and more violent was a pretty realistic portrayal of peer pressure. The overall story--centered on a girl with billionaire parents being given full reign over a virtual world--felt a bit implausible, but I still enjoyed it despite that.
I would say the violence was a tad too intense for a YA book, though.
CHARACTERS
Bree: I liked that Bree wasn’t a typical YA protagonist. Her thought process was easy to understand, and her choices felt believable. I especially appreciated that she ultimately accepted her own responsibility in what happened instead of being framed as entirely blameless. I also really enjoyed her dynamic with her little brother, which made her feel more human.
Madison: I want to say that I feel sorry for her, but I don't. She felt overly villainous and a bit one-note. While I understood her motives, she took things far beyond what felt believable, and with either more restraint or deeper insight into how everything warped her, I might have felt differently.
Devin: Although he was more of a side character, I thought his relationship with Bree was sweet and I liked how they ended things off.
Other Partygoers: They were an interesting mix and, although a few of them annoyed me, I think they added a good amount of tension to the story. Everly and Vanessa stood out as highlights, as I liked that they weren't two-dimensional.
November 3, 2025
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. As a reader, I recognize my personal bias: I believe I have aged out of the current themes and stylistic conventions dominating the Young Adult genre, which colored my reading experience of The Spiral Key.
Author Kelsey Day is clearly talented. Her short story, "Something Bright," showcased her ability to use introspective contemplation and a strong literary voice when exploring mental illness, demonstrating a depth I hoped to find in this novel.
However, the protagonist's voice in The Spiral Key often felt one-dimensional and constrained by familiar Young Adult tropes. Bree's core identity—consumed by a lost past and driven by perpetual anger and angst—made it difficult to connect with her journey. Her unique strength was an eloquent metaphorical moment: the desire to use collage to create a useful present out of a fragmented past, but this psychological nuance was sadly undercut by the surrounding action.
The antagonist, Madison, felt less like a complex character and more like an over-the-top, classic "mean girl" archetype elevated to the level of a cartoon villain within the virtual setting.
The novel's exploration of horror relies heavily on graphic sadism—watching others suffer humiliation, injury, and forced mutilation—rather than focusing on psychological terror. This type of virtual reality felt less like a contest for agency, as seen in classics like Ender's Game (1985) and Ready Player One (2011), and more like a space where the monsters are simply left in charge. The victory felt hollow, and the price exacted by the ending felt unsatisfying.
Author Kelsey Day is clearly talented. Her short story, "Something Bright," showcased her ability to use introspective contemplation and a strong literary voice when exploring mental illness, demonstrating a depth I hoped to find in this novel.
However, the protagonist's voice in The Spiral Key often felt one-dimensional and constrained by familiar Young Adult tropes. Bree's core identity—consumed by a lost past and driven by perpetual anger and angst—made it difficult to connect with her journey. Her unique strength was an eloquent metaphorical moment: the desire to use collage to create a useful present out of a fragmented past, but this psychological nuance was sadly undercut by the surrounding action.
The antagonist, Madison, felt less like a complex character and more like an over-the-top, classic "mean girl" archetype elevated to the level of a cartoon villain within the virtual setting.
The novel's exploration of horror relies heavily on graphic sadism—watching others suffer humiliation, injury, and forced mutilation—rather than focusing on psychological terror. This type of virtual reality felt less like a contest for agency, as seen in classics like Ender's Game (1985) and Ready Player One (2011), and more like a space where the monsters are simply left in charge. The victory felt hollow, and the price exacted by the ending felt unsatisfying.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read this book without having read the synopsis, which in retrospect was a good idea, as it prevented me from setting any expectations about the storyline. From the cover alone, I had assumed it would be a start YA thriller/murder mystery, so I was quite surprised by the overtones of virtual reality throughout the story. Nevertheless, the science fiction elements still felt realistic, which made the story more enjoyable for me.
As a whole, this book feels like it's strictly in the YA category, for better or for worse. Some of the drama/intrigue is very high school-oriented, so as someone in their twenties, the main conflict between Madison and Bree seemed a little... superficial and immature, to say the least. For most of the book, Madison read as almost a textbook villain, despite the author's attempt to make her seem multi-faceted. In comparison, Bree shows a great deal of growth and nuance in her actions. This dichotomy was a little confusing to me, and I wish the author took more time to really delve into the main characters' past friendship and the cause of its end. However, I should acknowledge that a factor in this could also be the length of the novel (around 270 pages); for the amount of topics that are covered, it's very short. I'm not sure if the length is for publishing reasons (e.g. maybe longer books are difficult to market, especially for debut novels?) or a choice by the author, but as a whole, the story felt rushed.
In any case, the overall message and vibe of the novel is great, especially for younger YA readers! Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin for the ARC!
*3.5 stars rounded up*
As a whole, this book feels like it's strictly in the YA category, for better or for worse. Some of the drama/intrigue is very high school-oriented, so as someone in their twenties, the main conflict between Madison and Bree seemed a little... superficial and immature, to say the least. For most of the book, Madison read as almost a textbook villain, despite the author's attempt to make her seem multi-faceted. In comparison, Bree shows a great deal of growth and nuance in her actions. This dichotomy was a little confusing to me, and I wish the author took more time to really delve into the main characters' past friendship and the cause of its end. However, I should acknowledge that a factor in this could also be the length of the novel (around 270 pages); for the amount of topics that are covered, it's very short. I'm not sure if the length is for publishing reasons (e.g. maybe longer books are difficult to market, especially for debut novels?) or a choice by the author, but as a whole, the story felt rushed.
In any case, the overall message and vibe of the novel is great, especially for younger YA readers! Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin for the ARC!
*3.5 stars rounded up*
November 7, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
THE SPIRAL KEY by Kelsea Day (Feb 24, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Teen for the earc
Madison Pembroke's parties are the talk of the year. Everyone vyes for an invitation, for that spiral key. Her ex bff, Bree Benson has never received a key...until this year. Despite warnings, she sees this as a way to get back in with Madison, as an olive branch. The virtual reality party starts off as fun, then it turns dangerous...Madison doesn't plan to let Bree leave.
THE SPIRAL KEY is a locked room, YA thriller that takes place in the world of virtual reality. The premise is interesting and unique. I don't think I've read such a revenge forward story set in VR.
THE SPIRAL KEY is pretty short, which makes it a fast-paced read...and it's pretty easy to read. A lot happens, and I can honestly say there's never a dull moment as Bree works to survive.
I wasn't a fan of any of these characters. The obsession that Bree had with her ex best friend was a bit much. I didn't get it...why that was the focus when it had been so long since their fallout. Let's not forget Madison and her minions were insufferable. (I know they were supposed to be).
Despite my dislike of the characters, I did root for Bree. I wanted her to get out of that world, to survive.
I did like the way this ended up playing out after getting past the characters. THE SPIRAL KEY is über dramatic with everything that happened between Bree and Madison and every other character, terrifying because of what Madison brought to life with her party, and entertaining.
THE SPIRAL KEY by Kelsea Day (Feb 24, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Teen for the earc
Madison Pembroke's parties are the talk of the year. Everyone vyes for an invitation, for that spiral key. Her ex bff, Bree Benson has never received a key...until this year. Despite warnings, she sees this as a way to get back in with Madison, as an olive branch. The virtual reality party starts off as fun, then it turns dangerous...Madison doesn't plan to let Bree leave.
THE SPIRAL KEY is a locked room, YA thriller that takes place in the world of virtual reality. The premise is interesting and unique. I don't think I've read such a revenge forward story set in VR.
THE SPIRAL KEY is pretty short, which makes it a fast-paced read...and it's pretty easy to read. A lot happens, and I can honestly say there's never a dull moment as Bree works to survive.
I wasn't a fan of any of these characters. The obsession that Bree had with her ex best friend was a bit much. I didn't get it...why that was the focus when it had been so long since their fallout. Let's not forget Madison and her minions were insufferable. (I know they were supposed to be).
Despite my dislike of the characters, I did root for Bree. I wanted her to get out of that world, to survive.
I did like the way this ended up playing out after getting past the characters. THE SPIRAL KEY is über dramatic with everything that happened between Bree and Madison and every other character, terrifying because of what Madison brought to life with her party, and entertaining.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kelsey Day’s YA debut, The Spiral Key, is a high-octane thriller that feels like Black Mirror meets Mean Girls. The story follows Bree Benson, who is unexpectedly invited to Ametrine—an exclusive virtual-reality paradise hosted by her former best friend turned arch-nemesis, Madison Pembroke. While Bree hopes the "Spiral Key" invitation is a peace offering, she quickly realizes that Ametrine isn't a playground; it’s a digital cage. What follows is a brutal game of survival where the stakes are life and death, and the primary weapon is a shared history of secrets.
The core of this book isn't just the "death game" mechanics; it’s the emotional fallout of betrayal. Watching Bree navigate her desire for revenge versus her need for redemption was the highlight for me. Day captures the "social status is everything" mindset of high school perfectly. The characters often make impulsive, emotionally driven, and—at times—infuriating decisions. While their behavior can be frustrating, it feels authentic to their age and adds a layer of anxiety to the plot. You truly feel their desperation to belong and their fear of social extinction.
The book is a wild ride of twists and turns, though the resolution didn't quite hit as hard as the rest of the story for me. The climax is incredibly intense—a heart-pounding sequence that left me breathless—but the ending felt a bit rushed in comparison. After such a high-velocity build-up, it fell slightly flat, leaving me wishing for a punchier final reveal. Overall, The Spiral Key is a gripping exploration of how the people who know us best are the ones equipped to destroy us most effectively. It’s a fast-paced, imaginative thriller that I would definitely recommend to fans of Holly Jackson or Jessica Goodman.
The core of this book isn't just the "death game" mechanics; it’s the emotional fallout of betrayal. Watching Bree navigate her desire for revenge versus her need for redemption was the highlight for me. Day captures the "social status is everything" mindset of high school perfectly. The characters often make impulsive, emotionally driven, and—at times—infuriating decisions. While their behavior can be frustrating, it feels authentic to their age and adds a layer of anxiety to the plot. You truly feel their desperation to belong and their fear of social extinction.
The book is a wild ride of twists and turns, though the resolution didn't quite hit as hard as the rest of the story for me. The climax is incredibly intense—a heart-pounding sequence that left me breathless—but the ending felt a bit rushed in comparison. After such a high-velocity build-up, it fell slightly flat, leaving me wishing for a punchier final reveal. Overall, The Spiral Key is a gripping exploration of how the people who know us best are the ones equipped to destroy us most effectively. It’s a fast-paced, imaginative thriller that I would definitely recommend to fans of Holly Jackson or Jessica Goodman.
January 4, 2026
So this book is majority set in a VR setting, which may appeal to some readers, but for me was a little bit challenging. The concept being that the queen bee of the school has invited a select group of people who all desperately want to be there to be part of her birthday party in the virtual reality. One of the girls that she invites is her ex Bestie, who is questioning why all of a sudden she’s welcomed back into the fold. Well, that’s the premise for the book. There’s also a lot of commentary about the meanness of young people, especially middle school high school meanness. And how much we often talk about each other maybe in a way that we don’t think sounds awful, but is really hurtful to others. I think unfortunately girls are especially good at this more than men are in this book, certainly highlights that. However, there was a lot of violence in this book that felt a little bit like overkill to me and I wasn’t sure ever really resolved itself as necessary by the end of the book. I did really like the concept and the idea that the things people say about you can get under your skin and stay with you and that people should be more aware that they make people feel this way. I just didn’t like the way some of it played out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 Stars
🔥 Want a thriller that understands how ex-best friends cut deeper than enemies? This delivers psychological warfare wrapped in a seductive virtual nightmare.
First Line: It’s not that I want her to suffer, I don’t even need her to apologize. `
Reasons to Read:
🔑 Deadly Invitation – A coveted spiral key grants access to a virtual party that promises popularity, but hides something far more dangerous.
🎮 Virtual Trap – What begins as a glamorous escape turns violent as Bree realizes Ametrine isn’t a game she can simply log out of.
💔 Ex-Best Friend Warfare – Old betrayals resurface as Madison weaponizes intimacy and history to punish Bree in the cruelest way possible.
Thoughts: One of my most anticipated reads for this month, this book is fairly short so I finished it in a day. This book is very high school drama, but it includes a virtual reality aspect that makes things so fantastical. I will say that while I did not love the main character, she was a lot better than some of the other people in this story. However, if you are turned off by bullying and gossip, this book might not be for you. But if you can see this book as something that is just a fun and fantastical romp through a horror filled virtual reality game, this is for you.
🔥 Want a thriller that understands how ex-best friends cut deeper than enemies? This delivers psychological warfare wrapped in a seductive virtual nightmare.
First Line: It’s not that I want her to suffer, I don’t even need her to apologize. `
Reasons to Read:
🔑 Deadly Invitation – A coveted spiral key grants access to a virtual party that promises popularity, but hides something far more dangerous.
🎮 Virtual Trap – What begins as a glamorous escape turns violent as Bree realizes Ametrine isn’t a game she can simply log out of.
💔 Ex-Best Friend Warfare – Old betrayals resurface as Madison weaponizes intimacy and history to punish Bree in the cruelest way possible.
Thoughts: One of my most anticipated reads for this month, this book is fairly short so I finished it in a day. This book is very high school drama, but it includes a virtual reality aspect that makes things so fantastical. I will say that while I did not love the main character, she was a lot better than some of the other people in this story. However, if you are turned off by bullying and gossip, this book might not be for you. But if you can see this book as something that is just a fun and fantastical romp through a horror filled virtual reality game, this is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Revenge is a dish best served cold. This story is twisted. You have Madison who is supposedly the most popular young lady at school. Every year she hosts a huge party that one can only attend if they receive a direct invitation. Bree has never been invited to one of the parties, but she uses to be best friends with Madison back when they were in middle school. This year though she has received one of the keys and while she is torn on if she should attend the party or not, she decides that maybe it is Madison’s way of trying to mend their relationship. Yet upon arriving to the party itself she learns that this isn’t a normal type of party and that she is this year’s special guest.
What I love about this book is it truly shows perception. While Madison’s voice is not the voice that the book is being told through her opinion and her perception are clearly laid out so that the reader gets a taste of what both girls are thinking about this situation. This book is also very twisted and I think its utilization of AI and virtual reality are very interesting and are really going to draw in younger readers.
Thank you so much to Penguin Young Readers and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
What I love about this book is it truly shows perception. While Madison’s voice is not the voice that the book is being told through her opinion and her perception are clearly laid out so that the reader gets a taste of what both girls are thinking about this situation. This book is also very twisted and I think its utilization of AI and virtual reality are very interesting and are really going to draw in younger readers.
Thank you so much to Penguin Young Readers and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a quick, fun, and completely unhinged read in the best way!
Kelsey Day wastes no time getting us to the party, and from the very beginning there’s this constant sense of anticipation - like you’re just waiting for everything to implode. The entire story feels like a bad dream you can’t wake up from, and I was fully locked in.
That said, there were moments that weren’t my favorite. There were quite a few “mean girl” moments and at times the characters’ anger and fixation on the past made them feel a little hard to like. But honestly? It kind of worked for the chaos of it all.
The party itself is completely over-the-top, and the virtual reality element adds such a unique twist that it sets this book apart from other YA thrillers. I also loved the writing style. It's descriptive in a way that makes Ametrine feel real to the reader. I felt like I was right there with the characters.
Overall, this one kept me hooked from start to finish and I ended up giving it 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Viking Books for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Kelsey Day wastes no time getting us to the party, and from the very beginning there’s this constant sense of anticipation - like you’re just waiting for everything to implode. The entire story feels like a bad dream you can’t wake up from, and I was fully locked in.
That said, there were moments that weren’t my favorite. There were quite a few “mean girl” moments and at times the characters’ anger and fixation on the past made them feel a little hard to like. But honestly? It kind of worked for the chaos of it all.
The party itself is completely over-the-top, and the virtual reality element adds such a unique twist that it sets this book apart from other YA thrillers. I also loved the writing style. It's descriptive in a way that makes Ametrine feel real to the reader. I felt like I was right there with the characters.
Overall, this one kept me hooked from start to finish and I ended up giving it 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Viking Books for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a fast paced, YA thriller set in a virtual reality and the teenage drama ensues. This isn't always my favorite type of genre but once in a while the blurb will draw me in and this one definitely did. Elite birthday party in a virtual reality is something I haven't heard of or read before and it sounded great. The characters are flawed and unlikeable, the stakes are higher than they seem and the consequences are devastating. I found that parts of this book were a little over the top and the consequences didn't always match the actions but I really enjoyed reading this one. There are definitely elements of bullying so if that is something that triggers you I would not recommend this one. Otherwise, it's an entertaining and quick read.
This one states: For fans of Holly Jackson and Jessica Goodman and while I haven't read any of Jessica's work I have read Holly's and I would agree with this statement.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one states: For fans of Holly Jackson and Jessica Goodman and while I haven't read any of Jessica's work I have read Holly's and I would agree with this statement.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2026
3.5/5 stars
I am a sucker for YA thrillers so I was instantly intrigued by this book. It was fast paced and unexpected. In some ways, it reminded me of the movie Nerve. I will also admit that there were some parts in this story that made me a bit uncomfortable and that I felt like could have been worded differently.
The Spiral Key is a thriller set in a virtual reality world and it gets unsettling pretty fast. There were times where I did not know what was going to happen next. I do want to note that the characters were not my favorites, and that includes Bree. However, I did appreciate the diversity among the characters.
The biggest issue for me was the ending. It didn’t really feel complete. I think we could have gotten more closure and more of a resolution. It did not answer all my questions which was a bit unfortunate.
Overall, this book was pleasantly good and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast paced thriller!
Thank you to Viking Books for allowing me to receive an ARC of The Spiral Key from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am a sucker for YA thrillers so I was instantly intrigued by this book. It was fast paced and unexpected. In some ways, it reminded me of the movie Nerve. I will also admit that there were some parts in this story that made me a bit uncomfortable and that I felt like could have been worded differently.
The Spiral Key is a thriller set in a virtual reality world and it gets unsettling pretty fast. There were times where I did not know what was going to happen next. I do want to note that the characters were not my favorites, and that includes Bree. However, I did appreciate the diversity among the characters.
The biggest issue for me was the ending. It didn’t really feel complete. I think we could have gotten more closure and more of a resolution. It did not answer all my questions which was a bit unfortunate.
Overall, this book was pleasantly good and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast paced thriller!
Thank you to Viking Books for allowing me to receive an ARC of The Spiral Key from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2026
ARC Review!!
Thank you to NetGalley.
This was such a good book! I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did!!! At first I had no idea where it would go but it turned out so good! The beginning was a little slow and confusing for me with Madison and Bree but getting more background on them made more sense.
Madison throws a party every year and only a select few get a spiral key, which is their invite, and Bree has never gotten one despite previous years of friendship. Finally her time has come and she gets a key. Devin, Bree's boyfriend, finds it suspicious but Bree believes Madison is ready to be friends again.
They arrive to the party and everything is good until it isn't. Things start happening where Bree believes she's being set up and can't find a way out. Devin ends up hurt and Bree finally finds out why Madison hates her. Bree also finds out why her dad left a party and drove drunk. The plot twist was insane.
Such a good book and such a good ending. Madison's ending was left up in the air but overall a very good book!
4 stars!!!
Thank you to NetGalley.
This was such a good book! I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did!!! At first I had no idea where it would go but it turned out so good! The beginning was a little slow and confusing for me with Madison and Bree but getting more background on them made more sense.
Madison throws a party every year and only a select few get a spiral key, which is their invite, and Bree has never gotten one despite previous years of friendship. Finally her time has come and she gets a key. Devin, Bree's boyfriend, finds it suspicious but Bree believes Madison is ready to be friends again.
They arrive to the party and everything is good until it isn't. Things start happening where Bree believes she's being set up and can't find a way out. Devin ends up hurt and Bree finally finds out why Madison hates her. Bree also finds out why her dad left a party and drove drunk. The plot twist was insane.
Such a good book and such a good ending. Madison's ending was left up in the air but overall a very good book!
4 stars!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an interesting and fast-paced read, but overall it didn’t really do much for me. The concept of a virtual-reality party turned deadly was intriguing, and I can absolutely see why this would hook a younger YA audience. That said, everything felt very over-the-top, especially the characters and their motivations. The central message—bullying is harmful and can destroy lives—is an important one, but it’s also a theme that a lot of YA thrillers lean into, and this didn’t feel like a particularly fresh take on it.
A perspective I agreed with is that Madison, the antagonist, came across less as a fully developed character and more as an exaggerated “mean girl” archetype within the virtual setting. Most of the characters were pretty insufferable, with the exception of the nice boyfriend, who was the only one I actually liked. I think I would’ve enjoyed this a lot more if I were still a teenager, but reading it as an adult made the exaggerated personalities and drama harder to connect with.
Thank you to Netgalley & Penguin Young Readers Group for this ARC.
A perspective I agreed with is that Madison, the antagonist, came across less as a fully developed character and more as an exaggerated “mean girl” archetype within the virtual setting. Most of the characters were pretty insufferable, with the exception of the nice boyfriend, who was the only one I actually liked. I think I would’ve enjoyed this a lot more if I were still a teenager, but reading it as an adult made the exaggerated personalities and drama harder to connect with.
Thank you to Netgalley & Penguin Young Readers Group for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers for the eARC.
3.5 ⭐
I enjoyed this YA revenge thriller. You never really had the full picture of what was going on or about to happen until the very end.
Popular girl Madison invites her ex-best friend to her virtual reality birthday party. Bree thinks this is an invitation to make up and become friends again. Once Bree enters the VR world, all is not what it seems. This becomes a game of cat and mouse where revelations are found at every turn.
This was a fast paced, quick read that moved along nicely. You got right into the story and plot with no extras on the way. I did feel like the ending was kind of unfinished? I wanted a little bit more of the aftermath and how everything played out, but the twists were good and kept me interested until the very end.
Perfect for a quick palate cleanser that will keep you guessing until the final move is made.
3.5 ⭐
I enjoyed this YA revenge thriller. You never really had the full picture of what was going on or about to happen until the very end.
Popular girl Madison invites her ex-best friend to her virtual reality birthday party. Bree thinks this is an invitation to make up and become friends again. Once Bree enters the VR world, all is not what it seems. This becomes a game of cat and mouse where revelations are found at every turn.
This was a fast paced, quick read that moved along nicely. You got right into the story and plot with no extras on the way. I did feel like the ending was kind of unfinished? I wanted a little bit more of the aftermath and how everything played out, but the twists were good and kept me interested until the very end.
Perfect for a quick palate cleanser that will keep you guessing until the final move is made.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mean Girls meet holiday party turned terror in The Spiral Key by Kelsey Day. I'd not read any of Day's work before, but I read a fair amount of YA in search of books for my middle school students and I love mysteries, so this book seemed ideal. I can see my 8th graders enjoying this book. While it has some violence, the descriptions of it are not too graphic, and there was little to no sexual content (which helps me tread the delicate line between middle and high school).
Day created an interesting mixture of high school angst and AI / technology. The mega scary queen bee character in Madison was given a creative twist by her having her own VR world where she wields her power via chainsaw or knife or social demolishment. While some of the characters are typical high school tropes, Day provides some fun twists and surprises along the way.
Day created an interesting mixture of high school angst and AI / technology. The mega scary queen bee character in Madison was given a creative twist by her having her own VR world where she wields her power via chainsaw or knife or social demolishment. While some of the characters are typical high school tropes, Day provides some fun twists and surprises along the way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy.
I had the best experience and from the beginning, it was giving mean girls and trying to fight for the spot to popularity. The difference was the main character was friends with the bully here and she could air out things that she never shared with the others. They did not know her how she knew her. But, really, it was like that for them both. I loved how the brother automatically knew something was going to go down between them, like she don't talk to you for years and you get an invitation like the math is not adding up. This was a mean girls turns good but, now all her secrets get aired out like the person she is now doesn't even matter. Someone always gotta be stuck in the past and jealous of the thrive you giving off now. I loved this even for a YA, I could see myself rereading this again.
I had the best experience and from the beginning, it was giving mean girls and trying to fight for the spot to popularity. The difference was the main character was friends with the bully here and she could air out things that she never shared with the others. They did not know her how she knew her. But, really, it was like that for them both. I loved how the brother automatically knew something was going to go down between them, like she don't talk to you for years and you get an invitation like the math is not adding up. This was a mean girls turns good but, now all her secrets get aired out like the person she is now doesn't even matter. Someone always gotta be stuck in the past and jealous of the thrive you giving off now. I loved this even for a YA, I could see myself rereading this again.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3⭐️
This was kind of a wild ride. I loved the examination of Bree and Madison's failed friendship and how close they were until Bree's father was arrested. Childhood friendships are always seem strong but can fall apart easily. The way that Madison became the popular, mean girl and Bree was the outcast was well done. The dynamic between all of the characters and the way being included in Madison's party was so important really drove the story.
I did really like the virtual reality setting and the way it was fleshed out. And while I liked it, I did struggle with imagining some aspects of this. A vast majority of the violence and fighting happened in the VR realm and I think I spent more time trying to picture what was happening than enjoying the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC to
me!
This was kind of a wild ride. I loved the examination of Bree and Madison's failed friendship and how close they were until Bree's father was arrested. Childhood friendships are always seem strong but can fall apart easily. The way that Madison became the popular, mean girl and Bree was the outcast was well done. The dynamic between all of the characters and the way being included in Madison's party was so important really drove the story.
I did really like the virtual reality setting and the way it was fleshed out. And while I liked it, I did struggle with imagining some aspects of this. A vast majority of the violence and fighting happened in the VR realm and I think I spent more time trying to picture what was happening than enjoying the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC to
me!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Spiral Key is a fast-paced YA thriller with strong sci-fi elements. While it was an entertaining and quick read, I found the only characters I was really rooting for were Petey and to a lesser extent Devin, as everyone else seemed too caught up in the mean girl, clique culture of fitting in at Lincoln Academy by sucking up to Madison Pembroke.
I enjoyed the story, writing style, and the idea of the VR birthday party, but couldn’t help but notice how reminiscent the virtual world of Ametrine felt of the holobands, V-World, and lawless New Cap City from the TV series Caprica. While this didn’t detract from my enjoyment, it did make the setting feel more familiar than surprising.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the advance copy and opportunity to read this book early.
I enjoyed the story, writing style, and the idea of the VR birthday party, but couldn’t help but notice how reminiscent the virtual world of Ametrine felt of the holobands, V-World, and lawless New Cap City from the TV series Caprica. While this didn’t detract from my enjoyment, it did make the setting feel more familiar than surprising.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the advance copy and opportunity to read this book early.
January 30, 2026
This was my first time reading anything to do with VR and I was definitely intrigued by the summary. It was addicting and unputdownable and I ended up flying through it in two days. Bree and Madison’s friendship was the definition of toxic and wild to see what they did to each other. This had the potential to be a great idea but sadly, I felt like it just wasn’t fully fleshed out. It felt like it was pulled in multiple different directions and I think it would’ve been better with just a few in more detail.
Overall, this was a fun, addictive thriller and if you like something different and in the mood for a quick YA read, I’d recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Overall, this was a fun, addictive thriller and if you like something different and in the mood for a quick YA read, I’d recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!
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