The Dream Key is the second book in the Chronicles of the God-Sage. It's an action-packed, page-turning YA Fantasy read, that features dark secrets, plot twists and compelling characters, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Mary Weber and Laini Taylor.
An ancient enemy rises in the north, searching for one girl to set them free.
When Valora displays her powers in public, attracting the attention of the infamous Nilari Rebels, Marlowe realises that Kyla isn’t the biggest threat to his sister’s safety. And Kyla must face the fact that Valora may be wielding illegal magic.
Thrown into a quest to save her from the hands of the enemy, Kyla and Marlowe must put their differences aside and work together.
Kyla is motivated by duty, Marlowe by love. They don’t trust each other. But they’ll both risk their lives to save Valora.
Will they save her before the enemy claims her? And will they uncover the truth about her mysterious powers?
4.5 ~The Dream Key was an exciting sequel, very fast paced and it kept my attention the entire time. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. My only complaint is I wish the book was longer!
I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Dream Key is the second book in Rachael Watson's "The God-Sage."
The beginning of this book delves straight back into the action. Our two young heroes are immediately thrust together to meet a common goal, even though they both want very opposing outcomes. In this book Kyla continues to question all that she knows and Marlowe comes to grip that he might actually need someone's help to protect his sister.
Tensions are high. Both Marlow and Kyla need to learn to trust.
Rachael's strengths lie within her beautiful worldbuilding and creation of her characters, who are larger than life, relatable and flawed.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable sequel to Forbidden Healing.
If you are looking for a YA Fantasy book with high stakes, tension and twists and turns don't go past this book.
Wow. I thought book 1 was good . Book 2 is outstanding. I read one review that said it raised more questions than it answers. That is true . But I would add that I think in this case it’s necessary. Yes you have to read the entire series to get the full picture but that’s what happens in all epic fantasy adventure series. Not only did this book keep my interest but at times, the old ticker picked up a pace as the tension mounted. No spoilers but I’m so enjoying this journey and I have no hesitation in recommending this awesome series to read. It’s spellbinding. I don’t have all the words to truly “ do it justice “. You’ll have to read it yourself to make your own mind up.
Could’ve been easily part of book 1. There was some development of the characters’ relationships and the plot but I think it would be better if it was just part of the first one.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for leaving an honest review.
Okay so this book is a solid 3.5 star for me. I am loving the story, and the world building. This mysterious key is really interesting and I want to know more about the Nilari and their Isle of Ashes.
I’m still dead set on not liking Kyla. I feel like she jumps the gun way too quickly of threatening everyone if she doesn’t get her way or doesn’t like the answers that are coming up. The fact that she still is set on the sacred core and isn’t more set on getting answers also kills me. Like how can you so blindly believe everything you have been told when obviously no one else around you does. Especially when you keep learning more and more about what is going on or has happened before. I also feel like Max is always there but has fallen to the wayside and I would like to see more of him since he has such a weird connection to the dead. Marlowe, oh Marlowe. I really like him but he needs to get his anger in check a bit. And stop making googly wyes at Kyla. I do not want them together. I was so happy with the ending when he pretty much told her to STFU and be honest. Because she always demands and threatens but then hides so much info from everyone else and then threatens them over the same secrets she is keeping. (Sorry if I butchered any titles) Regardless I still enjoyed this book a lot and I am excited for the next book!
Four young people on the verge of adulthood. Kyra, the abused child of the leader of the army of their people. She has become a soldier and a devout believer in the God-Sage but it is like a drowning person clutching at straw to keep themselves afloat. Max, her friend from childhood who is also a soldier of Moriya. He is in love with Kyla but she is completely oblivious. Marlowe, the grandson of a selfish Lord, relative of Moriyan royalty. He was supposed to be his grandfather’s heir but that was before his parents were proclaimed traitors and put to death. His grandfather did nothing to save his only child, his daughter. Alora, Marlowe’s sister, a healer and a cripple. She was not supposed to be alive for there are no cripples in Moriya. She is also not supposed to be able to heal for healing only comes through the God-Sage. These four are caught up in a great change that is coming to their world. Kyla is trembling on the brink of revelations that she doesn’t to acknowledge, for if she does her whole world will crumble and she with it. Kyla and Marlowe have a love/hate relationship that neither will acknowledge. They are far from Moriya and being pursued by people who shouldn’t exist but who have power beyond anything they have been taught. This story is one that you can’t put down.
This is the second book in the series and honestly I have read the first one and I was kind of dreading this one as the first one dragged for me a little. However as soon as I picked it up I was unable to put it down and I literally read it all in one sitting. I am trying to ensure that my review does not contain any spoilers to the story but rather pointers to how it should be read.
This book was a great follow up to the first one and as suspected by myself the first one was a way to show what the story was going to be and build up character backgrounds. I also like the font that I received my e-book in more then I liked it in the first book. I suspect that this could be because I read the two books on different platforms, but I definitely found the second one a more pleasant read despite both being e-books and not a platform I would normally read books on.
I would recommend that anyone who reads this book reads the first one before reading this one, as I know that without it you will be left with numerous plot holes that you would be unable to understand without reading the first book (also the prequel is mentioned at points in the book but you can just read this as the third book if you just can't wait).
Wow, The Dream Key is a fantastic sequel to the Forbidden Healing and I enjoyed every action filled minute as Marlowe and Kayla, aided by Max and Valora make the journey from Palantar back to Moriya where Valora can become an acolyte and Kayla can take her place as the first female in the Sacred Core.
If it can go wrong on this journey, it does go wrong. And as it does, Max begins to see Kayla in a different light. They become something more, but not quite something whole. His half smiles and upturned lips make Kyla see him as the rogue he was before he was declared the son of traitors and tossed into the slums by his own grandfather - the very man who had Valora branded as an acolyte of the God-Sage - and though Kayla brandishes her sword at Marlowe on a regular basis, the fire that was once a warning has become something more to her as well.
I can't wait to read book three. The foursome stand on the precipice of something unknown that has been hidden for at least 2 generations and they don't know what ripples their actions will cause through the whole of Tolinaye if they're not careful - and maybe if they are.
The second book in this fantasy series picked up right where the first left off, following Kyla and Marlowe as they both attempt to save the entirety of their personal worlds - Kyla through finding her religious society an acolyte and Marlowe by caring for his sister. I love watching them together, and although I'm much more partial to Kyla, I warmed up to Marlowe in this second book more than the first.
The story continues to be compelling, and I'm interested to know where the characters end up and how they develop. However, this book feels like a part two of the first book, and not a book in its own right. There are no book-only story arcs that tie up before the book ends, and the title concept only came into play in the last chapters, so I was left feeling like there was more book to read when I finished. I think once the series is finished, it will be a binge-worthy read, but be ready for a cliff hanging feeling when reading if you don't have the third book ready to read.
I'm an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book 2 of the Chronicles of the God-Sage is so much better than Book 1. Firstly, because the way it ends just makes the reader want to read on, but not as much as the first one. In Book 1, I was quite mad at the author for stopping the book at this point, because I thought the story hadn't even begun. In The Dream Key, however, a lot of things happened, and I understand why one would stop the book there. Of course, I'd rather it wasn't cut at all. The characters gain depth. In book one, I did not see the use of Max. He just annoyed me so much. In this one, I understand why he's there, even though I don't particularly like him. I love how things grow between Marlowe and Kyla, without going too far. There is a lot of teasing for the next book(s), and I feel like I am hooked, now. So... I'd love to read what happens next :) There are still so many questions to answer !
I'd honestly give it 4,5 out of 5. But for the sake of the really cool author, I'll round it up to 5 !
After Forbidden Healing, the first book in the Chronicles of the God-Sage, I had high hopes for the sequel. And boy, was I right!
The Dream Key is stuffed with diverse action scenes, that are wellwritten and keep you on the edge of your seat. At no point does it feel like a repeat from earlier scenes. The main characters are amazing, they are somewhat attracted to each other but also never fully trust the other one. This leads to internal conflicts about emotions and a build up to what could become spicy scenes, that are always interrupted by the realization that they hate each other (in some form or another). And then there is the plot. Building on the events of book 1, The Dream Key creates a compelling story that leaves me craving for answers at the final page. When is part 3 coming out?
This was an amazing continuation of the series. The build of tension is amazing and it introduces so many new mysteries to this world that i can’t wait to explore further. The introduction of the Nilari priest is a great example of this. He pops up at various points throughout this book though neither the readers or the characters know what to make of him. We know to be scared of him but we are yet to know about his powers or properly understand his motives (though there are some intriguing hints). The side characters of Valora and Max were also explored much more in this book and i came to care about them much more through the dangerous event that occurred. The romance in the book continues to build slowly at a pace that makes sense with the characters. It doesn’t feel forced in any way (i find that many enemies to lovers storylines feel forced by the author just for the sake of including a romance - this is not the case with these characters).
This book, was even better than the first. It started off at a good pace and stayed consistent. In this second book, you get a little more of that "enemies to lovers" vibe going on but who knows, Kyla and Max are on completely opposite sides, when it comes to the God Sage and their ways. If you liked the Shadow and Bone series, I think you'll enjoy these books as well. They are not filled with excessive amounts of sex and violence but they are filled with a unique magic system, secrets, distrust, intrigue, excitement, mysterious powers, creepy creatures and characters that will keep you guessing. I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, now I'm off to read book 3.
Well this series has well and truly suckered me in now! Totally hooked. Gripped from the very first page.
The second installment in this series is an anxiety, tension inducing marvel. I absolutely loved it. Following Kyla, Marlowe, Max and Valora on their unfortunate action packed adventure and seeing what they're going through (particularly Kyla who is clearly struggling with the God sage brainwashing she's grown up with) was absolutely riveting.
Cannot wait until book 3 now!
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving an honest review voluntarily .
I loved the first book. In this one, there was nothing but action and I was left feeling like the events did not have time to percolate. The pacing seemed to be off. The characters didn't have time to agonize over poor decisions and just reacted to everything. I liked them a whole lot less this time around and was confused by the decisions they made more often than not. They were kind of terrible to one another for little reason until they had something to fight against; things improved with an outside conflict. The enemies in this were not at all nuanced.
The writing was a lot less subtle. More tell than show for sure.
Obsessed. I'm obsessed. i finished Forbidden Healing last night and immediately bought the Dream Key because i didn't want it to end. Literally from the first page of this book to the last there is so much going on and so much at stake that it is impossible to put down! (If my boss is seeing this, I promise I went home sick 😉)
I am living for the developing relationship between Kyla and Marlowe right now I would have been alright with some growth between her and Max but the thought of her and Marlowe makes my heart so happy! 💜💜
A good follow up to the first novel, Forbidden Healing. Here we are introduced to the MacGuffin as the characters begin their completely smooth journey (not). The characters go from one scrape to another, epic chases ensue and yet no Hobbits we’re taken to Isengard in the creation of this book. No, you will not put it down the way you gave up on The Two Towers. You know who you are. I’m talking to you. Let’s face it Tolkien could be boring. Rachael Watson is fun! I can’t wait for book three of Kayla and Marlowe’s Big Adventure!
The sequel to Watson’s debut novel Forbidden Healing lives up to its predecessor. Fast paced, action packed, and character driven, The Dream Key makes for a quick read- I simply had to get answers to what happened next! One thing to keep in mind with Watson’s series is that each novel (thus far) raises twice as many questions as it answers. The novels flow together beautifully and make for a more complex world and more intriguing mysteries. The tension between Kyla and Marlowe is great for anyone who is a fan of the enemies-to-lovers, slow burn trope.
The story was really a 'page-turner' but there is some details that I dislike. The fact that Marlowe has to be held constantly otherwise he runs into action without thinking... one time- two maybe but that was way too many times, does this boy ever learn ? Also, the fact that the characters don't trust each other, even after saving their lives multiple times... why ? To held information for no reason is just annoying. I wanted to scream "talk to each other!" For the last half of this book. Otherwise, it was good. Great story, great twists, I liked it very much!
The death eels are back, with an action packed adventure to follow. Lined with tension and a mystery to solve, this novel is sure to hold your attention from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I am attached to these characters and I can’t wait to see what happens next (but I’m also partly scared because Rachel is a bit of a torturess 😉) Solid 4 Stars
The story is good and engaging but I would have liked to hear one puzzle solved in this book instead of creating a few more. I prefer one leading to another but not all building on one another. I have a feeling this is the type is series you’ll hate until you read the last book and then you’ll love it. I see this series becoming one readers return to read again and again. This isn’t a favorite genre for me but this definitely isn’t a book I would put down. I look forward to the next book.
This fast-paced sequel to Forbidden Healing continues the adventures of Kyla, Marlowe, Max, and Valora. I fell in love with these characters in Book 1, and now I feel like I know them for real! The chemistry between Kyla & Marlowe is SO GOOD and this book is just as much a page-turner as the first one. The world-building and storyline are excellent. This has become one of of my favorite YA series and I am anxiously awaiting Book 3!
Another great read by Rachel Watson. It kept me invested in the story and on the edge of my seat for the whole read. I really appreciate the way the relationship between the two main characters is being developed, and the way the whole world comes to life. I honestly felt like I was somehow part of the story. If you love fantasy, then you need to give this book a read. It's a refreshing take on fantasy, and I LOVED it.
For me, a good sequel expands on the world and characters while still remaining true to the original. I think this book does just that. Exciting world, interesting magic system, and definitely is setting us up for what’s to come! ** CW: one of the main characters is referred to as a “cripple/crippled”. I know this language can be very offensive to some so please keep this in mind when reading.**
This was such an entertaining read filled with adventure, intrigue and suspense! The story is beautifully written, fast paced without a dull moment. The characters are also quite distinct and are well thought out. I especially liked the bond between Valora and Marlowe. I loved every minute of this wonderful story! I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.