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chargio12's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, solid conclusion to the series. A tad bit disappointed that half of the book felt like a repeat of the first and that Violet was separated from Raven and Ash for a good chunk of the book. Overall though I enjoyed the book and felt like I had no lingering questions.
Side note: Definitely not a standout/memorable series, but still enjoyable for the YA fan base.
Side note: Definitely not a standout/memorable series, but still enjoyable for the YA fan base.
lizbiz2513's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gabbys_library's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
michalice's review against another edition
4.0
This review was always going to be the hardest to write, but aren't all end of series reviews. How do I really share my feelings about the book without giving away spoilers about key plot events in the book.
We pick up the book at The White Rose, where plans are being made to infiltrate the city, rescuing all surrogates being sent to the Jewel. By showing them how to access the elements and how to use them to help the Society of the Black Key, Violet and her friends will have a small army to themselves, able to take down royalty once and for all. But Violet is still reeling over the kidnapping of her sister Hazel, and no matter what plans she makes, her most important one is to get Hazel out alive.
The Black Key is a book in this series that I really enjoyed the most. I loved getting to see all the different components click into place, how they work to set things in motion, and most importantly, getting to see all the surrogates use their elemental powers. The Black Key had so much more packed into the pages. We see friendships grow and form, we see the truth behind the scenes and get a first hand look at some hidden secrets. With Violet we see the real people, how the feel and what they want. We see oppression, and cruelty, deceit, but among that we see love and that not all royalty is selfish.
The characters within the pages of The Black Key are ones we know and love. We get to see a few familiar faces, and get to know others more, with one of them really surprising me. But we all know there is no war without death, and sadly we do say goodbye to some friends. I did like how people followed Violet, believing in her strength and determination even when she didn't herself.
Final Verdict
The Black Key was a book I really enjoyed, but also didn't want to end. I loved getting to sped time in this world again and I'm pretty sad its all over. The only thing I would ask to change is maybe an epilogue, so we see what happens after it's all over.
We pick up the book at The White Rose, where plans are being made to infiltrate the city, rescuing all surrogates being sent to the Jewel. By showing them how to access the elements and how to use them to help the Society of the Black Key, Violet and her friends will have a small army to themselves, able to take down royalty once and for all. But Violet is still reeling over the kidnapping of her sister Hazel, and no matter what plans she makes, her most important one is to get Hazel out alive.
The Black Key is a book in this series that I really enjoyed the most. I loved getting to see all the different components click into place, how they work to set things in motion, and most importantly, getting to see all the surrogates use their elemental powers. The Black Key had so much more packed into the pages. We see friendships grow and form, we see the truth behind the scenes and get a first hand look at some hidden secrets. With Violet we see the real people, how the feel and what they want. We see oppression, and cruelty, deceit, but among that we see love and that not all royalty is selfish.
The characters within the pages of The Black Key are ones we know and love. We get to see a few familiar faces, and get to know others more, with one of them really surprising me. But we all know there is no war without death, and sadly we do say goodbye to some friends. I did like how people followed Violet, believing in her strength and determination even when she didn't herself.
Final Verdict
The Black Key was a book I really enjoyed, but also didn't want to end. I loved getting to sped time in this world again and I'm pretty sad its all over. The only thing I would ask to change is maybe an epilogue, so we see what happens after it's all over.
migimon2002's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a little bit to get back into the "swing of things" when I was reading this novel...but that's only because there was so much time between books I had to refresh my memory as to what had been happening. Overall, I felt the Black Key was a well-rounded third instalment of the series. There was still plenty of action/adventure, as well as character development. But, we also received an ending that wrapped up the story arcs and left us feeling hopeful for a better future within Ewing's developed dystopian "realm". I really enjoyed this series as a whole, and would definitely recommend it for readers who liked similar series' (ie. The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Chemical Garden, and Delirium).
theowlerybooks's review against another edition
5.0
This series has super paced paced writing and keeps you wanting more at every chapter! If you enjoyed The Selection's pace and writing style you will love this! If you enjoyed the caste system and magical elements of The Red Queen you are sure to enjoy this story from beginning to end!
eve233456's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
zasou_reads's review against another edition
2.0
For too long, Violet and the people of the outer circles of the Lone City have lived in service of the royalty of the Jewel. But now, the secret society known as the Black Key is preparing to seize power.
This YA dystopian fantasy is the third and last book in the Lone City series, and it was my least favorite of all. I completely disconnected from the story somewhere in book 2, yet I wanted to keep going in the hopes I would find what I felt in book 1 again... in vain. This one was about as long as the first two books, and yet it felt twice as long. I did not connect with this one, and I found it boring even if a million things were happening.
This YA dystopian fantasy is the third and last book in the Lone City series, and it was my least favorite of all. I completely disconnected from the story somewhere in book 2, yet I wanted to keep going in the hopes I would find what I felt in book 1 again... in vain. This one was about as long as the first two books, and yet it felt twice as long. I did not connect with this one, and I found it boring even if a million things were happening.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
The Black Key was the last book in The Long City series. It also picked up right where the second book, The White Rose, left us with the cliffhanger. It shows us Violet trying to find and save her sister Hazel at any cost. However, she was also a huge influence to the rebellion because she was one of the leaders - but family will always come first to her.
I really liked how the story unfolded and how this book ultimately ended this pretty amazing series. It was a pretty quick read and was very hard to put down or walk away from. I just wanted to see how everything was going to play out. Plus, I really wanted to see if I would like it or not.
I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get to see some people's point of view - like, Lucian, Raven, or Ash's because sometimes I just wanted to see what was happening outside of the Jewel. This was due to the fact that Violet was mostly cut off from most of the rebellion groups because of her position and cause. So I was constantly looking and waiting for someone else's POV to show up so I could get the whole picture of everything happening.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can totally see myself rereading this series next year. Now I see myself trying to find the novellas online (for free) so I can read them and see what those little gems have to offer.
I really liked how the story unfolded and how this book ultimately ended this pretty amazing series. It was a pretty quick read and was very hard to put down or walk away from. I just wanted to see how everything was going to play out. Plus, I really wanted to see if I would like it or not.
I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get to see some people's point of view - like, Lucian, Raven, or Ash's because sometimes I just wanted to see what was happening outside of the Jewel. This was due to the fact that Violet was mostly cut off from most of the rebellion groups because of her position and cause. So I was constantly looking and waiting for someone else's POV to show up so I could get the whole picture of everything happening.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can totally see myself rereading this series next year. Now I see myself trying to find the novellas online (for free) so I can read them and see what those little gems have to offer.