THE SPIRAL KEY

Ametrine is not only an expansive virtual reality world, it’s the setting of the exclusive annual birthday bash hosted by Madison Pembroke, daughter of the game’s ultra-wealthy designers.

Bree Benson was Madison’s best friend—until the summer after middle school. Since the Ametrine parties started in ninth grade, Bree, like many other hopefuls, has waited in vain for an invitation. This year, 12th grade, is her final chance. If Bree didn’t have kind and supportive boyfriend Devin, she’d be completely friendless. When Bree and Devin receive coveted spiral keys—the invitation to the 12-hour event—Bree, who’s hopeful about rekindling her friendship with Madison, ignores her doubts. But the surreal paradise of Ametrine isn’t what it seems. Both Bree’s real life and the world of Ametrine are enticing, vivid, and fully realized. Readers’ hearts will race right along with the fast-paced, nail-biting narrative, and the well-developed characters will keep readers riveted as Ametrine shifts from magical utopia to torturous hellscape. Some readers might have trouble suspending disbelief regarding some elements of the party and the technology, and the ending is somewhat simplistic. But all in all, this gripping thriller, filled with ample queer representation, is a wickedly delicious read that’s ideal for fans of Marie Lu’s Warcross and Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One. Central characters present white.

An engaging debut that pulls readers into its own twisted reality.