The Spiral Key

Gr 9 Up–Day’s debut YA novel explores the complexities of childhood friendships set in a timely technological AI environment called Ametrine, an invitation-only venue created by the parents of Madison, Bree’s former best friend. Madison sends out spiral-shaped keys every year for her birthday, and only by receiving the key can one enter the covetable Ametrine. Each invitation ­cycle, one thing remains constant: Bree never gets an invite—until now. From Bree’s perspective, readers slowly gain more and more information about the girls’ former relationship and why it went sour. The story culminates in a reveal that redefines Bree’s relationships and understanding of her own past memories. The premise and narrative structure are engaging, with enough suspense to keep readers guessing until the last moment. Most of the characters defy stereotypes, despite the high school pressure to fit into a mold. This is an enjoyable thriller with excellent pacing, although the worldbuilding of Ametrine is not fully realized, rendering it little more than a plot device for the exploration of Bree’s and Madison’s friendship. Both the main characters cue white; the surrounding characters are diverse. Bree is bisexual.