This is busy, fast paced, and engaging. Descriptive passages are especially well done, and action is gripping. The story is complicated enough, and the character interactions are complex enough, that it would probably be wise to start the series at Book One, ("Jane Doe and the Cradle of All Worlds"), before starting this second volume.

this was a really well done children's book, it had what I enjoyed about the genre. The story was really well done and the characters were great.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
It's a pretty decent middle-grade book. I enjoy it just fine.

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Jane Doe is in more danger than ever before. Her father is still imprisoned. The Manor, the hallowed world between worlds, is still dying. The villainous Roth is still searching for the mythical, all-powerful Cradle Sea. Worst of all, Jane has learned that she is, literally, one of the keys needed to stop him. Problem is, she's stranded in the dying world of Arakaan, Roth's home, and its people have some surprising secrets of their own.

With a little help from her pyromaniac pal Violet and her doubtful ally Hickory, Jane must find the courage to accept her destiny and face her darkest fears, while every soul in every world hangs in the balance.

I read the first book before going into this one and I completely adored Jane Doe. Such an incredible character, possibly one of the best middle-grade characters! She's strong-willed and fun.
Nevertheless, Lanchlan writing definitely deserves more praise, and Jane Doe is fantastic in this book! Her character is developing, and I could feel the adrenaline, the anxiety, and the exhilaration. In this book, the location description is stepped up a level, and you can truly sense The Manor's enchantment. So much so that, despite the danger, I truly want to visit!
The narrative was very intriguing, with a couple turns that I didn't see coming. Overall, a fantastic book, but I wouldn't suggest it for children under the age of twelve since it has a few elements that I don't believe are suitable for a middle-grade novel. The first is the subject of infant death, followed by some minor cursing.
The end of the book left me wanting more just because of the character, but I am not sure if I will continue to read the series, mainly because I just don't feel like I am the target of the book, thus, the three stars from me.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC!

Terrific middle grade read that will find its way to many a gift box this year for the younger readers in the family. Well plotted, great storytelling, and characters the kids can relate too.

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The first fifteen percent of the book is pretty slow going and is basically what we refer to as the build-up and not much is happening, because I presume the transition from the first book to the second book was necessary, but if if you stick around, Jeremy's eccentric characters and the lovely world is totally worth it.
I completely adored the character, Jane Doe! She was a dear, and I think one of the best middle-grade characters that I have come across! The end of the book left me wanting more, and although the story ended well, everything tied up, I wished with all my heart for a third book, just so I could see more of this character!
This book was an incredible journey. From start! to end, it didn't bore me at all. Easy to read, with a really breezy language- it's the perfect book for early teens and younger people, seeking to escape into some other world!

I would definitely be reading more from this author in the future!

It was good. Jane’s character was a little confusing at times. But the adventure is good, it can keep you on your toes. All of these characters have a special place in my heart.

Jane Doe and the Key of All Souls was a quick and fun read following Jane and her friends after they were stranded in a desert Otherworld. I enjoyed the action/adventure of the main characters trying to get back to the Manor so Jane can fulfill her destiny, and overall this is a decent middle grade book for young readers.