Key Of Knowledge (Key Trilogy)

Rating:
Summary: Nora at her very best!
Review: It's not often the written word moves me to tears, but this book did. The emotion Nora Robert's poured into this book is simply amazing. The second in the Key Trilogy is as strong as the first one, maybe more so. I saw a few have not liked it as much as the first one. First anything is easy to write. First chapter ¯ How many people out there have that first chapter or two of a book you intend to finish. I know many people who want to be writers that have dozens of first chapters. The Muse is an adrenalin high when you first get inspiration. Sorry, having first chapters without the work that is required to sustain is are worth little and will simply gather dust. To have the prose and the power to carry through a book to the end involves an awful drain on a writer; it requires an intense commitment. To carry a second book of a trilogy and maintain the quality, power and vision is simply amazing. I see so many trilogies with a super first book and then two so so ones. The reader comes away thinking why do they bother with the second two ¯ other than to just part us from big bucks! Well, the Key Trilogy is NOT like that. I put off reading these because, while Nora Roberts is very prolific after reading 40 of her books, they all begin to blend together. The Key books are the freshest work Roberts had done this decade and I cannot wait to finish the third in the series.

This is not really a stand-alone title. You really need to read all three books in order. This deals with three young women who accept a quest to release three half-goddesses frozen in time. These are paranormal tales, is it not, to accept the rules are made by the writer. That is the fun of paranormals. To be able to suspend believe and accept magic lives. That is that made Lord of the Rings such a hit with everyone.

That aside, I have spent decades working with history and lore, have written essays on Pict-Celt goddess, so it's very thrilling to see someone take the interest in it - and not just repeat what it already there. I have seen some people questioning Roberts placing these tales in Pennsylvania. All I can say, then you are not current on archaeological discoveries. There are various sites undergoing archaeological excavation and review in the US at this moment, from New York down through Missouri that are reported to be Celtic in origin and could date back thousands of years. Celts have been found all the way to China, so history is constantly being "adjusted". It's exciting times, fertile ground writers imaginations.

The bottom line the prose is what counts and Nora is in top form as she entered the second search of the quest, the key of knowledge. Dana (stepsister to Flynn) is the women accepting the challenge this time. It's not hard enough to handle losing a job, opening a business and finding out magic exists and needs you help, she must deal with the man she loved many years ago. Dana Steele loved Jordan Hawke, with the painful longing of a first love. Jordon shattered that innocence the day he turned his back on her and the small town she loves. Now a successful writer, Jordan and has been pulled back into the quest. But as we learn, this was always the plan ¯ Jordan had visited Warrior's Peak when he was sixteen and become obsessed with the house ¯ the place where the quest started. Like the warrior's of old, he went on his personal quest that carried him away, but the circle is now coming full turn, bringing him back to Dana.

These characters are real. They are funny, they are stubborn, they steal your heart with emotions that so define them. Robert's own form of magic. Just does not get any better than this.

Rating:
Summary: Another exciting trilogy by Nora Roberts
Review: Key of Knowledge is the second book in the exciting new trilogy by Nora Roberts. The first book, Key of Light, set the stage by introducing the reader to three women - Malory, Dana and Zoe. Facing financial difficulty, each of the women is offered one million dollars to find an ancient key. If they succeed, they get the money but if they fail there are dire consequences. Will the women accept the challenge and fulfill their destiny?

Key of Knowledge picks up where Key of Light left off. Malory found her key in Key of Light, now its Dana's turn. Dana must make peace with the past and with Jordan Hawke, the man who broke her heart, in order to accomplish her part of the quest. Will Dana succeed in the time allowed? How will each of the women use her unique strength in order for all three to prevail?

In typical Roberts's style, the well developed characters and compelling story kept me turning pages late into the night. Roberts has a knack for evoking emotion with genuine, realistic dialogue.

This book sets the scene for the next and last book in the trilogy, Key of Valor, I can't wait to hear Zoe's story.

Rating:
Summary: Can't wait for the finale!
Review: Wow..as always, Nora Roberts blows me away with her writing and stories. This book was no exception. Be warned..it is the second book in the Key trilogy, so be sure and read the first one before attempting this novel. (key of light)

The key of knowledge follows librarian Dana on her quest for the missing key that will unlock a magical box and free three celtic demi goddesses from their long prison of sleep. Joining her on her quest are Mallory and Zoe..her best friends, business partners, and fellow key searchers.

Helping Dana is Jordan Hawke, a mystery writer who she has always loved but who broke her heart when she was younger. Jordan is determined to win her back, help her find her key and protect her from the evil god, Kane. Their relationship is complex--friends, ex-lovers, he is also her brother's best friend.

This book expands on the story line introduced in the first book- Kane becomes more of an active evil force, Pitte and Rowena are better characterized, and it is nice to revisit with Mallory, Flynn, and Moe (from the first book). The book also gives us a glimpse of what's to come in the final book with Zoe and Brad's relationship
.
The second book was in my opinion, better than the first book- Dana is likable, complex, smart and her emotions are multi-layered. She is once again attracted to Jordan, but knows that could lead to another broken heart. She is at a crossroads in her life- having quit her steady job and taking a chance on opening her own business. She is also on a time limit to completing her part of the key quest.

I love how Nora Roberts uses Celtic myths and magical elements to enhance the story. It is so well done that it is easy to suspend belief and really believe in the legends, gods, curses and evil.

I can't wait to finish this trilogy and eagerly await Zoe and Brad's story....