As many of you already know, I am a big Nora Roberts fan. I was never interested in reading romance novels until I discovered her… I was more into the likes of Stephen King. Yet, when I had a small taste of the food for the heart that Roberts whips up, I couldn’t hale but go back for seconds. (And thirds and fourths…)
Sometimes it’s hit or miss with her books. Her earlier works, such as Less of a Stranger, definitely lack in depth. But, just like a fine wine, Roberts has gotten better with age.
Her latest trilogy, The Key Trilogy, consists of three (duh) different books: Key of Light, Key of Knowledge and Key of Valor. All of the stories have the same characters in them, all working towards the same goal.
The Plot of the Trilogy
Malory, Dana and Zoe are three women that live lives that have never crossed in the same small Pennsylvania town. Malory is the head of an art gallery, Dana is a librarian, and Zoey is a hairdresser that is also a single mother. The three women are brought together by Rowena and Pitte, two mysterious figures that live at Warrior’s Peak. They are told that they are linked to three demi-goddesses whose souls are locked in a box by the evil sorcerer, Kane. Only Malory, Dana and Zoe can free the souls of The Daughters of Glass by each completing a quest for a specific key to unlock a lock on the box. If each of the three women completed their individual quest, the Daughters would be freed and each woman would receive $1 million each.
The Plot of this Book
As I stated previously, Key of Knowledge is the second in the trilogy. DO NOT read this book without reading Key of Light first. You will regret it if you do. Key of Knowledge is a true sequel-an actual continuation of the book before it. If you miss the first book, you really won’t be able to grasp the set up in the second. I urge you not to read this trilogy out of order.
Dana Steele is the local librarian. She is single, completely miserable with her job, and totally bored with her life. At the second meeting at Warrior’s Peak, Dana chooses the disk to set her on her own quest. Following in Malory’s footsteps, Dana has to complete this quest in 30 days. She can have help from her friends and family, but only she can find the key.
Given a vague clue the night at Warrior’s Peak, Dana sets out on her quest. At the same time, her ex-boyfriend Jordan Hawke decides that he wants to win Dana’s heart once more-and this time it’s for keeps. But, Dana doesn’t forget how badly she was hurt when Jordan left for Manhattan to pursue his dreams of writing after his mother died years ago, and she’s not about to let herself get hurt again.
Jordan is a huge key to Dana’s quest. Dana is able to come to grips with her own fate, life, and love with the aid of Jordan and the rest of the people that surround her with love.
Characters
All of the characters in this book are very well-developed. There is a strong difference in the personalities of the three main women (Dana, Malory and Zoe) and the three main men (Jordan, Flynn and Brad). It’s amazing how well these characters all work with each other. Roberts hits every aspect possibly of someone’s personality. That’s a tough thing to do, especially in a short period of time with so many different characters. Then again, the character development carries over from the first book. (Which is another reason why it is so important that you read the first installment before tackling this one!)
All of the characters, especially Dana, seem like real people. I love that. I truly felt like I got to know these characters through this book. It was almost like I was peeking into their lives-snooping, eavesdropping, whatever. It was fun to get to know them, too, and I can’t wait to see what turns their lives take in Key of Valor.
Story
I think that “story” is different than “plot.” The thing is that there really is a story here, and it has so many different elements. You’ve got your mythological aspect, which is simply fascinating. I’ve been meaning to find out whether or not there is some sort of story dealing with the Daughters of Glass which may have inspired Roberts to write this trilogy. The different imagery used is wonderful, from the fairies to the paintings. (You’ll understand what I mean once you read this book.) You don’t have to know anything about Mythology or witchcraft to enjoy this book, either. Roberts lays it all out for you.
This book is above and beyond your run-of-the-mill romance novel. There is intrigue, supernatural incidents, different types of love, fate, friendship, and a whole lot of action. It’s a whirlwind for the emotions of the reader. You’ll laugh, cry, gasp, and even get angry. In order for an audience to experience these different emotions, a story must be told well. Roberts doesn’t disappoint.
Of course, love is essential to this story. You will find the bond of love that sisters share between the three women. There is the reluctant love between Dana and Jordan, smoldering love between Malory and Flynn, fresh love between Zoe and Brad, and the timeless love between Rowena and Pitte. All of these different types of love play a pivotal role in this story.
Difficulty
Let’s face it: Nora Roberts doesn’t write books that are a challenge to read. You read her books for the sheer enjoyment of them. I’m not saying that she is a shallow writer; she is an entertaining writer. Frankly, that works for her.
I would say Key of Knowledge is good for ages 16 and up. Men probably wouldn’t be interested in this book, if I may be so bold as to write something that may be interpreted as sexist. I’m 27 and I loved it. My mother is over 50, and she loved it. My grandmother is over 70, and even she loved it. I doubt, however, that a young teenager would appreciate it.
