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Key Trilogy #2
Key of Knowledge
You are the Key. The lock awaits.
What happens when the very gods depend on mortals for help? That's what three very different young women find out when they are invited to Warrior's Peak.
To librarian Dana Steele, books and the knowledge they hold are the key to contentment. But now that search for knowledge must include the second key needed to release three souls held captive by an evil god. In each generation three are chosen who have the power to release them - if they dare accept a challenge that could promise them great riches but also grave danger...
And now it is Dana's turn.
She won't be alone, for she's formed fast friendships with two very different women. But she can't allow herself to be distracted by the return of the man who broke her heart so long ago, for a danger beyond anyone's imagination is determined to keep her from completing her quest.
What happens when the very gods depend on mortals for help? That's what three very different young women find out when they are invited to Warrior's Peak.
To librarian Dana Steele, books and the knowledge they hold are the key to contentment. But now that search for knowledge must include the second key needed to release three souls held captive by an evil god. In each generation three are chosen who have the power to release them - if they dare accept a challenge that could promise them great riches but also grave danger...
And now it is Dana's turn.
She won't be alone, for she's formed fast friendships with two very different women. But she can't allow herself to be distracted by the return of the man who broke her heart so long ago, for a danger beyond anyone's imagination is determined to keep her from completing her quest.
338 pages, Hardcover
First published November 25, 2003
936 people are currently reading
7,264 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,802books57.5kfollowersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 997 reviews
December 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this second book in the trilogy. This time round it was Dana who had to step up and search for one of the three keys. She is a Librarian so for her to have to seek the Key of Knowledge was very appropriate.
The story was fast moving with plenty of action. Kane, the evil one, is getting angrier as the possibility of finding all three keys increases. Poor Jordan is the first to feel the pain but Dana suffers too. I think our third couple will have a very hard time in the next book.
I find that Nora Roberts always writes excellent trilogies with a great balance between the three books. I am really looking forward to Key of Valor.
The story was fast moving with plenty of action. Kane, the evil one, is getting angrier as the possibility of finding all three keys increases. Poor Jordan is the first to feel the pain but Dana suffers too. I think our third couple will have a very hard time in the next book.
I find that Nora Roberts always writes excellent trilogies with a great balance between the three books. I am really looking forward to Key of Valor.
January 31, 2012
Even though this is the second book in the Key trilogy, can be easily read as a stand-alone because Dana, the heroine, gives a pretty good - and funny - recapitulation of what happened in the first book, . That said, I still recommend reading this series in order, as you get a better understanding of how things work in this PNR realm created by NR.
That certainly helped me to guess where the "key" Dana was assigned to find was hidden, because the pattern had already been established in the previous book. I had it all figured out pretty soon, and it was only Dana's stubbornness and blindness about all things involving Jordan, the hero, that prevented her from getting it too. There was a twist in the end that shifted the pattern a bit, so it was nice to be surprised and see that not everything was predictable.
As for the romantic part of the story, Dana and Jordan had good chemistry and I enjoyed reading their scenes together. Theirs was a "lovers-reunited" kind of story, and this plotline doesn't always work for me - I mean, if you couldn't make your relationship work the first time around, why rehash it? - but I think NR did a good job showing why their first time together wasn't meant to be and how they needed to go their separate ways - Jordan being the one who had left - before getting back together for good.
As it happened in , there's a lot of talk about symbolism, coincidences and fate in this book too. All interesting, but I confess my eyes started to glaze during some parts. Thankfully, those scenes were minor bumps in a story that, as a whole, flew quite smoothly.
Now, on to the third and final book in the series...
That certainly helped me to guess where the "key" Dana was assigned to find was hidden, because the pattern had already been established in the previous book. I had it all figured out pretty soon, and it was only Dana's stubbornness and blindness about all things involving Jordan, the hero, that prevented her from getting it too. There was a twist in the end that shifted the pattern a bit, so it was nice to be surprised and see that not everything was predictable.
As for the romantic part of the story, Dana and Jordan had good chemistry and I enjoyed reading their scenes together. Theirs was a "lovers-reunited" kind of story, and this plotline doesn't always work for me - I mean, if you couldn't make your relationship work the first time around, why rehash it? - but I think NR did a good job showing why their first time together wasn't meant to be and how they needed to go their separate ways - Jordan being the one who had left - before getting back together for good.
As it happened in , there's a lot of talk about symbolism, coincidences and fate in this book too. All interesting, but I confess my eyes started to glaze during some parts. Thankfully, those scenes were minor bumps in a story that, as a whole, flew quite smoothly.
Now, on to the third and final book in the series...
September 22, 2020
This is the story I wanted to sink my teeth into � Dana and Jordan.
It lived up to my expectations and Susan Erickson was the narrator. Can’t get any better than that.
Dana is up to find the key, but she also has to fight with her heart, as it is pulling her to Jordan, the man who shattered it.
A riveting story. Dana reminds me a little of Eve Dallas. That might be why I like her so much.
Ready for Book 3.
It lived up to my expectations and Susan Erickson was the narrator. Can’t get any better than that.
Dana is up to find the key, but she also has to fight with her heart, as it is pulling her to Jordan, the man who shattered it.
A riveting story. Dana reminds me a little of Eve Dallas. That might be why I like her so much.
Ready for Book 3.
January 23, 2024
If Nora Roberts is my ultimate comfort author (which she is), then this trilogy is my ultimate comfort trilogy. Of the dozens of trilogies and quartets I’ve read from her, the Key trilogy is my favorite. There are others that I love, that I also return to again and again for comfort. And then there are those that I really respect, such as the Chronicle of the One. But this trilogy I respect and admire and love deeply. It just really resonates with me. And I can’t believe I’ve never reviewed it!
Our story begins with three very different women from the same small town being invited to a mysterious mansion on a dark and stormy night. There they are given a quest of mythic proportions: find three keys to free the souls of three demigoddesses over the course of three months, and each woman will win a million dollars. But, of course, there are stakes. Should they accept the quest but fail to deliver, they will each lose an undisclosed year of their lives. The women, Mallory, Dana, and Zoe, must believe in the seemingly impossible and band together in order to complete their task and win the prize.
This second installment is Dana’s story, and she is the Nora Roberts heroine who, throughout her entire body of work, I relate to the most. Dana is obsessed with books in the same way I am. Consider the quotes below:
I would say I need to have ten times that amount waiting to be read for the first time, but otherwise Dana and I are in total agreement. She has a book for every occasion, and that makes her a kindred spirit for me. Then there’s Jordan, her brother’s best friend and her first love, who left her to pursue his writing career. He’s back, and he’s still gorgeous. And she’s still royally pissed at him. But he’s grown a lot, and so has she. They have to find new footing together as the gang continues their search for the second key. Dana’s key.
I love how Nora writes Dana’s love for books, as well as Jordan’s passion for penning them. There is an enormous love of story permeating this entire installment, which is why it is my favorite of the three, though every single one of them is a 5 star book for me. The second-chance romance is wonderful, as is the character development from not only Dana and Jordan, but from all six of our main characters. The search for the key is compelling, and the tense climax of this book is my favorite in the series. And then there’s the library at the end. It’s truly what dreams are made of.
I also love the friendship between Mallory, Dana, and Zoe. I also absolutely adore the business venture they embark upon together in the form of Indulgence, a combination art gallery, bookstore, and salon. It just sounds incredible, and is the fictional shop I have daydreamed about the most in my life. One of Nora’s strengths as a writer is her easy way with poetic descriptions of places, and that is on brilliant display in this trilogy, not only in Indulgence, but in the houses of our various characters as well as Warrior’s Peak, the aforementioned mysterious mansion. Nora paints beautiful pictures with her words here.
While I’m sure there are plenty of legitimate critiques that could be made of this book and the rest of the trilogy, I have no notes for this story. It’s an incredibly subjective 5 stars. I just love the Key trilogy so much. It’s something I can sink back into anytime I need something cozy, and it’s a story that I think about frequently. If you’ve ever thought about reading a Nora Roberts trilogy but didn’t know which one to try first, start here!
Our story begins with three very different women from the same small town being invited to a mysterious mansion on a dark and stormy night. There they are given a quest of mythic proportions: find three keys to free the souls of three demigoddesses over the course of three months, and each woman will win a million dollars. But, of course, there are stakes. Should they accept the quest but fail to deliver, they will each lose an undisclosed year of their lives. The women, Mallory, Dana, and Zoe, must believe in the seemingly impossible and band together in order to complete their task and win the prize.
This second installment is Dana’s story, and she is the Nora Roberts heroine who, throughout her entire body of work, I relate to the most. Dana is obsessed with books in the same way I am. Consider the quotes below:
“She surrounded herself with books at work and at home. Her living space was a testament to her first and abiding love with shelves jammed with books tables crowded with them. She saw them not only as knowledge entertainment comfort even sanity but as a kind of artful decoration. �
�...If I don't have twenty or thirty books right here, waiting to be read, I start jonesing. That's my compulsion.�
I would say I need to have ten times that amount waiting to be read for the first time, but otherwise Dana and I are in total agreement. She has a book for every occasion, and that makes her a kindred spirit for me. Then there’s Jordan, her brother’s best friend and her first love, who left her to pursue his writing career. He’s back, and he’s still gorgeous. And she’s still royally pissed at him. But he’s grown a lot, and so has she. They have to find new footing together as the gang continues their search for the second key. Dana’s key.
I love how Nora writes Dana’s love for books, as well as Jordan’s passion for penning them. There is an enormous love of story permeating this entire installment, which is why it is my favorite of the three, though every single one of them is a 5 star book for me. The second-chance romance is wonderful, as is the character development from not only Dana and Jordan, but from all six of our main characters. The search for the key is compelling, and the tense climax of this book is my favorite in the series. And then there’s the library at the end. It’s truly what dreams are made of.
I also love the friendship between Mallory, Dana, and Zoe. I also absolutely adore the business venture they embark upon together in the form of Indulgence, a combination art gallery, bookstore, and salon. It just sounds incredible, and is the fictional shop I have daydreamed about the most in my life. One of Nora’s strengths as a writer is her easy way with poetic descriptions of places, and that is on brilliant display in this trilogy, not only in Indulgence, but in the houses of our various characters as well as Warrior’s Peak, the aforementioned mysterious mansion. Nora paints beautiful pictures with her words here.
While I’m sure there are plenty of legitimate critiques that could be made of this book and the rest of the trilogy, I have no notes for this story. It’s an incredibly subjective 5 stars. I just love the Key trilogy so much. It’s something I can sink back into anytime I need something cozy, and it’s a story that I think about frequently. If you’ve ever thought about reading a Nora Roberts trilogy but didn’t know which one to try first, start here!
November 5, 2024
KEY OF KNOWLEDGE (KEY TRIOLGY #2)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ٰٳ🤍
”can’t get my mind off you, dana. i can tuck you away in it for stretches of time, but you’re still in there. like a splinter. i like you there, which makes me a glutton for punishment. i like you here, curling your lip at me and smelling of rain.�
this is my favourite book of the series! i definitely recommend it as a quick easy entertaining read! can be read as a stand-alone as the events of the first book are rehashed but i’d say to read the first book first. yes i read it out of order but it’s okay. i know that some people don’t like them, but i’m a sucker for second chance romances done right. i know that, technically, it’s a fantasy book too but nora roberts always focuses on the romance! and adding encounters with evil demon men who steal souls of innocent girls just add to the romantic tension>>
﹒⟡� DANA STEELE📚
“nope, dana steele was footloose and fancy-free, with nothing to pull her focus away from the prize�
“nobody’s ever hurt me like that. you’ll never get the chance to do it again- and you know what, hawke? i’d‘ve made a man out of you�
complete badass with a heart of gold and amazing humour. she’s actually so cool and literally my inspiration. she’s a librarian who’s opening her own bookstore!! she can really hold her own. i love herrrrr
“meant something to you? a goddamn pair of shoes can mean something to you. i loved you�
“you’re trying to hurt me, aren’t you?�
“absolutely. how’d i do?�
“kill shot. am i drooling?�
﹒⟡� JORDAN HAWKE🛠�
“he had to find a way to win her back. friend or lover- in whatever order suited them both best�
“i should’ve told you then. but now’s all i’ve got�
awww what a cutie. he really deserved that second chance and was really ready to get it. i understand why they broke up in the first place, because they probably weren’t mature enough at the time. but still he made her so angry
“you’re telling me not to mess her up again�
“yeah thats what i’m telling you�
﹒⟡� FLYNN HENNESSY🗞�
“she’ll feel sorry for me and agree so she doesn’t come off as bitchy�
my man!! i love him. him and dana’s sibling relationship is so cuteeeeee.
the book appreciation>>>
“she couldn’t live without books, without the stories, the information, the worlds that lived inside of them�
“magic keys and soul sucking sorcerers, dana thought. incredible as they might be, they paled for her against the power of words on a page�
“didn’t anyone tell you it’s impolite to read at the table?�
“certainly not. it’s never impolite to read�
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ٰٳ🤍
”can’t get my mind off you, dana. i can tuck you away in it for stretches of time, but you’re still in there. like a splinter. i like you there, which makes me a glutton for punishment. i like you here, curling your lip at me and smelling of rain.�
this is my favourite book of the series! i definitely recommend it as a quick easy entertaining read! can be read as a stand-alone as the events of the first book are rehashed but i’d say to read the first book first. yes i read it out of order but it’s okay. i know that some people don’t like them, but i’m a sucker for second chance romances done right. i know that, technically, it’s a fantasy book too but nora roberts always focuses on the romance! and adding encounters with evil demon men who steal souls of innocent girls just add to the romantic tension>>
﹒⟡� DANA STEELE📚
“nope, dana steele was footloose and fancy-free, with nothing to pull her focus away from the prize�
“nobody’s ever hurt me like that. you’ll never get the chance to do it again- and you know what, hawke? i’d‘ve made a man out of you�
complete badass with a heart of gold and amazing humour. she’s actually so cool and literally my inspiration. she’s a librarian who’s opening her own bookstore!! she can really hold her own. i love herrrrr
“meant something to you? a goddamn pair of shoes can mean something to you. i loved you�
“you’re trying to hurt me, aren’t you?�
“absolutely. how’d i do?�
“kill shot. am i drooling?�
﹒⟡� JORDAN HAWKE🛠�
“he had to find a way to win her back. friend or lover- in whatever order suited them both best�
“i should’ve told you then. but now’s all i’ve got�
awww what a cutie. he really deserved that second chance and was really ready to get it. i understand why they broke up in the first place, because they probably weren’t mature enough at the time. but still he made her so angry
“you’re telling me not to mess her up again�
“yeah thats what i’m telling you�
﹒⟡� FLYNN HENNESSY🗞�
“she’ll feel sorry for me and agree so she doesn’t come off as bitchy�
my man!! i love him. him and dana’s sibling relationship is so cuteeeeee.
the book appreciation>>>
“she couldn’t live without books, without the stories, the information, the worlds that lived inside of them�
“magic keys and soul sucking sorcerers, dana thought. incredible as they might be, they paled for her against the power of words on a page�
“didn’t anyone tell you it’s impolite to read at the table?�
“certainly not. it’s never impolite to read�
February 17, 2011
This book is my absolute favorite in the Key Trilogy, La Nora does it again!
What I enjoyed the most was the chemistry between Dana and Jordan. It was so well written and sumptuous,romantic without being sappy. It almost upstaged the thrill of reading about Dana's quest to find the second key. The connection and history Dana and Jordan shared was so rich, it wasn't just about the steam (which there was plenty)but a tenderness and connection that was enjoyable and satisfying to read.
Dana made a very good, real feeling, non-cliche heroine, and I loved reading how Jordan measured up to her character where many other men wouldn't be able to.
I also really enjoyed how this part of the saga flowed and continued from the first book, Key of Light. The themes and characters remained consistent, and it was nice to see the progression of everyone, including the big and adorably goofy dog Moe. Though Dana and Jordan very much took the front seat for their turn in the quest, you get nice glimpses ino everyone's situation and progress.
The evil Kane has stepped up his game as well. He's breaking the rules and is no holds barred with Jordan in his bid to stop the women from finding the keys. In this installment, Kane as well as protectors Rowena and Pitte up the ante, and the danger is more tangible.
Absolutely loved this book!
What I enjoyed the most was the chemistry between Dana and Jordan. It was so well written and sumptuous,romantic without being sappy. It almost upstaged the thrill of reading about Dana's quest to find the second key. The connection and history Dana and Jordan shared was so rich, it wasn't just about the steam (which there was plenty)but a tenderness and connection that was enjoyable and satisfying to read.
Dana made a very good, real feeling, non-cliche heroine, and I loved reading how Jordan measured up to her character where many other men wouldn't be able to.
I also really enjoyed how this part of the saga flowed and continued from the first book, Key of Light. The themes and characters remained consistent, and it was nice to see the progression of everyone, including the big and adorably goofy dog Moe. Though Dana and Jordan very much took the front seat for their turn in the quest, you get nice glimpses ino everyone's situation and progress.
The evil Kane has stepped up his game as well. He's breaking the rules and is no holds barred with Jordan in his bid to stop the women from finding the keys. In this installment, Kane as well as protectors Rowena and Pitte up the ante, and the danger is more tangible.
Absolutely loved this book!
May 13, 2019
I liked "Key of Knowledge" much better than "Key of Light". Less groundwork on the legend and more emphasis of the romantic couple. In the first book Malory and Flynn were a meet cute couple and ended up falling in love. In this book Dana and Jordan were sweethearts and lovers in the past and that did not end well. So, a second chance couple. For the third book we will have Zoe and Brad who are from completely different socio-economic levels and Zoe is totally intimidated by him. Should be interesting to see how that plays out.
Back to the topic at hand, "Key of Knowledge". NR is weaving a search for the Key with Dana and Jordan's renewed romance. The Baddie, Kane, is getting bolder with his intrusions into their dreams. The key is knowledge and what they do with it, both personally and in the past and present. This will lead Dana on her own personal quest and in the quest for the second Key to free the souls of the Daughters of Glass.
Back to the topic at hand, "Key of Knowledge". NR is weaving a search for the Key with Dana and Jordan's renewed romance. The Baddie, Kane, is getting bolder with his intrusions into their dreams. The key is knowledge and what they do with it, both personally and in the past and present. This will lead Dana on her own personal quest and in the quest for the second Key to free the souls of the Daughters of Glass.
October 10, 2019
Rating:: 4.5 stars
RTC
For sure...
Probably...
May be...
Hopefully?
RTC
For sure...
Probably...
May be...
Hopefully?
July 18, 2018
The last four weeks has been kind of unbelievable for librarian Dana Steele. She learned that her destiny intermix with the ones of supernatural goddesses and that she's one of the three women who could save them if she succeed in a quest to find a key. She made friends with the two other women and they are about to open a business together. She also had to deal with the return of her first (and only) true love, Jordan Hawke, a successful writer, who broke her heart when he became distant and suddenly left for New York. He's smart, charming, but he seem to enjoy nagging her. She still have resentment about the way he broke up with her and she'll try to ignore him but he doesn't make thing easy for her and maybe her heart wants a say in it. He wants to clear the air and recognize it's his fault if they're not friends anymore. But if he wants to regain the trust of this spirited woman, he have to explain to her why he wasn't ready for forever before and why it changed.
I never get tired of reading this series where reality blend with fantasy and the qualities each heroines possess are being valued. I like seeing them grow and find their true fate and of course, Love ;p I adore the whole plot with the deities and the process for the hunt of the keys with a couple of clues and the friendship between the three heroines, but what make this series a favorite of mine is the chemistry between the MC. Whether they just met or they have history, there's a great mix of sweet and funny moments. The battle with the vilain was particularly well done in this book and I love how the author tease us with the next MC's chemistry. The first time I read this series, I began with this book so whether you read the books in order or not, it's not a problem but maybe to appreciate Zoe and Brad's romance more, it's best if you don't begin with the last book.
I never get tired of reading this series where reality blend with fantasy and the qualities each heroines possess are being valued. I like seeing them grow and find their true fate and of course, Love ;p I adore the whole plot with the deities and the process for the hunt of the keys with a couple of clues and the friendship between the three heroines, but what make this series a favorite of mine is the chemistry between the MC. Whether they just met or they have history, there's a great mix of sweet and funny moments. The battle with the vilain was particularly well done in this book and I love how the author tease us with the next MC's chemistry. The first time I read this series, I began with this book so whether you read the books in order or not, it's not a problem but maybe to appreciate Zoe and Brad's romance more, it's best if you don't begin with the last book.
January 3, 2014
In this second installment of Nora Robert's Key trilogy, librarian and book afficianado Dana Steele finds herslef tasked with the quest to find the second key, the key of knowledge. Her journey takes her into the past, present, and future, as she struggles with the feelings she still harbors for writer Jordan Hawke.
Not only is this my favorite book in this trilogy so far, but this may be my favorite Nora Roberts book so far as well! I love this series and the mystical nature of the quest that the women are on. And Dana is just an amazing character. I was really happy to be reading this story from her point of view! She's very sassy and smart and loves loves loves books, so of course she was someone I related to alot! :)
Not only is this my favorite book in this trilogy so far, but this may be my favorite Nora Roberts book so far as well! I love this series and the mystical nature of the quest that the women are on. And Dana is just an amazing character. I was really happy to be reading this story from her point of view! She's very sassy and smart and loves loves loves books, so of course she was someone I related to alot! :)
April 3, 2011
~* 4.5 Stars *~
Strong Second Installment
Once upon a time and beyond the Curtain of Power, the Curtain of Dreams, there lived three Celtic demigoddesses, sisters and daughters of a Celtic king and human woman. Some in their world revolted against their existence, offended by their links to mortality. One such god, Kane, rose up against the king and his progeny, and in a moment, a single moment when the demigoddesses' protectors had dropped their guard, he attacked with swift vengeance and wicked sorcery. In the aftermath, three souls were stolen and three sisters lay as if asleep, their souls captured in a box secured by three locks, three keys at their motionless feet. For three thousand years, the protectors have searched for the three mortals to find the three keys, and once in every generation since that dark day three potentials are born. In this generation, Malory Price has been called, Dana Steele has been called, Zoe McCourt has been called. For three thousand years, the potentials have failed. But this time...this time...
Dana Steele knew her part of the quest wouldn't be any easier than Malory's, but she has a lot of faith in her intelligence, and as a librarian, she has a whole library at her disposal for the research at which she excels. Well...until pride and persecution push her into quitting her job. But she can still figure out where her key is. Of course, it would be easier to concentrate if Jordan Hawke didn't keep getting in her way. Years ago she'd loved him with the passion of youth, but he destroyed that...destroyed her...when he left town. Now he's back, for however long that's going to last, and he's convinced he can help her - in fact, he's certain he's supposed to help her. Dana's certain they had the love of a lifetime, but that was a lifetime ago. Between searching for the second key and starting up her business with Malory and Zoe, Dana just doesn't have time for Jordan any more, no matter how much she still loves him.
Jordan knows what he lost all those years ago, and he has no intention of losing it again. He was drawn into this quest before he'd consciously decided to return to Pleasant Valley and he's determined to see it through. When Kane ups the stakes and tries to take a bite out of him, he knows he's right. He'll defy an evil god and stand beside Dana to the end. Even if he has to rewrite history to do so.
This second installment of ' The Key Trilogy hits a bit harder than the first, and without the necessary world building and exposition set up that came in the first book, , Roberts hit the ground running here, providing broader and deeper character definition for both Dana and Jordan, and adding a lot of fun scenes for the rest of the cast, as well. It's obvious that the plot has been ratcheted up a notch and the danger is a bit more pointed, both of which increase the pressure and intensity, but there's also more room given to the emotional development and relationship here that was very pleasing.
I always enjoy a lead character who is an author, and Roberts did that particularly well with Jordan. It lends a genuine feeling of authenticity to his character, most notably concerning his work and his passion for writing. It's possible that was straight fiction, of course, but it felt so natural and true that I can't help but guess that there were a few Roberts' truisms in his personality. So too Dana's character and her love of reading. As I happen to share what is, frankly, a reading obsession, I felt very comfortable and familiar with a character who seemed in many ways a kindred spirit. I truly liked them, as individuals and as romantic leads.
As a general rule, it is usually the second book of a trilogy that I find most telling for the overall arc of the trilogy, and in this book, I saw a couple of glimmers of tarnish on the brass ring. Rules set in the first book seemed to break here, and characters didn't seem to be able to recognize simple patterns of Big Bad behavior that seemed a little obvious to me as a reader. Part of that was accounted for with the twisting and evolving mythos of the battle Kane is waging to keep those keys hidden, but I wasn't totally able to buy this sudden alteration after 3,000 years. It seemed a little too convenient when danger and threat needed to be raised in the plot. Still, that's strictly a plot issue and frankly, that's never been the strongest motivation for my reading these sorts of Roberts' trilogies.
The characters consistently draw me, and the relationships are stellar here in this trilogy. I'm very fond of how everyone fits together, and enjoy their idiosyncrasies and foibles that make each of them so individual and real. I was heartened by the consistency of characterization in Malory and Flynn (though with Roberts as the author, character inconsistency is virtually unheard of), and charmed anew by the few scenes with Zoe and Brad. I can't wait to see their sparks ignite in the conclusion, . I'm enjoying this trilogy very much, despite a few small issues with the plot of the quest, and the characters are definitely making it a thoroughly entertaining trip.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for .
Strong Second Installment
Once upon a time and beyond the Curtain of Power, the Curtain of Dreams, there lived three Celtic demigoddesses, sisters and daughters of a Celtic king and human woman. Some in their world revolted against their existence, offended by their links to mortality. One such god, Kane, rose up against the king and his progeny, and in a moment, a single moment when the demigoddesses' protectors had dropped their guard, he attacked with swift vengeance and wicked sorcery. In the aftermath, three souls were stolen and three sisters lay as if asleep, their souls captured in a box secured by three locks, three keys at their motionless feet. For three thousand years, the protectors have searched for the three mortals to find the three keys, and once in every generation since that dark day three potentials are born. In this generation, Malory Price has been called, Dana Steele has been called, Zoe McCourt has been called. For three thousand years, the potentials have failed. But this time...this time...
Dana Steele knew her part of the quest wouldn't be any easier than Malory's, but she has a lot of faith in her intelligence, and as a librarian, she has a whole library at her disposal for the research at which she excels. Well...until pride and persecution push her into quitting her job. But she can still figure out where her key is. Of course, it would be easier to concentrate if Jordan Hawke didn't keep getting in her way. Years ago she'd loved him with the passion of youth, but he destroyed that...destroyed her...when he left town. Now he's back, for however long that's going to last, and he's convinced he can help her - in fact, he's certain he's supposed to help her. Dana's certain they had the love of a lifetime, but that was a lifetime ago. Between searching for the second key and starting up her business with Malory and Zoe, Dana just doesn't have time for Jordan any more, no matter how much she still loves him.
Jordan knows what he lost all those years ago, and he has no intention of losing it again. He was drawn into this quest before he'd consciously decided to return to Pleasant Valley and he's determined to see it through. When Kane ups the stakes and tries to take a bite out of him, he knows he's right. He'll defy an evil god and stand beside Dana to the end. Even if he has to rewrite history to do so.
This second installment of ' The Key Trilogy hits a bit harder than the first, and without the necessary world building and exposition set up that came in the first book, , Roberts hit the ground running here, providing broader and deeper character definition for both Dana and Jordan, and adding a lot of fun scenes for the rest of the cast, as well. It's obvious that the plot has been ratcheted up a notch and the danger is a bit more pointed, both of which increase the pressure and intensity, but there's also more room given to the emotional development and relationship here that was very pleasing.
I always enjoy a lead character who is an author, and Roberts did that particularly well with Jordan. It lends a genuine feeling of authenticity to his character, most notably concerning his work and his passion for writing. It's possible that was straight fiction, of course, but it felt so natural and true that I can't help but guess that there were a few Roberts' truisms in his personality. So too Dana's character and her love of reading. As I happen to share what is, frankly, a reading obsession, I felt very comfortable and familiar with a character who seemed in many ways a kindred spirit. I truly liked them, as individuals and as romantic leads.
As a general rule, it is usually the second book of a trilogy that I find most telling for the overall arc of the trilogy, and in this book, I saw a couple of glimmers of tarnish on the brass ring. Rules set in the first book seemed to break here, and characters didn't seem to be able to recognize simple patterns of Big Bad behavior that seemed a little obvious to me as a reader. Part of that was accounted for with the twisting and evolving mythos of the battle Kane is waging to keep those keys hidden, but I wasn't totally able to buy this sudden alteration after 3,000 years. It seemed a little too convenient when danger and threat needed to be raised in the plot. Still, that's strictly a plot issue and frankly, that's never been the strongest motivation for my reading these sorts of Roberts' trilogies.
The characters consistently draw me, and the relationships are stellar here in this trilogy. I'm very fond of how everyone fits together, and enjoy their idiosyncrasies and foibles that make each of them so individual and real. I was heartened by the consistency of characterization in Malory and Flynn (though with Roberts as the author, character inconsistency is virtually unheard of), and charmed anew by the few scenes with Zoe and Brad. I can't wait to see their sparks ignite in the conclusion, . I'm enjoying this trilogy very much, despite a few small issues with the plot of the quest, and the characters are definitely making it a thoroughly entertaining trip.
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Reviewed for .
January 4, 2025
Key of Knowledge
2.5 Stars
The quest to release the Daughters of Glass from their centuries-old prison continues with the search for the second key. Dana Steele, the pragmatic librarian for whom knowledge means power, must work with her former lover and the man who broke her heart, Jordan Hawke. Can Dana and Jordon put the past aside to fight for their future?
Series note: Due to the ongoing story arc, the books must be read in order.
While the mythology surrounding the quest is compelling, it cannot compensate for the weak romance. Moreover, the excessive descriptions of the renovations to Malory, Dana and Zoe's new premises detract from the storyline. These pages would have been better spent on searching for the key, which is left to the end and feels rushed.
The main problem with the book is Dana and Jordan's relationship as neither one is particularly likable. Dana's stubborn "go-it-alone" attitude is annoying, and even though her fear of risking her heart again is understandable, she comes across as cold and vindictive. Jordon isn't much better. His past actions are inexcusable, and his attempts at redemption and reconciliation are not 100% believable or effective. The inevitable "I Love Yous" feel saccharine and forced.
Despite these issues, my interest in the resolution to the quest and Zoe and Brad's intense love/hate relationship has me looking forward to the final installment in the trilogy.
2.5 Stars
The quest to release the Daughters of Glass from their centuries-old prison continues with the search for the second key. Dana Steele, the pragmatic librarian for whom knowledge means power, must work with her former lover and the man who broke her heart, Jordan Hawke. Can Dana and Jordon put the past aside to fight for their future?
Series note: Due to the ongoing story arc, the books must be read in order.
While the mythology surrounding the quest is compelling, it cannot compensate for the weak romance. Moreover, the excessive descriptions of the renovations to Malory, Dana and Zoe's new premises detract from the storyline. These pages would have been better spent on searching for the key, which is left to the end and feels rushed.
The main problem with the book is Dana and Jordan's relationship as neither one is particularly likable. Dana's stubborn "go-it-alone" attitude is annoying, and even though her fear of risking her heart again is understandable, she comes across as cold and vindictive. Jordon isn't much better. His past actions are inexcusable, and his attempts at redemption and reconciliation are not 100% believable or effective. The inevitable "I Love Yous" feel saccharine and forced.
Despite these issues, my interest in the resolution to the quest and Zoe and Brad's intense love/hate relationship has me looking forward to the final installment in the trilogy.
December 11, 2019
Serinin bu kitabı daha çok ikinci şans olayına yoğunlaşmış idi. Kötü değildi ama devam kitabı olarak tempoyu ve ilgiyi benim açımdan fazlası ile düşürdü.
July 22, 2015
Key of Knowledge is the second of three books in the "Key Trilogy" by Nora Roberts.
If you read the last review or the first book, then you've got a pretty good idea of what's going on. Malory has her beau and her key, and we're moving on to the next of the three, Dana. Now, we know very well that Dana's key is the Key of Knowledge... which is perfect considering she's one of the biggest book nerds (other than myself *wink*) that I've ever heard of.
Dana is STILL not my favorite character though. But that's for next week's post. Dana is a strong woman whose heart is guarded (and don't we all know that this will lead to some issues and some great moments of revaluations). Jordan Hawke (her pairing of the 3 man-buddies that were introduced in the first book) was her first love and he broke her heart into splintering bits years previous. He's back in town and she's back to ignoring that pain her chest that tells her she's still got it bad for the guy.
Dana's been fired from her job at the Library because of some pride-issues which the reader can't blame her for.
We've got Kane (that's the bad guy, folks) doing his shadiest to bring ruin onto the three demi-god incarnates. He is not a happy camper after the first key was found and you can bet the ladies are going to be getting the brunt of his irritation.
The three women continue to bond through this book and we learn more and more about each of them (though not too much about the third, Zoe, otherwise there wouldn't be much of a 3rd installment.) Indulgence (the gallery, bookstore, salon) is coming along nicely as well!
❖❀❖❈❖❀ THOUGHTS ❖❀❖❈❖❀
By the second book Nora Roberts is really getting the story rolling, and the reader just can't wait to see what happens next. Dana's got her nose stuck in a book, positive that books in general have something to do with finding the next key. Just as Malory did, she's got a month. The suspense is nuts!
I preferred Dana and Jordan's love line a little more than Malory's. Jordan ends up being just a fantastic knight in shining armor, though I must confess it's hard to like him too much at first. You have to feel a bit for Dana who, after all these years, is still nursing a broken heart and a wounded ego. Yikes!
There's a bit more "Oh crap! Do something!" in this installment and Kane is a little more active than previously. You start to learn more about Rowene and Pitte and more of the stars start to align, as they say, when it comes to the back story.
I don't want to give away too much because there's just all kind of discoveries made throughout this book. But I will say... I darn well wish I had two best friends who wanted to open up a multi awesome bookstore/salon/artstudio. *sigh* A girl can dream.
Anyway. This second in the series wasn't a disappointment and Dana is sure to impress (and perhaps even irritate. Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn!!!).
If you read the last review or the first book, then you've got a pretty good idea of what's going on. Malory has her beau and her key, and we're moving on to the next of the three, Dana. Now, we know very well that Dana's key is the Key of Knowledge... which is perfect considering she's one of the biggest book nerds (other than myself *wink*) that I've ever heard of.
Dana is STILL not my favorite character though. But that's for next week's post. Dana is a strong woman whose heart is guarded (and don't we all know that this will lead to some issues and some great moments of revaluations). Jordan Hawke (her pairing of the 3 man-buddies that were introduced in the first book) was her first love and he broke her heart into splintering bits years previous. He's back in town and she's back to ignoring that pain her chest that tells her she's still got it bad for the guy.
Dana's been fired from her job at the Library because of some pride-issues which the reader can't blame her for.
We've got Kane (that's the bad guy, folks) doing his shadiest to bring ruin onto the three demi-god incarnates. He is not a happy camper after the first key was found and you can bet the ladies are going to be getting the brunt of his irritation.
The three women continue to bond through this book and we learn more and more about each of them (though not too much about the third, Zoe, otherwise there wouldn't be much of a 3rd installment.) Indulgence (the gallery, bookstore, salon) is coming along nicely as well!
❖❀❖❈❖❀ THOUGHTS ❖❀❖❈❖❀
By the second book Nora Roberts is really getting the story rolling, and the reader just can't wait to see what happens next. Dana's got her nose stuck in a book, positive that books in general have something to do with finding the next key. Just as Malory did, she's got a month. The suspense is nuts!
I preferred Dana and Jordan's love line a little more than Malory's. Jordan ends up being just a fantastic knight in shining armor, though I must confess it's hard to like him too much at first. You have to feel a bit for Dana who, after all these years, is still nursing a broken heart and a wounded ego. Yikes!
There's a bit more "Oh crap! Do something!" in this installment and Kane is a little more active than previously. You start to learn more about Rowene and Pitte and more of the stars start to align, as they say, when it comes to the back story.
I don't want to give away too much because there's just all kind of discoveries made throughout this book. But I will say... I darn well wish I had two best friends who wanted to open up a multi awesome bookstore/salon/artstudio. *sigh* A girl can dream.
Anyway. This second in the series wasn't a disappointment and Dana is sure to impress (and perhaps even irritate. Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn!!!).
November 14, 2020
The second book of Nora Roberts Key Trilogy focuses on librarian Dana Steele, who's in danger of losing her job because of nepotism. Financial need and a sense of adventure lead her to embark on the mystical quest to find the missing key to save the lives of the sleeping demigoddesses known as the "Daughters of Glass." Her partner in her quest is writer Jordan Hawke, her stepbrother's BFF and the man who broke her heart years ago. Are they destined to fall back in love and be together? Of course, because this is a Nora Roberts book, and interconnections between the protagonists in her trilogies is standard. Does it feel standard? Absolutely not. The book is great, with realistic interpersonal connections mixed in with urban magic and medieval mythology.
August 7, 2018
This was a great second installment in the Key Trilogy! I knew I'd like Dana from the moment I "met" her in book one. A spirited, stubborn, book-loving badass, she's just my type of heroine. Her contentious history with suspense novelist, Jordan, also promised some great romance in this book, and it really didn't disappoint. Overall, I definitely enjoyed this novel as much as I expected to!
We picked up right where we left off in book one - right after art gallery-owner Mallory has found the first key and unlocked the first of three glass boxes, holding the sleeping souls of three innocent demigoddesses. Now it's librarian-turned-bookstore-owner Dana's turn to find the second key within a month, and where Mallory's mission led her to delve into the world of art and beauty, Dana's quest leads her inside the pages of the books she loves - diving into literature to unlock clues as to the key's secret whereabouts. As a book lover myself, of course I loved this element.
While Dana searches for the key, she's forced to face her long-standing feelings for Jordan, who's back home after years away in New York focusing on his writing. He'd left Dana brokenhearted years ago, after his beloved mother's death, and as such, had unknowingly torn Dana's trust to pieces. Now that he's back - and intrigued by this key mystery - Dana faces a battle of heart vs. head, and Jordan doesn't make it easy. The two of them need to face the past, embrace the present, and possibly open themselves up to a future together.
The relationships and friendships between Mallory, Flynn, Dana, Jordan, Zoe, and Brad continue to develop, deepen, and remain entertaining and witty. The quest for the lost keys grows increasingly dark, and evil god Kane becomes ever-more menacing. I can definitely say I was just as engaged and interested as I was in the first book, and the resolution to this one was really, really satisfying.
While maybe not quite so funny and clever as the first book, I enjoyed the characters more. It's left me very excited to move onto book three and see Zoe and Brad's story unfold!
We picked up right where we left off in book one - right after art gallery-owner Mallory has found the first key and unlocked the first of three glass boxes, holding the sleeping souls of three innocent demigoddesses. Now it's librarian-turned-bookstore-owner Dana's turn to find the second key within a month, and where Mallory's mission led her to delve into the world of art and beauty, Dana's quest leads her inside the pages of the books she loves - diving into literature to unlock clues as to the key's secret whereabouts. As a book lover myself, of course I loved this element.
While Dana searches for the key, she's forced to face her long-standing feelings for Jordan, who's back home after years away in New York focusing on his writing. He'd left Dana brokenhearted years ago, after his beloved mother's death, and as such, had unknowingly torn Dana's trust to pieces. Now that he's back - and intrigued by this key mystery - Dana faces a battle of heart vs. head, and Jordan doesn't make it easy. The two of them need to face the past, embrace the present, and possibly open themselves up to a future together.
The relationships and friendships between Mallory, Flynn, Dana, Jordan, Zoe, and Brad continue to develop, deepen, and remain entertaining and witty. The quest for the lost keys grows increasingly dark, and evil god Kane becomes ever-more menacing. I can definitely say I was just as engaged and interested as I was in the first book, and the resolution to this one was really, really satisfying.
While maybe not quite so funny and clever as the first book, I enjoyed the characters more. It's left me very excited to move onto book three and see Zoe and Brad's story unfold!
June 7, 2011
Damn, the second part of the Key trilogy is so much better than the first one. Much more intense and intriguing. And the first one is already a great book.
Dana Steele is one hard-assed woman, the kind of heroine I just love and adore. And she love books. She covet books. The perfect heroine for me. She's the kind of woman who fights for her own rights and not easily bullied. She's tough, intelligent, snarky, loves anything chocolate and she loves with all her heart. Even when her heart was broken into million pieces seven years ago.
Jordan Hawke is the successful author who broke Dana's heart seven years ago. He battles his own demon, having to come to term with his mother's death and wanting to make something/someone out of himself. Jordan's struggle is, I think, one anyone could relate to. The running away part, I totally get it. But he comes back, to amend the wrongs. And to re-capture the heart of the only woman he ever loved.
In her quest to find the key, Dana has to put her painful past with Jordan behind. Together, they embar on the journey to find the second key to unlock the souls that had been confined for centuries. The past threatens their relationship, combined with the nastiness from one god. Kane has got meaner and smarter this time. And he's going to do whatever it takes to stop Dana to find the key.
Additional plus to this book, the peek into Malory and Flynn's life after finding the first the key as well as what you can expect from the third and final book in the trilogy; the hot-and-cold relationship between Zoe and Brad, the impending wedding plans, and of course the journey to find the third key to unlock the souls of the Daughters of Glass.
Dana Steele is one hard-assed woman, the kind of heroine I just love and adore. And she love books. She covet books. The perfect heroine for me. She's the kind of woman who fights for her own rights and not easily bullied. She's tough, intelligent, snarky, loves anything chocolate and she loves with all her heart. Even when her heart was broken into million pieces seven years ago.
Jordan Hawke is the successful author who broke Dana's heart seven years ago. He battles his own demon, having to come to term with his mother's death and wanting to make something/someone out of himself. Jordan's struggle is, I think, one anyone could relate to. The running away part, I totally get it. But he comes back, to amend the wrongs. And to re-capture the heart of the only woman he ever loved.
In her quest to find the key, Dana has to put her painful past with Jordan behind. Together, they embar on the journey to find the second key to unlock the souls that had been confined for centuries. The past threatens their relationship, combined with the nastiness from one god. Kane has got meaner and smarter this time. And he's going to do whatever it takes to stop Dana to find the key.
Additional plus to this book, the peek into Malory and Flynn's life after finding the first the key as well as what you can expect from the third and final book in the trilogy; the hot-and-cold relationship between Zoe and Brad, the impending wedding plans, and of course the journey to find the third key to unlock the souls of the Daughters of Glass.
April 23, 2015
Nora Roberts has a huge fan base. I like her books "okay" but I see a pattern that I've gotten a bit tired of reading. Man is smitten with woman. Woman fights/resists his advances. Man keeps pursuing. Woman treats him like crud. Man wants her even more. Games, games, games. Woman finally falls for man. They live happily ever after. Yawn. Oh, that was book #1. This book-- Goddess, warrior, sorcerer, scorned woman being bitchy towards the man who broke her heart. Yadda, yadda, yadda. I'll think about reading the final book, to find out what happens. But, let's see... third character is a woman who treats a man like crud. He's rich, she's intimidated by it. Hmmmm, will she finally give in to him, and quit the games and bratty bitchy act? No surprise here. Just an okay book, but not my favorite.
November 7, 2019
3 Stars... Truth: My mindset was not where it needed to be to enjoy this book.... Truth: The writing style for this read does not match my particular preferences resulting in my boredom... Truth: The overall storyline is fascinating and well constructed; the characters are likable and engaging... Truth: The dialogue was “cheesy� at times, but other times it came across sweet and sexy.... Truth: If I was in a different mindset, I may have appreciated the positives and not focused on the negatives, or what simply was not working for me... Truth: Fans of Nora Roberts would more than likely enjoy this read immensely.:)
November 2, 2018
keşke hiç bitmese dediğim serilerden biri<3
June 15, 2024
As is typical with Roberts books, this one expands nicely upon the story that was built in book 1. We gain a clearer idea of the quest the girls are on, and who their enemy is and why Kane's trying to stop them. We also get to see the menfolk in this story step up into the fray a bit more. I really enjoyed the interactions Jordan has with Kane. It feels like upping the ante, like no one is truly safe--the dreams aren't just dreams anymore, the danger becomes more and more real.
The romance is also more prominent in this one--both between Jordan and Dana and between Flynn and Malory.
Between Jordan and Dana we get the heart-wrenching pining, the hot spicy stuff, and the sweet, precious tender moments that make any romance book worth reading. Malory and Flynn have some of their own precious moments too--AND we start to see Brad and Zoe's relationship begin to evolve. Nora Roberts balances multiple storylines better than any other author I've read in recent memory. Usually a trilogy would focus on only 1 couple at a time, but Roberts manages to have 3 couples sharing page space in a natural and beautiful way. I seriously eat this stuff up.
I can't help but feel like, for all the expansions we get on the plot, it sort of takes a back seat a bit to the romance in this one. There's a good deal of history between Jordan and Dana that needs working out, so it kind of makes sense. But because we spend so much time watching them sort themselves out, we don't get a very strong 'search for the key' plotline in comparison.
This didn't annoy me as much as it probably should have, as I was sucked into the relationships just as much, but I have to be honest here--the plot wasn't quite as strong as in book 1. Dana doesn't really make any real progress toward finding her key until the last 10% of the book or so. In fact, I think her (and Jordan's) trials with Kane play a bigger role in this book than her pursuit of the key.
None of that makes this book any less good for me though. It's still getting 4 stars.
The romance is also more prominent in this one--both between Jordan and Dana and between Flynn and Malory.
Between Jordan and Dana we get the heart-wrenching pining, the hot spicy stuff, and the sweet, precious tender moments that make any romance book worth reading. Malory and Flynn have some of their own precious moments too--AND we start to see Brad and Zoe's relationship begin to evolve. Nora Roberts balances multiple storylines better than any other author I've read in recent memory. Usually a trilogy would focus on only 1 couple at a time, but Roberts manages to have 3 couples sharing page space in a natural and beautiful way. I seriously eat this stuff up.
I can't help but feel like, for all the expansions we get on the plot, it sort of takes a back seat a bit to the romance in this one. There's a good deal of history between Jordan and Dana that needs working out, so it kind of makes sense. But because we spend so much time watching them sort themselves out, we don't get a very strong 'search for the key' plotline in comparison.
This didn't annoy me as much as it probably should have, as I was sucked into the relationships just as much, but I have to be honest here--the plot wasn't quite as strong as in book 1. Dana doesn't really make any real progress toward finding her key until the last 10% of the book or so. In fact, I think her (and Jordan's) trials with Kane play a bigger role in this book than her pursuit of the key.
None of that makes this book any less good for me though. It's still getting 4 stars.
January 30, 2013
"I never got over you. Whatever I felt for you back then, it was like the root. Time went on, I'd keep trying to kill that root, but it wouldn't die. I'd breeze back into town to see Flynn, catch a glimpse of you, or you'd take a shot at me, and what was growing on that root would nudge a little further up from the ground. This last time, when I knocked on Flynn's door and you opened it, it was like that vine shot up another ten feet and wrapped around my throat. I'm in love with you, Dana. I can't kill it off, and I wouldn't if I could. So, I'm spilling my heart at your feet this time. It's yours, whatever you do with it." - Jordan Hawke
They say, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Well, in the second book of Nora Roberts's Key Trilogy, this is pretty much the main theme. And, speaking as a woman who has been scorned not just a few times, I felt like justice finally came through, no matter how short-lived the moment was.
After Malory found her key - and real love on Flynn's side - the first lock on the Glass Prison that kept the souls of three demigoddesses - Venora, Niniane, and Kyra - came undone. Now it's the second month, and Dana Steele's turn. The cynical librarian is pumped and ready to get it over with. But her brother's best friend, famous writer Jordan Hawke, is in the way. And while Kane is coming onto her with stronger blows, breaking godly laws and vows, the scholar of the group will have to focus hard to keep her mind in place - and to protect her heart from a love felt for a man that has already broken it once...
I dare say relationships are a one-way-only deal for me. I'm not particularly fond of second chances or trying to mend things that have proven to be problematic. Aaaand, whoever wants to call me a strict and heartless bitch is welcome to do so, I don't exactly bite as it is the truth. Be that as it may, even I have my limits. Remembering back when a certain Samuel Logan tried to win back Mia Devlin in Face the Fire, I have to admit at least Jordan had some manners and respect, and knew Dana just enough to understand he would have to work hard. He accepted that he had hurt her. But that doesn't make him any less of a bastard. You want to go out there, spread your wings and make your mark on the world, son? Well, that's just fine and dandy, but a little tact while breaking it to a woman that means so much to you wouldn't hurt, right? You'd think a guy who wants to be a writer would have a better way with words. I know, I know, he wasn't mature enough yet, and he didn't know how much she loved him.
What a load of bull! And I'm not saying that to insult the way the writer sees it. She pictured it perfectly. The problem lies with most men, who, in their efforts to break a relationship, they think it's best if they make the whole deal cheap - the usual "I thought if I made you hate me it would be better for you" shit.
The good thing is, Jordan realizes his mistakes, is not smug about them, and knows that there's no point in regretting his actions as they were what lead him to become the man he is. Fortunately, his character helps us see this without playing the victim card.
Now, Dana was one of my favorite characters in the first book, and she certainly went places in the second. I love the way she's so honest about her thoughts - minus those concerning her feelings for Jordan. She's intelligent, almost immediately realizing Kane is tricking her each step of the way, and her love for books and solitude really touch the bookworm inside me. Hell, even her house is the one I always dreamed I would have myself! Her final step to find the key was fantastic - at some point expected, but, really, getting sucked into a book beats any cliché we hear in this kind of stories (though the ending was kinda lame, I pictured Jordan to be much better at improvising when story-telling on the spot). I especially liked how she didn't budge easily to Jordan's attempts, and, no matter how rude she seemed at times, it felt good to see her giving him a hard time, even at the part where she told him to leave and never come back after the flashback Kane provided her with. It made Jordan work that much harder and more efficiently at making it up to her.
Rowenna and Pitte took more active roles in this book, mainly because Kane is breaking many rules and that doesn't sit well with them. Though it saddens me to think that they'll have to be punished for that and never return home even if the Daughters of the Glass are freed. It was also cute to see Pitte, the mighty warrior-god, become all mushy for Rowenna, and allow himself to be grudgingly manipulated by his woman.
The part I didn't exactly appreciate was the one with the marriage proposals. Individually, they were fun, but it was honestly hard to be happy for Dana and Jordan when Flynn just ups and copies his best friend. Why steal a couple's glorious moment like that, you jerk? No matter how unique and funny your proposal to Malory was, the timing was just bad! Parker Brown from the Bride Quartet would have wept and then banged her head on a wall to rid herself from the misery of having this knowledge.
Zoe was another factor that simply pissed me off. I am now fairly certain that Simon's dad was some rich fucktard, but that doesn't excuse her behavior to Brad. I get it, he didn't make the best first impression, but does he have to be insulted and accused every time he tries to help her? Oh, and, the "Simon" card (I'm calling that trick this way from now on)? Totally not working on the reader after a couple of times. It's plain obvious - even to the poor guy - that she's using her own kid as a shield and an excuse to be away from Brad. In fact, she may be the only out of the group who has a problem with the rich heir and with no good reason at that!
I can't say I'm looking forward to reading about Zoe next, but at least then I'll be done with this Trilogy and be able to move on with the MacGregors at long last... Too bad I doubt there's going to be any more of the Hertz-Foy bet rituals - those sure cracked me up!
They say, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Well, in the second book of Nora Roberts's Key Trilogy, this is pretty much the main theme. And, speaking as a woman who has been scorned not just a few times, I felt like justice finally came through, no matter how short-lived the moment was.
After Malory found her key - and real love on Flynn's side - the first lock on the Glass Prison that kept the souls of three demigoddesses - Venora, Niniane, and Kyra - came undone. Now it's the second month, and Dana Steele's turn. The cynical librarian is pumped and ready to get it over with. But her brother's best friend, famous writer Jordan Hawke, is in the way. And while Kane is coming onto her with stronger blows, breaking godly laws and vows, the scholar of the group will have to focus hard to keep her mind in place - and to protect her heart from a love felt for a man that has already broken it once...
I dare say relationships are a one-way-only deal for me. I'm not particularly fond of second chances or trying to mend things that have proven to be problematic. Aaaand, whoever wants to call me a strict and heartless bitch is welcome to do so, I don't exactly bite as it is the truth. Be that as it may, even I have my limits. Remembering back when a certain Samuel Logan tried to win back Mia Devlin in Face the Fire, I have to admit at least Jordan had some manners and respect, and knew Dana just enough to understand he would have to work hard. He accepted that he had hurt her. But that doesn't make him any less of a bastard. You want to go out there, spread your wings and make your mark on the world, son? Well, that's just fine and dandy, but a little tact while breaking it to a woman that means so much to you wouldn't hurt, right? You'd think a guy who wants to be a writer would have a better way with words. I know, I know, he wasn't mature enough yet, and he didn't know how much she loved him.
What a load of bull! And I'm not saying that to insult the way the writer sees it. She pictured it perfectly. The problem lies with most men, who, in their efforts to break a relationship, they think it's best if they make the whole deal cheap - the usual "I thought if I made you hate me it would be better for you" shit.
The good thing is, Jordan realizes his mistakes, is not smug about them, and knows that there's no point in regretting his actions as they were what lead him to become the man he is. Fortunately, his character helps us see this without playing the victim card.
Now, Dana was one of my favorite characters in the first book, and she certainly went places in the second. I love the way she's so honest about her thoughts - minus those concerning her feelings for Jordan. She's intelligent, almost immediately realizing Kane is tricking her each step of the way, and her love for books and solitude really touch the bookworm inside me. Hell, even her house is the one I always dreamed I would have myself! Her final step to find the key was fantastic - at some point expected, but, really, getting sucked into a book beats any cliché we hear in this kind of stories (though the ending was kinda lame, I pictured Jordan to be much better at improvising when story-telling on the spot). I especially liked how she didn't budge easily to Jordan's attempts, and, no matter how rude she seemed at times, it felt good to see her giving him a hard time, even at the part where she told him to leave and never come back after the flashback Kane provided her with. It made Jordan work that much harder and more efficiently at making it up to her.
Rowenna and Pitte took more active roles in this book, mainly because Kane is breaking many rules and that doesn't sit well with them. Though it saddens me to think that they'll have to be punished for that and never return home even if the Daughters of the Glass are freed. It was also cute to see Pitte, the mighty warrior-god, become all mushy for Rowenna, and allow himself to be grudgingly manipulated by his woman.
The part I didn't exactly appreciate was the one with the marriage proposals. Individually, they were fun, but it was honestly hard to be happy for Dana and Jordan when Flynn just ups and copies his best friend. Why steal a couple's glorious moment like that, you jerk? No matter how unique and funny your proposal to Malory was, the timing was just bad! Parker Brown from the Bride Quartet would have wept and then banged her head on a wall to rid herself from the misery of having this knowledge.
Zoe was another factor that simply pissed me off. I am now fairly certain that Simon's dad was some rich fucktard, but that doesn't excuse her behavior to Brad. I get it, he didn't make the best first impression, but does he have to be insulted and accused every time he tries to help her? Oh, and, the "Simon" card (I'm calling that trick this way from now on)? Totally not working on the reader after a couple of times. It's plain obvious - even to the poor guy - that she's using her own kid as a shield and an excuse to be away from Brad. In fact, she may be the only out of the group who has a problem with the rich heir and with no good reason at that!
I can't say I'm looking forward to reading about Zoe next, but at least then I'll be done with this Trilogy and be able to move on with the MacGregors at long last... Too bad I doubt there's going to be any more of the Hertz-Foy bet rituals - those sure cracked me up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2020
Ahh this was just as good as the first one, maybe even better. It made me cry. It was so good, I love the word Nora has written. I could visually see it all while reading. I can’t wait to read the next one.
June 10, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable book.
Nora Roberts is one of the best authors when it comes to modern day escapist Fiction.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read more of my reviews on my blog at
Nora Roberts is one of the best authors when it comes to modern day escapist Fiction.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read more of my reviews on my blog at
August 13, 2018
Canım Jordan😍
Read
April 2, 2018Read this trilogy back to back. This was even better than book 1!
March 21, 2017
Que boas gargalhadas dei a ler este livro.
April 24, 2023
I am not immune to librarian wish fulfillment!
March 2, 2017
*4 past, present, future stars*
Key of Knowledge is second book in Key trilogy. Books must be read in order. First book is Key of Light: review.
Key of Knowledge continues soon after Key of Light finishes. Malory, Dana, and Zoe gather once more at the house of Warrior's Peak to see which one will be chosen to find the second Key (Malory found the first). Dana is angry when she finds out that her once friend and lover, famous writer Jordan Hawke, was also invited. She wants him out of Valley as soon as possible so that she can continue with her life in peace. But as she's the one who has to find the second Key, Dana'll have to face her past and seek the future, find truth in lies and reality within the fantasy. And maybe, just maybe, Jordan's key to all of that.
I like this book better than the first one. The only objection I have is that it wasn't necessary to repeat the whole story and legend so much. We all know the drill with Nora's books and that most of them are trilogies or series and have to be read in order.
Dana was a fun character. She's sassy, moody and full of life. She's no nonsense kind of girl that says it as she sees it. But she's also really vulnerable and girly. Jordan hurt her when they were younger and she isn't the type to forgive and forget.
Jordan made mistakes, but even if his best friend and Dana's brother Flynn didn't invite him to come back and help them in their quest, he would have come because it was time to make amends. Yes, he was wrong to walk away from the woman he loved, but he had his reasons, good ones, and he wasn't ready for the relationship. They both weren't ready. Sometimes that's life, and although it hurts in that moment, we realize whatever happened, happened for a reason and it simply wasn't the time.
I was also happy that we got insights into what happens with Flynn and Malory, Brad and Zoe. I'm really looking forward to what will happen with the last pair. I want to understand Zoe more, especially why is she always so frustrated with Brad. Maybe in a 3rd book, we'll also get to see how Simon, Zoe's son, looks at his mother's new life and friends. We know he knows about the Keys, so maybe he'll play some part in finding it too.
Key of Knowledge is second book in Key trilogy. Books must be read in order. First book is Key of Light: review.
Key of Knowledge continues soon after Key of Light finishes. Malory, Dana, and Zoe gather once more at the house of Warrior's Peak to see which one will be chosen to find the second Key (Malory found the first). Dana is angry when she finds out that her once friend and lover, famous writer Jordan Hawke, was also invited. She wants him out of Valley as soon as possible so that she can continue with her life in peace. But as she's the one who has to find the second Key, Dana'll have to face her past and seek the future, find truth in lies and reality within the fantasy. And maybe, just maybe, Jordan's key to all of that.
I like this book better than the first one. The only objection I have is that it wasn't necessary to repeat the whole story and legend so much. We all know the drill with Nora's books and that most of them are trilogies or series and have to be read in order.
Dana was a fun character. She's sassy, moody and full of life. She's no nonsense kind of girl that says it as she sees it. But she's also really vulnerable and girly. Jordan hurt her when they were younger and she isn't the type to forgive and forget.
Jordan made mistakes, but even if his best friend and Dana's brother Flynn didn't invite him to come back and help them in their quest, he would have come because it was time to make amends. Yes, he was wrong to walk away from the woman he loved, but he had his reasons, good ones, and he wasn't ready for the relationship. They both weren't ready. Sometimes that's life, and although it hurts in that moment, we realize whatever happened, happened for a reason and it simply wasn't the time.
I was also happy that we got insights into what happens with Flynn and Malory, Brad and Zoe. I'm really looking forward to what will happen with the last pair. I want to understand Zoe more, especially why is she always so frustrated with Brad. Maybe in a 3rd book, we'll also get to see how Simon, Zoe's son, looks at his mother's new life and friends. We know he knows about the Keys, so maybe he'll play some part in finding it too.
November 6, 2012
If you haven’t read the first in this series, you definitely should before reading this one—and not just so that this review is easier to write because I can say “if you read the first in this series, then you know what you’re getting with this one.�
Not that it was formulaic or stereotypical, really. I liked Dana from the first book, and we get to see the events that were hinted at in the prior book regarding her relationship with Jordan. I really liked her as the librarian type and could sympathize with her attitude towards, and treatment of, her books. She has the biggest entrepreneurial journey to make of the three girls, so it was good to see her struggle through what it means to be a book lover trying to sell books (as opposed to working in a library where she need merely recommend or assist).
As much as I liked Dana, however, I never really warmed much to Jordan. While I can understand people letting grief lead to isolation on an intellectual level, it just doesn’t work for me emotionally. Letting your pain lead you to inflict pain on others you care about, while natural enough, is kind of a jerk move. And Jordan took that jerk move to something of an extreme when his mother died. While Nora Roberts lets us see the depth of his regret (and reformation), she’s also writer enough for us to see that the underlying flaw isn’t entirely overcome, yet, either. That made me reluctant to entirely throw in with him renewing his relationship with Dana.
That said, in the course of solving the mystery and finding Dana’s key, we do get to see Jordan’s devotion to her and what could turn out to be a solid-enough foundation for their future relationship. I’m not entirely sanguine about it, but enough so that I don’t resent their ending up together.
A note about Steamy: There was more steam in this novel than the Roberts standard—at least three explicit scenes and some of them more literally steamy than normal. Not that I’m griping about it, however, because it all worked for the story.
Not that it was formulaic or stereotypical, really. I liked Dana from the first book, and we get to see the events that were hinted at in the prior book regarding her relationship with Jordan. I really liked her as the librarian type and could sympathize with her attitude towards, and treatment of, her books. She has the biggest entrepreneurial journey to make of the three girls, so it was good to see her struggle through what it means to be a book lover trying to sell books (as opposed to working in a library where she need merely recommend or assist).
As much as I liked Dana, however, I never really warmed much to Jordan. While I can understand people letting grief lead to isolation on an intellectual level, it just doesn’t work for me emotionally. Letting your pain lead you to inflict pain on others you care about, while natural enough, is kind of a jerk move. And Jordan took that jerk move to something of an extreme when his mother died. While Nora Roberts lets us see the depth of his regret (and reformation), she’s also writer enough for us to see that the underlying flaw isn’t entirely overcome, yet, either. That made me reluctant to entirely throw in with him renewing his relationship with Dana.
That said, in the course of solving the mystery and finding Dana’s key, we do get to see Jordan’s devotion to her and what could turn out to be a solid-enough foundation for their future relationship. I’m not entirely sanguine about it, but enough so that I don’t resent their ending up together.
A note about Steamy: There was more steam in this novel than the Roberts standard—at least three explicit scenes and some of them more literally steamy than normal. Not that I’m griping about it, however, because it all worked for the story.
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