Pandora's Key: Book One of the Key Trilogy by Nancy Richardson Fischer
Evangeline Theopolis has nightmares about the violent deaths of women she has never met. Her single mother, Olivia, suffers delusions she can't hide. And Malledy, a brilliant young man, may have a disease that will leave him paralyzed and insane. Their lives are about to collide. On Evangeline's 16th birthday her mother gives her a necklace with an antique key charm—a family heirloom, though no one knows what the key unlocks. Everything changes. Her mom is hospitalized. Her godmother attempts murder. An ancient Order tries to kill Evangeline, and a lethal sect to kidnap her. Nothing makes sense—especially Evangeline's own face, which has morphed from geeky to eerily stunning; the ancient key that feels strangely alive against her skin; and the magical abilities she begins to possess. Evangeline must use her wits and supernatural powers to fight her deadly adversaries and discover her true identity. But can she accept who she really is and save the world?
February 8, 2013, email sent to Nancy Richardson Fischer from me: "I just wanted to thank you for such a refreshingly new subject to sink into. Since watching [The Legendary] Hercules and Xena [Warrior Princess] when I was younger, I've always been interested in Greek (and Roman) mythology. The mythology unit in English class was always too short. To finally read something in the fantasy genre that isn't vampires and werewolves is extremely exciting and I look forward to your next installment with the utmost anticipation. Thanks again, Jenny"
February 8, 2013, email response to me from Nancy Richardson Fischer: "Hi Jenny, Thanks so much for your email! It made my day :-) I'm so glad you enjoyed Pandora's Key. The next book in the trilogy, The Key to Tartarus, will be out soon, so I hope you'll check it out, too...Again thanks so much for your email... Indie authors can use all the good reviews we can get! Best, Nan"
My Thoughts - A-
Like I said in my email to the author of Pandora's Key, it is invigorating to read such an uncharted subject. Honestly I am surprised it hasn't been explored yet and overused like vampires, werewolves, etc. Not that I don't like the other material, it's just that this book was like a breathe of fresh air. As a person who can easily foresee outcomes this book had quite a few unpredictable twists. That's why I love books because if this were a movie I probably would have guessed a lot of the mysteries; but because you can hide people's identities and secrets, and the scene is left to the reader's imagination, the author is able to conceal more within the pages. Do you know what I mean? Maybe you will after you read this book...
Pandora's Key is quickly paced, which is awesome for me because of my attention span. I found myself reading well past my bedtime without even realizing it. I did find it a little short but that could just be because of how fast all the action was. There is considerable amount of variety between each characters; they all have contrasting personalities. I do believe Evangeline, the main character, to quite juvenile throughout the story. The whole novel is directed more towards a teen audience so maybe if I were younger I wouldn't have noticed as much. Most of you will probably find it an easy read but it was perfect for me. I am looking forward to the next book in the trilogy, The Key to Tartarus. I'm not familiar with this Greek fable so I'm very interested in reading what it's all about.