Review: Intriguing Story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 15, 2013
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*When I saw the blurb for this book, I definitely wanted to read it! I'm a sucker for mythology, history, and archaeology. I decided that since main character Cassie is a nineteen year old college student, this novel could pass for new adult. The Granite Key is kind of DaVinci Code meets Indiana Jones meets the paranormal. Interesting combination. The story opens with Cassie seeing her sister's death in a dream. She soon learns that her sister's death was real, and it happened exactly as she saw it occur. Not only that, but her sister was killed over a relic she found for a secret society, The Arkana. Cassie has the same psychic gift as her sister did: the ability to authenticate relics through touch. Cassie actually sees scenes from the past play out in her mind when she touches the artifacts.The Arkana is intent to preserve ancient relics from pre-patriarchal, goddess-worshipping societies. Since this goes against written history, these relics are either misunderstood, misinterpreted, or in danger of destruction to hide the truth. Once The Arkana discovers that Cassie share's her sister's psychic gift, she is inducted into the society, taking her sister's place. The Granite Key is heavy on the mythology and history surrounding the forgotten pre-patriarchal societies. There are many references to mythology from numerous cultures. I found it interesting, but if this isn't your thing, it may seem more like a college lecture than a pleasure read. The Arkana itself is intriguing, their base of operations and overall manpower impressive. They have some major funding going on to support their endeavors. The Blessed Nephilim is a disturbing religious cult with a leader/prophet interested in an artifact discovered by Cassie's sister. It's never made clear exactly what this man intends to do with the items, but based on his character, we'll assume it's sinister. The cult leader has no qualms about hiring a very dangerous man to acquire what he wants, nor does he care if people are hurt in the process.I really liked Griffin, the British researcher. His character was both entertaining and interesting. Erik was annoying but I still liked him as well. I can't say the same for Cassie. The author made her clueless, probably for more opportunity to explain things, but it went a bit too far. For someone who managed to be accepted into college, she came across as a borderline idiot. There were also times when I thought her idiocy might be for comic relief (like mispronunciations), but if so, it fell flat. My biggest beef is the constant use of 'the girl' to refer to Cassie. It grated on my nerves every time I read it. I think 'she' would have worked much better.I wasn't sure if there was romantic tension or just animosity between Cassie and Erik; perhaps that will become apparent in the next book.Overall I enjoyed The Granite Key and wouldn't mine continuing the series. My curiosity has been piqued and won't be quelled until I give in and read further. I recommend this book to everyone, high school and up, that enjoy an interesting archaeological mystery and adventure.You can find this review and many more at [...]