Official Review: Key to Eternity by Mallory M. O'Connor

todwyer01 · Post by **todwyer01** » 04 Jul 2021, 21:07

From a sampling, this seems like an interesting crime/mystery novel following an FBI agent tasked with tracking down stolen Mesopotamian tablets holding the secret to immortality. It might be worth a second look. Well done.

Chrystal Oaks · Post by **Chrystal Oaks** » 04 Jul 2021, 21:10

I'm glad this book can be read as a standalone even though it is the second book in the series. The storyline is intriguing. Great review!

Chanchal Pawar · Post by **Chanchal Pawar** » 04 Jul 2021, 21:15

Ancients tablets and underground art society in one novel you got my attention. I love how the author has carefully integrated the entire plot. Great review!

Hazel Arnaiz · Post by **Hazel Arnaiz** » 04 Jul 2021, 21:28

The book seems to renew interest on ancient civilization and promotes awareness of stolen art. Congratulations on Book of the Day!

Stephanie Runyon · Post by **Stephanie Runyon** » 04 Jul 2021, 21:33

I wonder if the first book in the series built up Epiphany's progress to obtaining her powers and gave the antagonist's possible capabilities for danger? The #BOTD being book 2 in a series, but readable has a deep tone in underground art society.

AvidBibliophile · Post by **AvidBibliophile** » 04 Jul 2021, 21:40

A museum pillaging, stolen artifacts, psychic abilities, and a hunt for treasured relics?! This sounds like an exciting book indeed. Thank you for an engaging and informative review!

Sirajuddin A · Post by **Sirajuddin A** » 04 Jul 2021, 21:43

In Key to Eternity, there are engaging pieces of art interwoven with an investigation that leads to unfolding the art history.

Sahar Shaikh · Post by **Sahar Shaikh** » 04 Jul 2021, 21:46

I felt it was a fictional story about some artifact that get stolen as shown in the movies. But your review states that the story provided is real and therefore I feel interested in this book. Thanks for your review.

Dori Lee · Post by **Dori Lee** » 04 Jul 2021, 21:47

This sounds like an interesting book. I have wondered how stolen artifacts get back into circulation. Thanks for the review.

Jack Winnick · Post by **mrlefty0706** » 04 Jul 2021, 21:57

Key to Eternity by Mallory M. O'Connor is a mystery thriller based on the pillaging of the Baghdad Museum during the U.S. invasion in 2003. Among the many artifacts that disappeared during the event was a set of seven Mesopotamian clay tablets said to hold the secret to immortality. As a private investigator working for the FBI, Maro Gaido has been tracking the stolen artifacts for 16 years. When the trail goes cold in Geneva, he turns to Epiphany Mayall and her psychic abilities once again for help. To his surprise, the usually-guarded Maro finds himself slowly opening up to a much older Epiphany, and their relationship deepens. However, they’re not the only ones looking for the holy relics. Will they be able to recover the tablets and prevent the secret from falling into the wrong hands?

I’ve always wondered how stolen art goes back into circulation, and Key to Eternity has offered an interesting sneak peek into the underground art society. The novel felt like a cool, delightful lesson in art history with true stories of stolen artifacts expertly woven into the dialogues. I strongly recommend this book to readers who are interested in art history for this reason alone.

Although Key to Eternity is the second book in a series, it can also be read as a standalone. The characters mention just enough of the first book to fill readers in but not so much as to spoil the entire plot. There is a cast of distinguishable characters, but I especially love how the author has taken the time to build up Maro’s character and reveal his backstory gradually. The attraction between him and Epiphany is beautifully subtle, and their relationship develops naturally.

For the most part, the book felt slow due to a lack of tension, and there was just enough suspense to keep me reading. I don’t know how the antagonist is portrayed in the first book, but he hardly seems threatening in this one. I didn’t feel like the characters were in any danger because of this. It's also a bit too convenient that Epiphany can effortlessly tap into her power whenever the need arises.

A story I definitely want to finish since it describes the theft of artifacts from the Baghdad Museum during the invasion of 2003. This book describes how artifacts get back into circulation and how frustrating the tracking is by authorities. A very interesting book with a great official review.

Hakeema Mumtaz · Post by **Hakeema Mumtaz** » 04 Jul 2021, 22:00

By reading your review ,i am quiet intrested to know more about the book . It seems, i'll have fun& excited to read this book.Thanks for your review

Shubham Shah · Post by **Shubham Shah** » 04 Jul 2021, 22:28

This book has not-so-common case with agents, as it is always about gangsters and murders. From the title, I thought that it would be some non fiction lesson learning book but after reading the review, I definitely want to read this. Thanks for the review

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 04 Jul 2021, 22:41

I do love thrillers, and one centered on stolen historical artifacts sounds promising. However, the slow pace and lack of adequate suspense might be a put-downer for me. Thanks for the honest review!

Alie Lowery · Post by **Alie Lowery** » 04 Jul 2021, 22:54

Thank you for the clear, concise review on this book. Your review is descriptive and I appreciated how you named specific elements from the book (saying how fans of art history will like it, how it shows how art gets on the market after it’s been stolen, how there is a slow-burn romance, etc.). I will definitely consider reading this book.

Anjali Patil · Post by **Anjali Patil** » 04 Jul 2021, 23:13

After reading your review, I got the feeling like ‘national treasure'. I love that movie and I think this book will leave the same impact on me. I love thrillers and mystery but I think this book has a medium thriller. But still, I will try to read it. Thanks for your review.