OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Key to Eternity" by Mallory M. O'Connor.]

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.

The book is professionally edited as I could only find a few typos and missing punctuation marks, but there were some formatting issues that almost gave me the wrong impression. It was hard not to notice how some paragraphs were light grey instead of black like the rest. Regardless, these issues don't affect my overall rating because I think it’s unfair to take a star off for only a handful of errors. There is some profanity, which I barely noticed, and a few intimate scenes that aren’t too explicit, making the book suitable for older teenagers and adults.

Overall, this is a lovely story that incorporates elements of art, romance, supernatural, and espionage. While it isn’t an action-filled thriller, it still has an entertaining plot with some great twists and a very satisfying ending. I’m pleased to rate Key to Eternity 4 out of 4 stars. I’m definitely going back to read the first book, and I look forward to seeing more of this series.

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Key to Eternity
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I'm not sure how I feel about this one. I'm not usually into art, but the characters are interesting. It seems like there's enough action to keep me invested. I may well have to try it. Thanks.

The idea of this book is very original. It is not what I usually read, but it seems interesting. Thank you for your great review.

I have little interests in controversies that surround art but then reading your review kept me yearning for more. I'm hoping it will be worth my time.
Thank you for the review.

Thank you for your review. I liked this book idea and the most love one in this book was cover. I had the ring or emulet one with the snake eating itself. I don't know the meaning of it because I was so young. But when I was adult, I sold that out for my family's sake. This psychic mystery book reminde back to my childhood.

Thanks for your review. With the plot featuring a set of clay tablets that holding the secret to immortality, it looks like the book is a crime novel laced with fantasy and mysterious details.

This sounds like an amazing book about some missing clay tablets that are said to hold the secret to immortality. I'm excited to give this a try. Congrats!

At first, I thought this is a religious book because of the title. The review, however, shows that it's an interesting novel with mysterious outlook. I am excited to give it a try. Congratulations on BOTD

Wow great book, I also wonder how stolen art goes back to circulation,did the secrets land into wrong hands? This is a must read for me, I have to confirm this by reading this book. Working on a case for 16 years he must be very determined. Otherwise thanks for sharing this and congrats on BOTD.

The plot and characters of this thriller book sound interesting. It's great that this book can be read without reading the first book.
Thanks for this amazing review

This book seems totally different from what I usually read, but it does sound interesting, mysterious and cool. It seems like an interesting book and will definitely give it a try. Congratulations on BOTD

Wow, this sounds right up my alley – I've always been interested in art history, and incorporating art history with romance (amongst other genres) makes it sound like a fascinating read. However, I agree that there could be more tension build-up and less of what looks like a deus ex machina (Epiphany tapping too easily into her power). Thanks for the review.

It think it will be a delightful read. Mysteries set in historical time, searching for treasures, plots like these intrigues me. Thanks for the great review!

I love a good mystery novel. Add in ancient tablets, and special abilities you know you have taken the book to the next level. This was a great review and I would not pass up the chance to read this book.

When I read the title, I thought the book was about spirituality. On reading your review I can see I was wrong. As you pointed out the lack of tension made the book seem slow, I'm wondering if I should pick it up. Great review though.