Book Review: The Key by Simon Toyne

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by Candace Salima, US Daily Review Senior Contributor

THE FATE OF MAN LIES
IN THE HANDS OF ONE WOMAN

The Key (The Ruin Trilogy, Book 2) by British author, Simon Toyne, is a page turner! I love a good conspiracy thriller, and that precisely describes The Key.

A brilliant writer, I rate Simon Toyne right up there with James Rollins and Steve Berry. He has an astonishing gift for the written word, and is an impeccable storyteller. Although it was 2:00 a.m., I couldn’t put the book down until my eyes felt like they were filled with sand! I finished the last two chapters early the next morning, before I interviewed him for my show, Turning the Tide with Candace Salima.

And although The Key picks up where Sanctus left off, I was easily able to pick up the backstory. The backliner reads:

Hounded. Haunted. Hunted. She is the most important person in the world. She is The Key.

In the ancient Turkish city of Ruin, American journalist Liv Adamsen lies in an isolation ward staring at walls as blank as her memory.

She knows she entered the monumental Citadel at the heart of Ruin but can remember only darkness. Something strange is stirring within her, whispering that she is ‘the key.’ But the key to what?

For the Ghost, a mercenary operating in the Syrian Desert, Liv could unlock one of mankind’s most potent secrets. For the brotherhood in the Citadel – now cursed by a terrible plague – her return may secure the mountain and ensure their survival. And for a powerful faction in Rome, she threatens the very future of the Catholic Church.

Hunted across continents and caught up in events that defy explanation, Liv turns to the only person she trusts – a charity worker named Gabriel Mann. Together their paths lead to a shocking discovery – one that will tear them apart and change the world forever…

And when Simon says it could change the world forever, picture the plagues spoken of in Revelations, not to mention earthquakes and other calamities. Throw in a group of assassins under the control of the Vatican, a charity worker who is a former Army Ranger, and Liv, who is experiencing all kinds of weird things, including being able to read an ancient text, and you’ve got a good story. The fate of the world really is resting on her shoulders, if she can survive long enough to fulfill the prophecy. Throw in a group of monks purported to live far beyond normal ages with control over ancient relics, and one in particular, The Sacrament. You will not believe what The Sacrament was. I took a severe dislike to these monks once I realized. But you’ll have to read the book to find out the secret. It’s worth it, believe me!

All in all, I’m thrilled to have found a favorite new writer. Although Simon Toyne only has two books under his belt, he has worked in British television for twenty years as a successful writer, director, and producer of several award-winning shows, one of which won a BAFTA. He lives in England with his wife and family. The Key is the second volume of the Ruin trilogy.

I’m going to have to give The Key a 5 out of 5 stars. Well written, expertly crafted story, engaging, and I couldn’t put it down until I was almost comatose. All good indicators the author deserves all five stars. The Key will take its place in my home library, as will Sanctus, as soon as it arrives from Amazon.

Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (June 19, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062038338
ISBN-13: 978-0062038333
Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.5 inches

Purchase Sanctus, Book 1 of The Ruin Trilogy, now.
Purchase The Key, Book 2 of The Ruin Trilogy, now.

Candace Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

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