To quote Stephen King from an article on https://ew.com/ – Gotta say it: Nora Roberts is cool. I don’t make the news, honey, I just report it.
I totally agree with Mr. King. Nora Roberts has been writing since 1979 and now has over 240 books published. While known for her best-selling romances, her stories contain elements of fantasy, suspense, and science fiction. Some of my favorite books are by her – the Sign of Seven trilogy (three childhood friends combat the evil rooted in their town), The Search (a woman tries to forge a new life after a fatal encounter with a serial killer by running a dog obedience center), and the Chesapeake Bay series (three very different brothers come to terms with their father’s death and the mysterious boy he was raising).
This review will focus on her Key series – Key of Light, Key of Knowledge, and Key of Valor. Three women – Malory, Dana, and Zoe – have each come to a crossroads in their lives. One is in danger of losing her job, one is dealing with a onerous boss, and one is a single mother trying to provide for and protect her son. So a mysterious invitation to a clifftop mansion on a dark and stormy night is the perfect distraction. Never having met before, the three women feel an instant kinship despite their obvious differences in personality and circumstances.
Then their hosts enter, a beautiful otherworldly couple who weave a fantastic tale. Three demigoddesses have been trapped, their souls encased in a magical box. Malory, Dana, and Zoe have to save them by solving a series of riddles. If they succeed, they will be rewarded one million dollars each. If they fail, the demigoddesses will die.
These stories have a strong fantasy overtone, with healthy doses of friendship, romance, and self-exploration. Along the way, the ladies become family, realizing how strong they are together. More important, they realize how strong and capable they are on their own. Falling in love with charming men along the way? Icing on the cake!
If your first instinct is “Ugh! I don’t read romances!” – stop. Yes, the books contain romance and some minor graphic scenes. But doesn’t love make the world a little brighter? These people don’t sit around and stare longingly and mopingly into each other’s eyes. All characters are tough and there is lots of action. Give them a chance!
