Pandora's Key

The Key Trilogy #1

by Nan Fischer

When everything you believed about yourself is a lie, how do you unlock the truth?      Evangeline Theopolis has nightmares about the violent deaths of women she has never met. Her single mother, Olivia, suffers delusions she can't hide. And Malledy, a brilliant young man, may have a disease that will leave him paralyzed and insane. Their lives are about to collide.    On Evangeline's 16th birthday her mother gives her a necklace with an antique key charm--a family heirloom, though no one knows what the key unlocks.  Everything changes. Her mom is hospitalized. Her godmother attempts murder. An ancient Order tries to kill Evangeline, and a lethal sect to kidnap her.   Nothing makes sense--especially Evangeline's own face, which has morphed from geeky to eerily stunning; the ancient key that feels strangely alive against her skin; and the magical abilities she begins to possess.    Evangeline must use her wits and supernatural powers to fight her deadly adversaries and discover her true identity. But can she accept who she really is and save the world?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology, Paranormal, Magic, Romance, Greek Mythology

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2011

About the author

Welcome to my author page!

Here’s a bit about my books...

Novels under the name Nan Fischer:

The Book of Silver Linings (Berkley Publishing, August 15, 2023)

Some Of It Was Real (Berkley Publishing)

Novels under the name Nancy Richardson Fischer:

The Speed of Falling Objects (HarperCollins/Inkyard Press).
When Elephants Fly (HarperCollin/Inkyard Press.

Novels under the name Nancy Richardson:

Middle Grade:
Junior Jedi Knights Trilogy for LucasFilm (Berkeley Press).

Sport Autobiographies:
Feel No Fear, The Power, Passion and Politics of a Life in Gymnastics (Hyperion).
Riding For My Life (LIttle Brown)
Monica: From Fear to Victory (HarperCollins)
A Journey: The Autobiography of Apolo Anton Ohno (Simon & Schuster)
Nadia Comaneci: Letters to a Young Gymnast (Basic Books)
Winning Every Day with Shannon Miller (Bantam Books).

If you'd like to learn more about my novels, events, or sign up for my newsletter, please visit www.nancyrichardsonfischer.com

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pandora's Key starts out as two different stories. Evangeline's story and Malledy's story. Both are equally captivating and fun to read. Evangeline's life completely changes on her 16th birthday. After going from somewhat awkward teen to someone she hardly recognizes in a mirror, what was supposed to be a special day turns into a nightmare. Nothing makes sense anymore to Evangeline and she has no one to turn to for help…no one she can trust anyway. Malledy is a super-intelligent man with a disease that is slowly killing him. He is looking for something that will cure him, and he is willing to go to any lengths to get his hands on that something.

When the two stories finally merge, it was like nothing I would have expected. People weren't who they seemed to be, both for Evangeline and for Malledy. Evangeline gets to the point where she just does not know who she can trust anymore, so she ends up trusting no one, while Malledy did not really seem to trust anyone from the beginning, with good reason.

The characters were great. Evangeline is your normal awkward teen and easy to like as a main character. Her character was well balanced in that she was not so beautiful and popular that you wanted to hate her, yet she was not so down on herself that you got tired of her wining. I think that's a hard balance to create when writing about teen girls, but the author managed it here. Malledy I think we did not get to know quite as well, but we did get to see his motivations and his way of thinking.

I loved the mythology background to this story. I loved that the author was able to take such a well known piece of mystery and create a unique story to go with it. It was fresh and entertaining, and I guarantee you'll be left guessing about what's coming next until the very end.

Interview with author Nancy Richardson Fischer:
http://shutupandreadgroup.blogspot.co...

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did NOT end up like I expected at all. Not one bit- in a good way.

Some of the characters REALLY pissed me off. It is a good sign that the writing draws me in so much, that I start talking back to the book, "Oh, no- Bestie did NOT just say that!" I was honestly ready to throw my Kindle around I was so ticked off. You don't know why to trust, how deep the rabbit hole goes.

"Evangeline was feeling like Alice in Wonderland hurtling down the rabbit hole."

"I do love you," he whispered, feeling unbearably sad. "But there's not enough love in the world to keep me from killing you if you stand in the way of my survival."

Very unique story, I don't think I've read any before that focus on Pandora. Even the few stories I can think of that involve Gods (as in Greek/Roman: Zeus and the like)... usually they focus on the Gods themselves, or the 'demigods'. But it was an interesting take on the story. I'm still trying to decide why the story slightly deviated from the one I grew up with, where Pandora trapped Hope in her box.

What a mind-f*&ck! Seriously, like a conspiracy theory nut's wet dream.

"If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck... they're part of this thing, too."

I will definitely continue the series.

Very vanilla, YA, young romance- do not read this book expecting serious hanky-panky action.

"Raphe said I was beautiful and I believed him. I am such a pathetic cliche."

If you enjoy YA, and PNR/Urban Fantasy with some dark undertones a 'everyone IS out to get me' feel to it- RUN, don't walk and get your own copy!

[Tiffany Loves Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

My review may or may not contain spoilers.... Continue at your own risk

I'll start by saying that the prologue felt like a history lesson and I was bored by it. But once the story starts I really got into it. The characters were believable and the story progressed at a good pace. There were moments where I didn't understand what was happening (like the first chapter) but it still made for an enjoyable read. I also enjoyed the Greek mythology of it all.

Now, if your wondering why I gave it such a rating my answer will be broken into a few categories. First, anyone who knows me might argue that the reason I didnt particularly love this book was the lack of romance. Well if anyone thought that, they would be right. When the story is starting up there are hints of a romance forming and romance loving me will admit that I enjoyed it. The problem is that that is all you get- a hint of romance.

Then there is also my dislike for Melia and Evangeline. Melia is ridiculous and selfish and I hated the way she betrayed and treated her "friend". Although I understand her to a point, I disliked her behavior and am not at all her fan. I found Evangeline weak. I agree with her character being skeptical and in complete denial of everything that happens but the way she handles most situations left me disappointed. After reading the description I thought I would be reading a book about some bad-ass heroine- totally not the case. Towards the end of the book she gets a grip and although I agree with her decisions I still disliked her weakness.

I have the idea that this book might be a hate it or love it kind of book. When it came to me it just wasn't my cup of tea.

I received a free copy of this book from the author through the Shut Up & Read group to review.

[MizzSandie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, I did.
Because:
1) the author was kind enough to send me a free copy (still appreciate that though)
and
2) My friend Emilija really really liked it. And I like her. (and I still do, we just have a very strong difference of opinion on some matters. Like this book. Clearly). Why, will forever be a mystery to me, and I guess I will just have to mull over how we can have such different opinions and experiences of the same thing. The human nature- a mystery, eh?:)

Because of the 2 beforementioned reasons I finished this book, even if I was not enjoying the ride. But I promised the writer, and I was hoping, somehow, to discover something I could appreciate about this book.

But I really, really did NOT like this book. In my opinion so many things were wrong with it. I will try to tell you. Spoilers will be hidden in spoiler tags, so don't click them if you don't want to know.

My main problems with this book was the writing and the storytelling - which was worse and most at fault for making this book so bad, I am undecided.
I'll admit, writing is a HUGE deal for me, even more than the story itself. Good writing can reel me in, keeping me interested in something I really would never have cared about. This book did not have that.
And what was so bad about the writing? Well... It felt to me like the way a 10-year old writes. 'He/she did/said 'x'.' 'he/she felt y'. It was .. bland and very banal. Here and there it was trying to be descriptive, but it never quite worked, maybe because what it was trying to describe, really didnt matter, or really just wasn't that good of a description. but it never had an edge, never compelled me, never made me taste the words. And the forwardness of it all, like 'we would have killed them anyway' - no one would ever say that other than to be obviously waving a big sign of 'hello! i am bad! hate me! do it! do it now!'



The storytelling kind of goes hand in hand with the language, and, (surprise!) the story. I didnt like how it was very 'out there' telling me what to think about different aspects of the story. Who was good, who was bad, ect. Please,
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I can think for myself, thank you very much. I like the authour to show me the story, not tell me, in a way, that I am constantly aware that this is someones story, something somebody made up, in their heads, and am now trying to get across to me, and Im just not interested and feeling it. At all. In a good book for me, I need to forget that this is 'just' a story, and I need to feel the characters pain, joy, whatever, and I need to want to reach out and help them when they hurt, jump up and down with them in excitement, fight their enemies with them, and well, be somewhat sad afterwards that it was just a book and that it's over.
This book on the other hand, was very much 'just' a book to me. made up. easily tossed away.



Which leads me to... The story , which didnt do it for me either. For one, it was too predictable, too overly dramatic, trying to be shocking but falling flat, because *gasp* I was not at all surprised, and neither of the people in the story and whether they lived or died ever mattered to me, (they were, after all, just a story, in someones head, right?) and too, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too cliché. I felt like I was watching a really bad movie, with terrible screenplay, and terrible actors, and it just made me cringe.
The whole mystic world, I never believed it. and it's not because it's mythical or fantasy, I 'believed' in Harry Potter (still remember the tears i shed when snape died), and I believed in Lord of the Rings, and Uneartly, and all these other worlds that I have been drawn into, but no, this world never had a touch of authenticity, probably mostly due to writing.
The whole plot was just very cliche. Good guys, bad guys, people with tragic backgrounds (like, really, all of them), wonderkids, but never with any like, real, human flaws. And some things were just too convenient. A lot of the times I was going 'Really?? You're going to use that old trick.'

where i think i was supposed to be more like this

and the way these people just resorted to violence, without hesitation, even in the name of good, just irked me.

Neither of these characters are good, they are all bad, terrible people. The characters were all made up to play a certain role, like Here's the doctor, he doesnt have a clue, but he's a nice guy, and he lost his family and drinks so please, have some sympathy with him. Here's the friend, who turns out to maybe not be such a good friend, but oh, in the last minute, she was anyway. here's the mum, she's good, but going crazy and now dying of cancer and getting killed. sympathy alarm!!!' See what I mean about being too forward, too cliche and too direct? Not how to write a book, in my humble opinion!

This book, is clearly not for me. If you like action and dont mind cliches or poor writing, maybe it could be for you.

but my final verdict goes like this:



over and out.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this lovely new approach to one of the most important legends in Classical Greek mythology. Highly suspenseful, adventurous, and roller-coaster paced, “Pandora’s Key” kept me turning the pages and reading it in one sitting due to the likable characters, intricately convoluted plotting, and author Nancy Richardson Fischer’s smooth and talented writing style. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series, so I can find out where the protagonist goes from here. However, “Pandora’s Key” functions well as a stand-alone novel, ending in not so much a cliffhanger as a promise for further stories for eager readers (such as myself  ).

Evangeline is the sole daughter of a single mother, Olivia, who was herself a sole child, orphaned at seventeen by the sudden grisly death of her mother. She has a lifelong best friend, Melia, who still finds time for her despite Melia’s current love interest, Tristin, a new student in Portland; and another good friend, Raphe, for whom E continues to wish there could be something in addition to friendship.

E (as her friends call her) and her mother Olivia both have nightmares (and in her mother’s case, bizarre hallucinations) over a period of weeks leading up to Evangeline’s birthday. On her sixteenth birthday, E receives from her mother the onyx key which Olivia herself had always worn as a pendant, and almost immediately Evangeline’s world turns topsy-turvy and inside out in a reversal of everything she ever thought she knew as fact-both for her personally, and for the world at large.

I highly recommend “Pandora’s Key,” which has appeal to readers of many different sub-genres.

[Sam Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book review based on a free copy from the author. Many thanks go to the author for this generosity.

The same review is also available in my blog:
http://bookunderthesun.blogspot.sg/20...


I wasn't particularly attracted to the Young Adult genre, but somehow I got drawn into a few of them, with Pandora's Key being one of these. Short the story may be, with only about 130+ pages in e-book format, twists and turns snaking throughout made reading this a distinctly fun process.

My feeling at the end of the book was mixed - there was a certain satisfaction with how the story goes yet something seemed missing from it at the same time. Maybe it was the lack of action or the lack of any ingenuity on the part of the protagonist despite the surprising twists which kept me through the whole book.

Pandora at 16

With sweet 16 around the corner, Evangeline expected much of the life ahead of her - getting a date with her crush, getting married, getting a family, getting a career... Her life was not perfect with the lack of a father and the lack of a beauty her mother somehow did not pass to her, but she was content. But then again, there wouldn't be a story if everything stayed that way.

Somehow her 16th birthday turned out to be a nightmare, and that was after she had nightmares about the final moments of different ladies, all of whom she had no inkling about. Her mother's succumb to delusions, her godmother turning into a killer, and the involvement of a certain cult she knew none about - all of these made her almost forgot about a charming key chained to a delicate necklace which she received as her birthday gift before all these happened. A key which was ancient, which she knew not what door it unlocks, and which she knew not were related to all these events unfolding around her. With the obviously named Pandora's Key, it wasn't hard to guess what it really unlocked...

Pandora of Greece

By twisting Greek mythology slightly, Fischer managed to came up with a fantasy involving a small list of dramatis personae but which all of them were easily recognized. From the parallel story of villainous Malledy and the crumbling days after Evangeline's birthday, the story unfolds and revealed how events had conspired since before the defining day of the protagonist's birthday.

Especially satisfying was the fact that while I was slightly suspicious of certain characters, I was still taken aback when the revelation came. Kudos to Fischer for such a nice sleight of hand in hiding the relationships between characters and entwined them to each other. The characters themselves, including some which initially served as sidelines, were cleverly revealed to be tied to the plot, and while not all of them memorable, they do leave enough of an impression to know who is who, unlike certain stories which have such a giant cast that I start to forget who was doing what at where.

The story of Pandora being a gift sent from the Greek gods, as well as being endowed with special abilities, should be no stranger to those enchanted by the ancient myth, but the abilities endowed from the gods were slightly altered for the benefit of the story. In some sense, these gifts were inherited through Pandora's child as well as her curse.

Still, the aforementioned "missing item" is the fact that Evangeline's abilities were not being utilized in clever little ways, much like Number Four did not utilize his special abilities in clever little tactics in fighting his enemies (read more from my previous review of I Am Number Four ).

Even so, Evangeline's portrayal as a young lady at the turning of age being faced with momentous revelations about her life and ancestry could be translated to be the same for all adolescents facing the uncertainty of society life, especially for one stepping out into the working force for the first time. Sometimes life could be cruel in rearing its ugly head, but when the worst had passed, it would be one's courage and stamina in facing life that will defined what came out from the fires of the forge.

Pandora's Power

The pace of the story, as well as its twists and turns, is thrilling. It brought the momentum which is required to push readers past pages and keep wanting more. It isn't slow since the beginning, and it didn't slow down until the end.

Maybe I am still hooked to the kind of thriller like Dan Brown's and Matthew Reilly's, so much so that I find the momentum and revelation in Pandora's Key not as addicting. I would also have expected more revelations about the Greek gods since this clearly is in the league of Percy Jackson's Greek adventures, but the story seemed content to deal with magic only through Evangeline, and no divine power seemed to intervene to put things into motion. There weren't even any suggestion as to whether they were still watching.

Where creativity is concerned, no novel concept, something which I cherish most in stories, was introduced in Pandora's Key, making that another minus for me. The story could have brought forth the ancient gods as well as show how Evangeline evades the ingenuity of Malledy, but somehow it all ended without such.

All in all, Pandora's Key is a nice book, well deserving its praises from different reviewers and an award from IndieReader Discovery Awards for Young Adult Fiction. It would be a better book if the concerns highlighted above are addressed. Even with the few negative comments from me, I am still looking forward to Fischer's next installment in The Key Trilogy.

[Margot · Rating 5 out of 5]

for an interview with the author, check out my blog post about Pandora's Key - the interview is posted HERE

I love anything that has to do with mythology, so I had very high expectations of it. Luckily, it lived up to my expectations.
First of all, my first impression. 1) Greek mythology, 2) amazing cover 3) nice author - this book has to be freaking fantastic!
The blurb of this book intigued me, and I instantly started reading it. I couldn't put it down, and I had finished it in a couple of hours. I read it in 2 sits, which hardly happens to me, so that's a very good thing ^^
The main character, Evangeline, is just your average high school girl. Not the prettiest, not the most confident, or the smartest of them all. Nothing special. Or is she? She is given a key on her 16th birthday. And that key will change her life, forever. How can her mothers precious key change her appearance? how can it give her enemies? The necklace brings up some difficult questions and massive trouble. The unknown has to become known to Evangeline.
Evangeline is a great character. Just a normal girl, as I said before. Not a silly girl, like some YA-book girls are, but a real character, with thoughts and reasonable feelings, which weren't annoying at all. I hate it when main characters in books annoy me, so this was perfect!
This book kept me 100% interested from the first word till the end of the prologue. A real pageturner, as I might as well call it. The editing had been done well, a nice writing style, all of it was one piece of awesomeness

A lovely story for every book lover - and even for the ones that don't like mythology at all - which includes amazing characters, lots of drama and a huge amount of action.

[Elsa Carrion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story enjoyed the plot. I do like mythology base stories and this one was very good. I will spare you the synopsis because you can always go and read that elsewhere. Onward with the review….so you’re probably thinking why four stars...and here is why....there was too much thinking going on in her own mind which to me was a little annoying. I understand that sometimes the thoughts of the character need to be told...but it just seem too much. Raphe could have been a stronger character I wish she would included him more scenes with him in it instead of almost at the end. Loved the ending did not see that coming. It took me longer to read than I thought I don't know if it was because I kept getting interrupted or there where time where it slowed down a bit or it cold have been that it was like 48 chapters! Darn if it’s to short and darn if its’ to long right oh well still good glad I read it. I just noticed that there will be a second and third book and because it’s mythology I will definitely be reading it. Pandora Key didn’t really have a big cliff hanger so I can’t wait where the story is going to take me next. Maybe a little more romance in the next book; that would really be nice. Thank you Nancy for letting me review your book. I really enjoyed your story.

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pando...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-r...

[Renetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

My actual rating of this book is 3.5 stars. I put 4 to even the scales of an earlier review that felt the same but marked 3.

It was fun to read a story about how Greek mythology plays a role in current time.
I enjoyed the prologue which told the mythology version of Pandora's Box. Not exactly how I remember the story but it was an interesting version.

The story is set in Portland, Oregon. I lived there for a few years so I liked the familiarity. The story is about an average teenage girl, Evangeline, who finds out she's anything but average. Her mother isn't well and she fears losing her and being on her own. While her mother is hospitalized she learns that almost everyone she knows has secrets they've been keeping from her. The secrets of Pandora's Box and how she's involved with the "cult" as she refers to it.

There's another story going on that later entwines together in the story. A teenage boy, Malledy, is part of a secret group, known only to the rich and powerful, that searches out powerful talisman for their wealthy clients. The search becomes personal when he figures out that it can save him from the incurable disease he has, Huntington's disease.

Evangeline has to quickly find the courage within her to learn about her family's history and protect herself and the people she loves.
This being the first book in a trilogy, I will definitely read the next two books and follow this story to it's end.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this ebook as part of Shut Up and Read's Read It and Reap program.

I enjoyed reading this book. I have always had a soft spot for Greek mythology ever since 7th grade when I first read the story about Narcissus. So when I was presented with the opportunity to read Pandora's Key, I jumped on it. It tells the story of Evangeline, a girl who is a descendent of Pandora of the Pandora's box fame. Things start to get weird when she turns 16.

The only complaint I really have about this book is that the author waited a long time to introduce a major plot point. That annoyed me a bit, but since it is part of a trilogy, I can overlook it. Pandora's Key was a fun, easy read that kept my attention till the end. The only reason I put it down was because I had to go to bed. I can't wait until the second one comes out, I want to find out what happens.

[Jessica at Book Sake · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Pandora’s Key the story of Evangeline moves along quite quickly, a wonderful thing after reading so many books with slow starts. Hearing about the mythology of Pandora and Pandora’s box was a treat, I don’t think I’ve read a book based on the Pandora mythology previously. The entire story was well written and there wasn’t a dull moment to be found. I felt bad for Evangeline upon her discovery that her life wasn’t really her own and that there were so many falsehoods placed upon her. People aren’t who she thinks they are and she ends up having to put her trust in someone new. While this story wrapped up the beginning, there is still so much more that can be had in continuing on the series and I would love to see where it goes.

Reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.

[Gretchen Correa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was twisty and had turns I didn't expect- they made for an enjoyable read and start to a new series I will be following diligently.

Evangeline is a teenage girl who doesn't fit in...until she turns 16 and inherits a mysterious key. That event is the kickoff point for a story that will keep you guessing until the end. With a cast of characters that includes gods, geniuses and girls in 'cults', this book is a good introduction to a reimaging of a story that is familiar to all of us.

Highly recommended!

[Kayleigh {K-Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pandora's Key Review on K-Books

I really enjoyed reading this book, it's a great story with mythological aspects within the story so a great story for me personally as I love mythology within fiction.


Evangeline has always dealt with her Mom's weirdness, her strage behaviour and headaches but what she doesn't count on is discovering a secret sect bound to protect her from her destiny. She is a descendent of Pandora and holds the key and the power to Pandora's Box, which must be protected. Evangeline holds special powers but she is not sure she believes in them. When her path crosses with Malledy, a brilliant boy with a disease sworn to kill him, she must find the strength to believe in her powers or her life may be threatened.


I wasn't at all sure about this book at the start. I thought it was slow and I was really confused for the first 10% or so. You are thrown into this new world where mythology is read. I have read a lot of mythology books and I love them but I was quite confused with the events and things happening at the start of the book. However I kept going because I could see a brilliant story under all of the confusion.


I am so glad I carried on as once I got halfway through I could not put the book down and read the rest of the book in one sitting. It was brilliant. The second half of the book definitely surpasses the first and the action going on in the book leaves you breathless and waiting with bated breathe to find out what's going to happen. I found myself holding my breathe while reading because there were so many twists I didn't know what was going to happen.


Evangeline is such a fantastic character. She is the reason I kept on reading even though I was so confused. I really felt for her and just wanted to jump into the book and give her a hug and tell her everything was going to be okay. I think one of the things that I loved so much about her is when she found out about being a descendent of Pandora she didn't just believe it straight away. She fought it and didn't believe it because it doesn't fit into the 'real world'. So many heroine's in modern books find out about something that in real life is impossible and they don't question it at all and that really annoys me so I loved that the lead character in this book wasn't like that.


Rafe, I love him. He's such a great character and I loved that we were introduced to him as the love interest right at the start of the book. But then everything started to go wrong and he disappeared for a while. This annoyed me a little because at the beginning of the book he came across to me as the best friend who'd loved Evangeline for years and I didn't really believe that he would have left her to deal with things alone. I felt that when she wasn't there for their 'date' then he would have tried to find her. I felt a lot more happy about the book once he came back into the story and in my opinion that's when the pace of the book started to pick up and I couldn't put it down.


Nancy is such a great author and she has a way of hooking you to the story and even though you find yourself slightly confused you just can't stop reading. I really loved her writing style and it had me racing through the book desperate to see what was going to happen. Nancy is definitely an author to look out for.
Pandora's Key is such a great book and all mythology fans will love it. You just need to look past the initial confusion and you will find yourself falling in love with the story. I loved seeing this perception on the myth of Pandora and how the myths haven't died out they have been brought into modern times passed on through generations.


A great start to what I hope will be a great mythological series. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evangeline Theopolis or E to her friends is a teenager who is turning sixteen soon. E with her best friend Melia and Raphe Petersen help E cope with life and other struggles she faces. E has been having strange dreams that are more like nightmares of different women killing themselves in the prime of their lives. E's mother Olivia has been acting strangely lately and E is worried about her. Samatha Harris is Olivia's agent and E's godmother. Malledy is an Archivist and suffering from Huntington's Disease. He is searching for some cure and hope that he can defeat the disease. Malledy is keeping a few secrets of his own from Juliette and the Archivists too. Juliette is Malledy's mentor and follow Archivist that is hiding a secret. She is a member of the Pandora Sect and leading a dual life which is wearing on her these last few years. Malledy has an appointment with Dr. Aali regarding Huntington's Disease. He's hoping for good news but not holding his breathe either. E's world is turned upside down when she finds her mother passed out on her bedroon floor. Dr. Sullivan tells Olivia and E that there isn't much hope. E tries to deny the truth yet it's plain on Dr. Sullivan's face. E is kidnapped and taken hostage by unseen foes in front of Raphe. Raphe asks for Dr. Sullivan's in finding E Dr. Sullivan reluctantly agrees to help. Detective Morrison is searching for Evangeline and Samatha too. Will Olivia get better? Will Juliette be found out? What is Malledy's plan? Will E trust Samatha or Melia? What about Raphe? Will Detective Morrison find E? Your answers await you in Pandora's Key.

[Neyra ♦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5

Pandora's Key caught my attention from page one. The buildup to the plot was slow, but the writing was great enough that I honestly didn't mind it. Though I felt the ending was a little bit rushed, I still enjoyed reading every minute of this book.

I did, however have a few issues with Evangeline. Her denial and reluctance to accept that she was a descendant of Pandora frustrated me, someone should have slapped her. Then she goes after the sect thinking to confront Sam for what she did, which was pretty stupid. Any genius would know she'd only get caught.

I liked that there was makings of romance, but that it didn't distract from the actual story. Raphe was sweet, I really liked him and I'm looking forward to reading more on him.

Malledy was a good character as well. And I liked that we got to read from his pov too. I didn't see his approach coming, though I knew he'd be involved in going after the key. The way he handled that situation intrigued me and towards the end, I couldn't find it in me to hate him.

All in all, I'll be reading book 2, The Key to Tartarus when it comes out ;]

*This book was given to me for review by the author via Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics! Group's Read 2 Review program.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a page turner once the action started taking place and its one book that you will not want to put down. I don’t know much about Greek mythology but the whole story line had me intrigued – a line of female descendents holding a mystery key which is bestowed upon a 16-yr old who has no clue of her past. This key opens Pandora’s Box which has its own special powers inside which is also wanted by a group of people wanting to unleash Pandora’s powers. Will Evangeline be thrilled at her new role or will the curiosity of what is in the box be too much for her? For Evangeline whose life consisted of her mother and a few friends until she was 16, being a part of the Sect was a life-changing event for her and her family. Her mother kept this information from her which I thought was strange for a mother (any mother) to do. How would you feel if suddenly on your 16th birthday or close to your 16th birthday, you were given a necklace with a key on it and this key unlocked a box? Inside this box held some secret power that others wanted and would kill for. What if it were you they were hunting down, looking for this box and key? What if you were born into a female Sect and…..? I thought this was a great coming of age story and had lots of action.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pandora's Key is two stories in one with a mythological twist. It is full of mystery and intrigue which will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Evangeline is suffering with nightmares about different women dying tragically. She is also dealing with her mom's disturbing delusions. Looking forward to her sixteenth birthday, Evangeline hoping that things will get better. That hope is shattered when her mom lands in the hospital fighting for her life. This tragedy will make Evangeline question who she can trust and depend on.

Malledy is an amazingly intelligent teenage boy who is diagnosed with Huntington's disease. This diagnoses will lead him to find a cure in an unlikely place. He will make choices that will not only endanger himself but others around him.

The author does a great job of weaving the two stories together with the main thread consisting of the myth of Pandora's box and key. I really enjoyed this story and would definitely recommend it.

[Lauren (TheBookishTwins) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author, and I am forever grateful because I really enjoyed it. The plot was unique and interesting and continued at a good pace, and I particularly enjoyed the Greek mythology aspect to it. I enjoyed the writing style of the story and found the characters likeable and believable. Evangeline's reluctance to accept what she was - I found - realistic. I also enjoyed the romantic build up, and was glad that it wasn't rushed and didn't distract you from the storyline.
I was glad that I read this, and I would highly recommend.

[E.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Wasnt too long, wasnt too short, just enough information to transport me into the story. I love mythology and greek is one of my all tile favorites. I like stories that take a myth and put it into a modern setting. This adventure would go nicely with Rick Riordan's series. I cannot wait to read more (even though theres a preview chapter for book 2 at the end i didnt read it. Dont know when i will be able to get book 2 lol)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really loved this book! while the story is supernatural, it's believable. what if pandora's box truly did exist? who would protect it? who would want it for their own selfish needs? and what about the descendents of pandora? It's a page-turner - fast passed and never boring or drawn out.
i'm ready for book #2! hope it comes out soon!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is completely enthralling!
It had me fixated page to page.
It was a completely different and very interesting take on pandoras box. And I had no idea what to expect as the story continued.

Its definitely worth reading and I am very glad the author offered her book up for a review for it is a series good enough to ensure I read the next installment.

[Daphne Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐

Nan Fischer creates such a detailed "cult" involving Pandora and the women trying to keep her descendants safe. So much thought must have went into this book. The switching POV was delightful and well written. And the short chapters were a breath of fresh air.

However, there were a lot of mistakes sprinkled throughout this book. Lots of missing quotation marks, misspelled names and words, and no commas where I feel there should've been a pause.

I still really enjoyed this atmospheric novel and the complexity of E's situation. The plot twists (THAT one in particular, if you know you know) were gobsmacking. And the deadly situations definitely felt dire.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pandora’s Key
By Nancy Richardson Fisher (Nancy Richardson Fisher 2011)

Pandora’s Key is a mystical story of a girl whose life is unknowingly thrust into an epic tale full of myths of ancient Greek gods and the legends associated with them. The plotline starts out fairly simple, but even so the reader is aware from very early on that there is a much grander plot involved, which is not revealed until later in the book. Nothing particularly exciting happens within the first few chapters, but soon unexplained events occur that begin to intrigue the reader, which lead to even more unexpected twists and turns. Having two storylines that intertwine in unexpected ways, this urban fantasy, filled with romance, action, and surprises, will keep you biting your nails throughout nearly every chapter as you eagerly await what will become of the heroine.
Strong, independent main character Evangeline Theopolis is what really ties the whole book together. On her sixteenth birthday, she is launched into a legacy that goes back to the time of the creation of humanity, all when she receives a small necklace with a key dangling from it from her mother. Little does she know, the key is the legendary key that can be used only by her to open the fabled Pandora’s Box. She is but one member of a long line of Pandora’s descendants. Upon putting on the key necklace, everything changes--from her looks to her abilities to seemingly unnatural powers.

Soon, she comes to discover the secrets of her past, but with the responsibility of having the necklace, there comes danger. Thus, a female sect called Pandora has vowed to protect all descendants of Pandora and keep the key from falling into the wrong hands. For many people seek to kill Evangeline and use the key for themselves, and open the box in order to release the fifth, most devastating Fury--Annihilation—which Pandora kept from escaping by resealing the box before it could escape.

This book would not be complete without the evil, yet misunderstood, antagonist—Malledy, who wishes to seize the box and key and use it for himself. Malledy is part of an ancient-talisman seeking group called the Archivists, and also happens to have Huntington’s disease and wishes to open the box to use Annihilation to rid him of his illness. Malledy is cunning, wily, and becomes growingly malicious as his disease causes him to lose his grip on sanity. While the second storyline is told from his perspective, it connects to the first in many shockingly unexpected ways.

Meanwhile, Evangeline struggles to find her true purpose and discover her past, and to save the ones she loves, and above all keep the key safe from Malledy and the Archivists. Surprises are flung at her from every direction, and she must find a way to overcome adversary in the face of danger and uncover the truth behind the necklace on which dangles the key that keeps humanity safe and alive.

Complete with an inspiring protagonist and an antagonist that you both despise and come to pity, this book is filled with characters and settings that come to life in your mind. I sat on the edge of my seat from about the twentieth page onwards, and found myself gasping and shrieking at all of the many unexpected surprises that Pandora’s Key has in store. This novel will hook you from the very beginning, and take you on an adventurous journey as you follow the incredible story of Evangeline; it is a work of art that you will never forget.

[Zimt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: The author, Nancy Richardson Fischer, was kind enough to give me the means to obtain a free Copy without any requirements attached.

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"Pandora's Key", book one of "The Key Trilogy", is an awesome blend of Greek culture and the Supernatural. It is a unique approach on Greek mythology, mainly about the "Olympian Gods" and their secrets they left behind for humans.

Evangeline is your average teenage girl of today. She just turned sixteen at the beginning of the book and got a very special gift from her mother. A necklace with an antique key which is a heirloom given from daughter to daughter at their sixteenth birthday. After that, everything changes for Evangeline, her best friend Raphe asks her out, her mother suddenly gets ill and her godmother Samantha betrays her in the worst way possible. What is a girl supposed to do when her daily life is falling apart around her. She fights to stay above the water, of course. Especially, when Evangeline finds out that she is a descendant of Pandora and the key charm actually openes Pandora's Box.
And now to open or note to open Pandora's Box that is the question!

In the meantime, Evangeline strains to stay strong through the whole book. She tries even harder to understand what is happening, but cannot really grab the significance of everything until the end. The various people around her attempt alternately to use or help her and it is difficult to say which aganda each person is following. That makes the Story all the more interesting since there is no saying what happens next.

There are other side characters who play an important role for the story development with Malledy leading the way as an archivist with a fatal disease, Samantha as the leader of Pandora, Melia as her childhood friend and finally Raphe and Dr. Sullivan. Each gets it own space and I hope to learn and see more of them in future installments.
We actually get to see the different perspectives from those characters told in third person. So, there is never much revealed about their thoughts, mainly because of the dialogue writing style, that leaves the reader guessing what their true motives and feelings might be until the end.
The final conclusion brought the Side story for this first book to a solid end, despite many open threads for further books. However, I found the end still a bit rushed. That is mainly because Evangeline's sudden acceptance of her role in a crucial moment. There is an interior monologue where she reflects again why she has to accept her fate which made it somehow alright for me once more.

This minor matter does not change the fact, that this book is a great Young Adult Fantasy debut work and I will look out for the next installment.

[Think · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author through the Making Connections group on GoodReads. If you haven’t joined this group, go and do it right now!!! They offer tons of books you can read for free as long as you provide a review. Brilliant if you ask me! In fact, they still have several copies of "Pandora's Key" available HERE: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...

Also, there is currently an author interview with Nancy Richardson Fischer, author of “Pandora’s Key,” on the Shut Up & Read Blog HERE. http://shutupandreadgroup.blogspot.co...

I really enjoyed reading this book and everything about it. Honestly, I did not know what to expect when I started reading “Pandora’s Key.” But, let me tell you that this book is happy, sad, exciting, romantic, scary and full of action! This book has everything to keep the reader turning pages like a mad person.

The character of Evangeline is a strong female lead, especially for being barely 16. She faces things that seem impossible and has a hard time not asking questions. The great thing is that she never gives up her search for truth and hope. Evangeline wasn’t the only fantastic character. I would say all of the characters, even if they were barely in the story, gave off a definite sense of meaning and purpose. Even the nurses that tend to her mother were memorable. That is quite a feat you have accomplished there, Nancy Richardson Fischer!

The plot was just… perfect. I don’t know what other word to describe it that would give it justice. The plot basically starts out with two stories. One is the story of Evangeline while the other is the story of a young man named Malledy. Both stories are so gripping separately, but when the characters collide it is impossible to stop reading “Pandora’s Key” after that.

I want to say so much more but I don’t want to give away too much about the book. That is why my reviews are always short, sweet and to the point. I think anyone that enjoys a great work of Fiction, YA or not, should read “Pandora’s Key.” Just trust me on this one! Plus, it is only the 1st book in the Key Trilogy! I am very, very, very excited about the next two books.

5 stars because “Pandora’s Key” is a gift from the gods!

[Charlayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixteen year old Evangeline Theopolis is having her birthday. Her mother, Olivia, is a brilliant artist who has started having problems with delusions that are scaring Evangeline. She is painting a portrait of her daughter that she refuses to let her see. For her birthday, she gives Evangeline a necklace with an antique key, a family heirloom that her mother has worn all of Evangeline’s life, and her grandmother wore before her. It is so old that no one remembers what it opens.

As she tries to sleep, E, as her friends call her, starts having nightmares about women she has never met, nightmares of their deaths. Her best friend, Melia, is listening to her with one ear but more interested in being with her new boyfriend, Tristin. Raphe, E’s best guy friend, is hanging around with them, trying to get closer to her. Her mom’s friend, Samantha, who is Evangeline’s godmother, has been a part of the family for as long as E can remember.

Her mother is hospitalized and then assaulted, ending up in a coma. Her godmother is wanted by the police for attempted murder. Then Evangeline finds out that someone, or several someone’s are trying to kill her and another group is trying to kidnap her. Why? Things start to make even less sense as she finds her face changing and she begins to manifest magical powers.

In the same town, Malledy, a brilliant young man finds that he has a disease that will leave him paralyzed and insane, and eventually kill him. He finds out that there is a girl in the town with a key, a key that can open a box that will contain the power to heal him. He decides to go after the key, go after Evangeline, and no one, not even the woman who has loved and raised him, will stop him.

Pandora’s Key is a new telling of the myth of Pandora’s Box from Greek mythology. Nancy Richardson Fisher has built a new history around the box and how it is handed down between generations. Carefully crafted, the book weaves between Evangeline’s story and Malledy’s story and brings them closer and closer to their meeting. The twists in the story are very surprising and very interesting. I really enjoyed how those around E’s life figured into the entire situation.

This is a good book for teens as well as adults.

[Shy The WidowMaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that anyone that knows me knows how much of a mythology lover I have become. I was so excited to get the chance to read this book as I have heard great things about it. I am so glad I read this too. It was everything I expected and then some. The author did an amazing job.


We start this book with us meeting Evangeline who appears to be having some sort of dream. The dream is really vivid and feels more like an out of body experience. We learn Evangeline lives with her mom and has a birthday coming up. For her birthday she receives an amazing necklace with a key attached. This is when things get interesting for Evangeline. She starts to notice differences with herself and others do too. Evangeline spends her birthday at school and comes home to find her mom unconscious.


Once her mom is at the hospital she learns some life changing information. Evangeline comes from a long line of Pandora's keepers. Yes that Pandora from Pandora's box. The Keepers are entrusted with the key to unlocking the box. She also unfortunely learns they are all fated to die young. Evangeline also learns that her best friend has sworn to protect her with her own life. She also learns that her mom's friend Sam will do anything to keep her safe also.


Evangeline finds herself having to take care of herself and figure out who she can trust. The book takes some twists and turns as she tries to find out more about herself and break the curse. She meets Tristan who is her best friend's boyfriend and finds out who he really is. Tristan who's real name is Malledy is such a complex character. I felt so bad for him and then he transformed into such an evil person eventhough I understood his motives.


Overall I think this book lived up to all I want in a book. The writing was superb and spot on. There was intrigue and a great plot. The characters were written very well and complex. The author did a great job with this book and I look forward to reading more from her.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pandora’s Key

by Nancy Richardson Fischer

(Nancy Richardson Fischer, 2011)


Everything about Pandora’s Key is intriguing, from the title to the last word. Nancy Richardson Fischer will have you begging for more. From Greek mythology, to romance, to a girl that is cursed and doesn’t know it, this urban fantasy novel is full of surprises.

Evangeline lives alone with her mother, and her cat Jasmine. She doesn’t know her dad, and her grandmother died when her mother was seventeen. She is the kind of girl that looks at herself and hates what she sees in the mirror. She thinks of herself as unlikeable and awkward. For her sixteenth birthday, her mom gives her a necklace. Not just any necklace, but the one that she has never seen her mother take off her whole life. It was a simple chain, with a key hanging off of it.

Suddenly, Evangeline notices that everyone looks at her differently, and her curly hair that she used to hate, almost began to look pretty. Her best friend, who she secretly has a crush on, suddenly shows interest in her. Everything is going great, until she comes home to find her mom unconscious laying on the floor, covered in blood.

At the hospital, Evangeline learns that her mother has a deadly disease, and isn’t likely to recover. This is only the beginning of her journey. She soon finds herself taken, not at home, trapped in a room. This isn’t just any room though. It has all of her favorite things inside. Whoever took her, had done their research. She is about to learn a secret that will change her life forever.

From learning who she really is, to the secret curse put on her family by the Gods, to discovering her enemy, Evangeline goes through many twists and turns in the story. It will keep you on edge and wanting to read more.

Evangeline isn’t the girl she thought she was, and everything is about to change. Pandora’s Key is a book that anyone will enjoy.

[Katie Conigliaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

From http://thefictiondiaries.blogspot.com
For an interview with the author: http://thefictiondiaries.blogspot.com...

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review:

The only thing stopping me from saying this is the best experience with an Indie book that I have ever had is that it is my first experience with an Indie book, and it has set the bar pretty high for my future Indie reads, because I absolutely ADORED this book!

I admit I was slightly concerned at the beginning, because everything gets started really quickly: strange things begin happening from page one without time to indicate what normal life was like.

Then I read a few more pages and I didn't care anymore; I just wanted to know what happened next.

The book head-jumps between a few different story lines that eventually collide in a way I had never expected. Now, anyone who knows me can tell you that it is very, very difficult for a plot twist to catch me off guard. I will be watching a movie and 10 minutes in I'll have figured out the catch - I've been told its rather infuriating. The point is I am not one to be caught off guard easily, but this book did just that. I sat in bed staring at the page with my mouth hanging open in awe of the fact that, finally, someone had beat me. I actually messaged the author on Goodread's just to share my excitement at how perfectly she had set the whole thing up. It is essentially a lesser version of when Snape's background is revealed in The Deathly Hallows; everything you know is a lie. Except..ya know..this one only lies to you for one book instead of seven.

The book is a quick read both because it is relatively short and very compelling. The more you read the more you want to know what is going on and you'll be damned if you stop reading before you do. And once you do finish it I am willing to bet you will be just as excited to get book 2 in the trilogy as I am now!

[Stefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the book. Book was pretty easy to read and the language was perfectly adjusted to the type of the book. Book is about teenagers and the language is written so that teenagers could understand it very, very good. The book and the story in the book got interesting right away as I started reading it. I am really impressed by the book. As I already said I really, really liked the book so I had many favorite parts so I couldn’t really decide which one is my favorite. But the part I kind a put my eye on the most is when they go to the Samantha’s apartment. I’d like to recommend the book to the other book lovers and especially if you love fantasy and Greek Mythology and drama in one book.
The book is about a 15 year old girl called Evangeline. Evangeline lives only with her mother, Olivia. On her 16-th birthday Evangeline gets a key necklace from her mother as a present. After few days her godmother Samantha tries to kill Olivia while she is in hospital, she couldn’t do it because Evangeline stopped her. The next day Samantha disappears and so not even police could find her. As the book goes on Evangeline finds out that everyone around her are members of a sect protecting her.

Characters feel really real in the book and you could get the picture of them in your head while you read. You could feel them moving around and talking to each other. You could feel the environment and the characters changing and coming and going from scene to scene. The Main character (Evangeline) gets effected from the environment and from the other characters from the book. As everybody believed in Pandora in the end so did she in the end.
Setting of the book is very unique and there is not a lot of mystery books that are written as good as this one. The book builds up slowly and goes on to the end. And the setting affects everyone in the book. Not only everyone it is everything to, and everything changes as the book goes on.