The Keystone

Emily Weiss #2

by A.M. Dean

"A KEY, LOST FOR MILLENNIA . . ."

The newest thriller from bestselling author A.M. Dean. Highly anticipated since the success of last year's 'The Lost Library', Dean's latest is 'the second book of a classy series which blends high-octane adventure with fascinating, fact-filled history, taking the cultures of ancient civilisations into contemporary settings with stunning authenticity… and explosive results' (Lancashire Evening Post). 'I reckon Dan Brown must see Dean in his rear-view mirror after his debut hit The Lost Library. This is an even more exciting adventure...' (Peterborough Evening Telegraph)

A KEY, LOST FOR MILLENNIA: While tracking down the relic hunters who murdered her cousin, Dr Emily Weiss and her husband Michael are seeking a dangerous artefact. This ancient key lies hidden in the Egyptian desert and will wreak havoc in the wrong hands.

A RELIGIOUS ORDER, PROMISING THE END: In Chicago, the Magnificent Mile is about to go down in history. A dangerous sect is preparing for an explosive Independence Day parade and the finishing touches are being put on a device that will wreak untold havoc on the city.

AN ATTACK, SHROUDED IN MYSTERY: Soon Emily, Michael and the ruler of the sect are racing to Egypt. One party craves retribution, the other seeks spiritual ascendancy, and both sides will do whatever it takes to succeed. But can Emily and Michael stop the sect before they transform an ancient promise into a very modern curse?

Genres: Thriller, Adventure, Fiction, Historical, Conspiracy Theories, Mystery

501 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

“I reckon Dan Brown must see Dean in his rear-view mirror..." (Peterborough Evening Telegraph) A.M. Dean is new arrival into the thriller genre, whose first books have been runaway hits, translated into multiple languages and selling in over thirteen territories around the globe. A leading authority on ancient cultures and the history of religious belief, Dean's expertise in late antiquity has earned him posts at some of the world’s most prestigious universities. An abiding interest in the human tendency toward conspiracies, together with a commanding grasp of the genuinely mysterious contexts of real history, inspire the breadth and focus of his creative works.

Dean's highly-anticipated latest novel, THE KEYSTONE, was just released on August 2013, bringing the realm of Gnostic mystery into the world of modern conspiracies and deadly cults. Grab your copy today (paperback or Kindle)!

His bestselling debut novel, THE LOST LIBRARY, hit the shelves on 16 July 2012 as a major-launch title with Pan Macmillan, climbing into the top 10 and available in over 16 territories and languages across the globe.

Follow A.M. Dean on Twitter (where is he is very active), and like the official A.M. Dean Author Page on Facebook for even more contact and interaction.

A.M. Dean is represented internationally by LBA.

Reviews

[Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review on http://www.milorambles.com/2013/09/06...

The Keystone is more polished than The Lost Library, the author has found in his way in this genre and certainly possesses a sharp pen and an imaginative mind. Not only that, he has the ability to tell a good story, effortlessly so. The book moves along at a rapid pace and introduces a number of hidden paths, red herrings if you will, secret societies, intrigue and exploration – not to mention good old fashioned danger and globetrotting action.

As with The Lost Library – his debut thriller – The Keystone has short chapters that allow the story to move from one location to the next so you always feel in touch with the characters and locations, even when it jumps around a bit.

Unlike his first novel, Michael Torrance – Emily’s husband – plays a bigger role and is a huge character in this book. He’s there to help, support and discover – he does all three with a purposeful strut and although he has his weaknesses he’s there to ensure Emily doesn’t go through the adventure alone and get into too much trouble. We all know that’s not really going to happen don’t we, this is after all an adventure and we expect the odd life threatening scenario. AM Dean doesn’t disappoint!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good thriller - clever, mysterious and exciting til the last page. I loved the Lost Library but with this AM Dean reaches new heights. Excellent! I found my copy on holiday in Paris in an English bookshop. Perfect holiday reading.

[João Luís Ferreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leitura fascinante, empolgante e emocionante!

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

In de geheime sleutel maken we opnieuw kennis met Emily Wess die we reeds kennen uit De verborgen bibliotheek. Het verhaal begint met de moord op Andrew, Emily haar neef, en de diefstal van een document uit de woning van Emily.
Ik moet zeggen dat ik het eerste boek van A.M. Dean heel erg leuk vond om te lezen, maar dit boek was een soort exacte kopie. Opnieuw volledig dezelfde stijl en eigenlijk ook wat dezelfde verhaallijn. Al bij al leuk om te lezen, maar ik zou schrik hebben om een volgend boek te moeten lezen van deze auteur omdat je eigenlijk reeds perfect weet hoe alles zal verlopen...

[Thesnail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first A.M. Dean novel I’ve read and 'The Keystone' was a tremendously absorbing read. It is a fluent, well written novel of its genre: crisp, clever and well crafted. With an ingenious, fast paced storyline, based around Gnostic wisdom and the Nag Hammedi codices it resonated an energy of tension from start to finish. I found myself lured into reading just one more chapter…and then another right through to its dramatic conclusion. I eagerly await future books by this author!

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!! I liked The Lost Library, but this one is even better. All I can say is, Come on Dean, when are we getting the next one?

[Joe Gilmour · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling thriller! We'll written, clever and exciting to the last page.

[Dilys Myhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining mystery full of interesting characters. An enjoyable novel which is fast paced and keeps you engrossed.

[Maria Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma boa leitura que mantém o interesse e o suspense até ao fim.

[Lindsay Cornette · Rating 4 out of 5]

We hebben al kennis gemaakt met Dr Emily Wess in De verborgen bibliotheek. Dr Wess geraakt terug betrokken in een nieuw avontuur dat zijn oorsprong in de oudheid vindt. Het boek is opgedeeld in verschillende delen. De proloog introduceert de verhaallijn. Deze verhaallijn vind ik gemakkelijker te volgen dat het verhaal van de verborgen bibliotheek.

In het eerste deel gaat Dr Wess, samen met haar echtgenoot, op zoek waarom inbrekers een op het eerste zicht van weinig belang manuscript zouden stelen er er ook een moord voor plegen. Ze komen al snel tot de conclusie dat op het manuscript een verborgen plattegrond opgenomen is.

In het tweede deel begint de zoektocht naar wat effectief verborgen ligt in Egypte aan de hand van de gevonden map. Een sekte is ook op zoek naar de verborgen schat en volgt Emily naar Egypte terwijl ze ondertussen alles verder voorbereiden voor de apocalyps.

In het derde deel komt het tot een confrontatie tussen het gezelschap van Dr Emily Wess en de broederschap. In Chicago zet de FBI zijn onderzoek verder naar de mogelijke terroristische aanslag die gepland staat op 4 juli.

Het vierde deel omvat de ontknoping. Zal de FBI er tijdig in slagen om een groep fanatici tegen te houden om hun plan ten uitvoer te brengen om iedereen te zuiveren van de materiële wereld. Zoals bij alle godsdienstfanatici gaat het niet om geloof maar om een ordinaire terreuraanslag. In dit deel wordt de spanning verder opgedreven.

De geheime sleutel is van dezelfde stijl als de verborgen bibliotheek. Een historicus wordt geprikkeld om erop uit te trekken om iets die al eeuwen verborgen ligt terug te vinden, terwijl slechteriken net hetzelfde willen en niets uit de weg gaan om hun doel te bereiken. Ik had bij de verborgen bibliotheek geen overdonderend wow-gevoel, maar de geheime sleutel vond ik wel stukken beter. Het is geen pageturner, maar het verhaal is wel gemakkelijker te volgen dan het verhaal van de verborgen bibliotheek. Ik hou wel van zo'n thema's aangezien ik een voorliefde heb voor de oudheid en alle mysterie eromheen.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dit boek heb ik tweedehands gevonden en ik begon het te lezen zonder dat ik door had dat het een tweede deel was, totdat er in het boek er ineens naar werd verwezen. Ik had het tweede boek (gelukkig) niet nodig, dus dit boek is ook apart goed te lezen.

Ik vond het boek al intrigerend toen ik op de achterkant las dat de schrijversnaam een pseudoniem is. In werkelijkheid is A.M. Dean een vooraanstaande wetenschapper uit Engeland, en dat merk je goed als je het boek leest. De bladzijdes zijn gevuld met historische verwijzingen en benamingen, maar op zo'n manier dat ik, die niets van deze geschiedenis af wist, het toch makkelijk kon volgen.

Vooral door de laatste helft van het boek ben ik doorheen gevlogen; de spanning werd er zo goed ingehouden dat ik helemaal meeleefde met de hoofdpersonages, de FBI en de gnostische beweging, die ieder vanuit hun standpunt in het boek aan bod komen. Ik vond het een hele goede thriller, en het zal zeker in mijn boekenkast terecht komen bij mijn favorieten.

[Miroslav Kožnar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Im Grunde kein schlechtes Buch. Natürlich habe ich mehr erwartet.
Es war teilweise vorhersehbar, naiv und einfallslos. Doch keinesfalls langweilig. Lektüre zum Entspannen, ohne dabei viel zu erwarten. Gnostizismus, Sektenfanatiker, Terroristen, geplante Anschläge, ein Stück Mittelalter als Prequel, da gibt’s alles.
Empfehlenswert?
Ja, doch. Ich habe schon doofere Groschenromane begegnet.

[Kasper Mundt-nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first

[Kejka · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible! Boring! Really bed copy of Dan Brown books.

[Emmy de Reus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een boek vol vaart met korte tot zeer korte hoofdstukken die de spanning er goed in houden, al is het verhaal soms wat ongeloofwaardig. Niettemin met veel plezier gelezen.

[Jitka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Četlo se mi trochu líp než autorova předchozí kniha, ale i tak hodnotím spíš jako slabší průměr.  I zde jde o konspirační příběh vystavený na základech skutečných historických událostí - tentokrát jde o nálezy dokumentů v egyptském Nag Hammádí. Stejně jako u ztracené knihovny mě bavila právě historická fakta, ale čtení mi opět trvalo dost dlouho - nebyl to úplný literární průser, ale  rozhodně taky ne tak vzrušující a dobrodružné jak by asi námět zasluhoval.

[Mieke Schepens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een prachtige cover die je meteen meeneemt naar Egypte. Naar het jaar 374 waarin het verhaal met de proloog ook begint.

Het leest enorm lekker, mede door de 128 korte hoofdstukken.
Het boek bestaat uit eerder genoemde proloog die de lezers een beetje laat proeven van hetgeen waarmee we te maken gaan krijgen in dit boek.
Verder bestaat het boek uit 4 delen. Elk deel beschrijft één dag, zondag1 t/m woensdag 4 juli (Indepence Day), hierin worden we meegenomen door de tijd en over de hele wereld. Mooi detail vond ik dat elk deel begint in het heden en eindigt in het verleden. Je reist de hele wereld door met Emily en de andere personages, van London, via Chicao, Córdoba, Terrasini, Al Bukarmal, Parijs naar Monteleguardia in 1755-56 en het oude Egypte in 373.
Het boek heeft verder een epiloog waarin een en ander afgesloten kan worden door Emily. Ze is er klaar mee en heeft afscheid genomen.
Achterin het boek staan opmerkingen van de auteur. Dat is een verhaal op zich. Ik ben me daar in gaan verdiepen en nog wat op gaan zoeken op Google. Zo ontzettend interessant is dat!
De wisselende tijdlijnen en verhaallijnen waren heel goed te volgen, er staat duidelijk boven elk hoofdstuk waar we ons bevinden en in welk tijdperk indien het in het verleden is. Knap gedaan, dat vergemakkelijkt het lezen.

Emily en haar man Michael (die niet meteen in het verhaal aanwezig is) beleven een heerlijk avontuur, waarin je kunt lezen hoe gedreven mensen kunnen zijn als ze écht ergens in geloven, wat ze bereid zijn om te doen ongeacht hun eigen welzijn.
Ook het infiltreren in de regering, de kerk en overheidsdiensten komt aan de orde. Een prachtig verhaal!

Ik heb echt genoten van dit boek van A.M. Dean. Eerder had ik niets van deze auteur gelezen, maar het is zonder meer een aanrader. Een volgend boek met Emily in de hoofdrol zou ik ook graag lezen.

[Maria Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

O Escriba de A.M. Dean apresenta-se como uma leitura leve agradável. Seguindo o normal esquema dos livros de ação e mistério, conhecemos uma seita obscura que pretende dominar o mundo.

A narrativa divide-se em quatro linhas. A linha de história de Emily Wess, Michel Torrence e Chris; a segunda linha Arthur Bell e o seu grupo gnóstico; a terceira foca-se nas operações do FBI em Chicago, e a quarta e última linha elucida o leitor sobre os antecessores gnósticos (tanto no Antigo Egito, como em Itália).

Gostei da leitura, sempre intensa e cheia de ação. Penso que carece, por vezes, de alguns pormenores e detalhes. Uma leitura leve e cheia de emoção. Nunca li a prequela, mas penso que lhe darei uma oportunidade em breve. Pessoalmente, nunca tinha ouvido falar em gnosticismo, mas neste caso em particular observo que se enquadra bem na história, conferindo-lhe tanto misticismo como um elemento histórico.

Refiro apenas, que podia ter sido mais explícito no início do livro, pois por vezes tornou-se confuso perceber, sobre a que realmente os gnósticos estavam associados.

Por fim, aponto as 4 linhas de história diferentes. Estas conferem uma energia espectativa no leitor. Uma sensação de rapidez e aventura.

Recomendo!

[Rosália Ramos · Rating 3 out of 5]

O enredo? O tema é interessantíssimo, ainda por cima se é também aliado a um assassinato e à descoberta de um documento antigo. Portanto, ele até tinha todos os ingredientes para dar certo e deu, contudo, para mim, acho que faltou algo pelo meio, por isso, não me despertou a atenção como esperava. Não deixa de ser um livro muito bem estruturado e com umas boas referências históricas só que não me estimulou a leitura.

As personagens? São todos bastante inteligentes, barras na sua área, com conhecimentos fantásticos mas parece faltou algum tipo de emoção pelo meio que me cativasse.

A escrita? Simples para uma leitura fluída, com capítulos relativamente pequenos e mudanças rápidas de narradores para cativar e criar suspense ao leitor.

Conclusão? Não tive oportunidade de ler o primeiro volume “O Bibliotecário” antes, por isso, iniciei esta leitura com bastante entusiasmo, no entanto, criei uma expectativa acima da realidade. Estava à espera de algo mais envolvente, que estimulasse mais a leitura, coisa que não veio a acontecer. No entanto, não deixa de um bom livro para os amantes deste género de leitura.

[Matt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Utterly inept.

You've got a bunch of religious nutcases who are chasing a couple of museum custodians / historians / archaeologists / who cares from Egypt to America and Britain (nowhere known to the author). The inhabitants of this weird world wave weapons in each others' faces inappropriately, brew hyper-ultra-virulent poisons from 2000-year-old recipes and household ingredients, attempt to wipe out the entire populatio of a city (which one I gave up caring about) but first they have to give a sermon translated at the last minute from the vitally-important piece of parchment they've all been chasing after ...

An example of how utterly stupid the author is: the protagonist has known another character since her teens, when he acted as a mentor to her and became a hero-figure for her. But get this: he was ten years *younger* than she was. As I say, utterly inept.

Even if this is the only thing you have to read on assignment to a foreign office with no access to anything else to read, *please* don't bother with continuing to torture yourself.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads give away. It's obvious that the author is very knowledgeable about the subject matter, but got so caught up in demonstrating his knowledge that he lost focus on the story and the characters. The characters are flat and wooden and purely a vehicle to get from scene to scene. The only character I cared about is Andrew, who is dead by page 20. The plot never quite takes off, it has lots of action but little connection or intrigue. I ended up skimming the last portion of the book. The premise of the story should have led me to a great thriller. Perhaps others will find it so, I however thought it fell flat.

[Maxine · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I chose to read this book, I thought it had all the elements that I like- secret societies, conspiracy theories, ancient mystical artifacts- and indeed it has all of that. The sotry was good and exciting, however there was something that didn't gel. I had to make myself finish the book, and for some reason I found it hard to become absorbed in it. Having thought about why, I think it may be that there isn't enough build up about the characters to make you care about them- the focus was onmoving the events forward rathjer than the people within those events.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by A.M. Dean, and it was fantastic. It had well-fleshed out characters and an amazing plot that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. As with a lot of these conspiracy books, sometimes the stretch of what is possible or even likely is pushed to the limits, but if you can read this book for pure enjoyment, you will enjoy it. I look forward to this series of books continuing and plan on going back to read the first book (The Lost Library).

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads, but the words of this review are my own.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.M.Dean's The Key Stone is a full bodied, well researched, novel. You know some novels can be skipped through and you will not miss anything, but there is too much information and too many activities in this book to be able to skip. The characters are well sketched out and you can believe them and the plot just thickens and twists and turns. Folks who like international intrigue or ancient doings will certainly like this one.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern

[Maria João (A Biblioteca da João) · Rating 4 out of 5]

8 de 10*

"O Escriba", o novo livro de A. M. Dean, volta a trazer-nos uma boa história, com uma boa intriga, que equilibra muito bem factos reais com a ficção. E só não lhe dei uma classificação melhor, por causa de um acontecimento perto do final, que não vou contar aqui para não spoilar, que acho que não faz muito sentido e que é um dos pilares da resolução da intriga (quem já leu o livro que se acuse para falarmos sobre isto ;-))


Comentário completo em:
http://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.pt/...

[Anna Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een boek in de trant van Dan Brown. Een eeuwenoud mysterie, een gnostisch genootschap, een parade en een echtpaar (Michael en Emeli) die de strijd aangaan. Dean weet een aardige puzzeltocht uit te zetten en weet het in sneltreinvaart neer te pennen. Er eenmaal aan begonnen is stoppen een onmogelijke zaak. Je moet en zal weten hoe het afloopt. Aanradertje voor als je zin hebt in een onzin boek. Ik geef hem 4 sterren.

[Melissa Charitos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! It ticks all the boxes for me. It's fast written, there's never a dull moment, it has a lovely plot and it's exiting. I really liked the historical and mysterious part about it. It has short chapters, switching between places and characters. I understand why it is compared to Dan Brown, but I think it has less cryptology. That doesn't matter tho, since this book is amazing on its own. I really really recommend this book!

[Irene D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second of A.M.Dean's books I have read and I must admit I enjoyed his Lost Library better. Both are "could have happened" type of books along the line of Dan Brown's books. This one though, really stretched the line of believability a bit far so I have given it my three star rating for good light entertainment as opposed to great writing worthy of four stars. I do enjoy his genre and settings and look forward to more frm A.M. Dean.

[Jo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book from a goodreads giveaway. Thank you goodreads. I like the cover and I like action stories with a mystery. Unfortunately this one has a "See Dick run fast" writing style that is generally uninspiring. The characters are flat and wooden, the plot races along hither and yon with short chapters; the best thing about the book, the cover and the end.

[Laurence · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read but nothing particularly special. The idea of a secret society who want to end the world and bring about the higher thought. It is a rather easy read that is rather predictable at times with a story that borrows time rather than envelopes the reader. Overall good but not excellent