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Cronin's Key #3
Cronin's Key III
History isn't always what it seems...
Twelve months after his change, Alec MacAidan is still getting used to his many vampire talents. While most vampires would give anything to have more than one supernatural power, Alec craves nothing more than peace and time alone with Cronin. But when Alec meets entities from outside this realm, he's left powerless in their presence.
Zoan are half-lycan, half-dragon creatures that have slipped through time and reality, seemingly undetected by man and vampire. Or have they? They bear an uncanny resemblance to gargoyles, leaving Alec's view on all things weird to get a whole lot weirder.
This new quest leads Alec, Cronin, and their band of friends to Paris, Rome, and Moscow, where they learn that gargoyles aren't simply statues on walls. In the underground pits beneath churches all over the world, Alec discovers the Key's true destiny. Facing the Zoan might take every talent he has. And he may need help from the dead to get them all out alive.
Twelve months after his change, Alec MacAidan is still getting used to his many vampire talents. While most vampires would give anything to have more than one supernatural power, Alec craves nothing more than peace and time alone with Cronin. But when Alec meets entities from outside this realm, he's left powerless in their presence.
Zoan are half-lycan, half-dragon creatures that have slipped through time and reality, seemingly undetected by man and vampire. Or have they? They bear an uncanny resemblance to gargoyles, leaving Alec's view on all things weird to get a whole lot weirder.
This new quest leads Alec, Cronin, and their band of friends to Paris, Rome, and Moscow, where they learn that gargoyles aren't simply statues on walls. In the underground pits beneath churches all over the world, Alec discovers the Key's true destiny. Facing the Zoan might take every talent he has. And he may need help from the dead to get them all out alive.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
173 people are currently reading
823 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
133 books5,215 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
January 25, 2019
~3.5~
Even though book 2 had a satisfying ending, I thought some loose ends needed to be tied up: What kind of powers does a human key gain when he becomes a vampire? Do other vampires accept Alec's inconceivable strength even though he's young and thus relatively inexperienced?
Cronin's Key III answers these questions and takes us on another quest where Alec, Cronin, and company battle evil.
This time it's not mummified or terracotta vampires but the Zoan (lycan-like creatures with great powers who slipped through a portal when Alec was turned).
Cronin and Alec are more devoted to one another and in love than ever.
Eiji and Jodis are still charming and feisty, and we revisit some old favorites, including Jorge, the child vampire, and Johan, who gave his life for Alec in book 1.
There's not a lot of steam in this story, but after the last two books, I knew not to expect much.
So why only 3.5 stars?
There's a reason these books are numbered and not titled. There's nothing NEW here. The formula remains the same, and this story dragged a little for me.
But the ending is truly ROMANTIC & SWEET. These two deserve a perfect HEA, and they got one.
Even though book 2 had a satisfying ending, I thought some loose ends needed to be tied up: What kind of powers does a human key gain when he becomes a vampire? Do other vampires accept Alec's inconceivable strength even though he's young and thus relatively inexperienced?
Cronin's Key III answers these questions and takes us on another quest where Alec, Cronin, and company battle evil.
This time it's not mummified or terracotta vampires but the Zoan (lycan-like creatures with great powers who slipped through a portal when Alec was turned).
Cronin and Alec are more devoted to one another and in love than ever.
Eiji and Jodis are still charming and feisty, and we revisit some old favorites, including Jorge, the child vampire, and Johan, who gave his life for Alec in book 1.
There's not a lot of steam in this story, but after the last two books, I knew not to expect much.
So why only 3.5 stars?
There's a reason these books are numbered and not titled. There's nothing NEW here. The formula remains the same, and this story dragged a little for me.
But the ending is truly ROMANTIC & SWEET. These two deserve a perfect HEA, and they got one.
"I want forever," [Cronin] growled, angry now. "It may be selfish of me to ask for it ... But I want forever with you, and I will kill anyone who tries to take that from me."
Alec swallowed the lump in his throat. "Shhh." He let the Scottish music play again in their heads. "Dance with your husband."
Cronin smiled despite his teary eyes ... "It would be my honor," he said ...
And there in their private field at Dunadd, they danced.
November 23, 2015
4 Stars!!
Once again, N.R. Walker delivered with this third instalment in the series an intriguing, action-packed, suspenseful tale. “Cronin’s Key III” was full of adventure, history and magic and even if IMO it wasn’t as good as the two previous installments in the series, it was an enjoyable read.
Since he’d changed into a vampire a year ago, Alec, The Key, The Chosen One who had and has the power to defend the human and vampire species, he had been put through test after test in order to find out everything he can about his talents. The responsibility as The Key to the human and vampire worlds had become a great burden, but he has his friends, family and his fated one, Cronin who make everything less stressful. He would give anything to have a little peace and quiet alone with Cronin, but as the most powerful vampire he has a new task, to defend his new world against Zoan, creatures that have slipped through time and reality.
Zoan are fire breathing creatures that are half-lycan, half-dragon, who are undetected by man and vampire and who can stop time. Needless to say, stopping these creatures is the most difficult task (so far) for Alec. They can appear to Alec telepathically, but Alec can’t stop that. His powers are useless against them. Cronin wants to protect Alec no matter what and once again he's willing to do anything to keep him alive. The new quest leads Alec, Cronin and their friends to Paris, Rome and Moscow where they find out the gargoyles aren’t simply statues on walls. Some of them are Zoan and they are being awakened. Alec has to find out how to kill those creatures and how to shut down the portal from where they arrived on earth.
This installment held my attention from the beginning. First because I wanted to read more about these two endearing main characters – Alec and Cronin and secondly because I had to know how will Alec manage to stop the Zoan. Like I mentioned above, the story was suspenseful and action packed which I enjoyed. These aspects of the story were well done and I found the whole story simply fascinating. I don’t usually read these kind of stories, but I have to say this installment/series surprised me in a very good way.
The story was really fast-paced, maybe at times a little fast-paced, but overall it was an entertaining read. At times it was emotional, at times it was intense and I honestly can say I enjoyed every minute of it. Alec and Cronin were fantastic here, individually and of course together. I loved the way they loved each other, their interactions, their beautiful words to each other, their lovely and intense sexy times. One thing I found very entertaining here was Alec’s jealousy. He was simply..cute. The supporting characters were entertaining and the ending was simply lovely and very romantic.
Overall, an enjoyable read!
Once again, N.R. Walker delivered with this third instalment in the series an intriguing, action-packed, suspenseful tale. “Cronin’s Key III” was full of adventure, history and magic and even if IMO it wasn’t as good as the two previous installments in the series, it was an enjoyable read.
Since he’d changed into a vampire a year ago, Alec, The Key, The Chosen One who had and has the power to defend the human and vampire species, he had been put through test after test in order to find out everything he can about his talents. The responsibility as The Key to the human and vampire worlds had become a great burden, but he has his friends, family and his fated one, Cronin who make everything less stressful. He would give anything to have a little peace and quiet alone with Cronin, but as the most powerful vampire he has a new task, to defend his new world against Zoan, creatures that have slipped through time and reality.
Zoan are fire breathing creatures that are half-lycan, half-dragon, who are undetected by man and vampire and who can stop time. Needless to say, stopping these creatures is the most difficult task (so far) for Alec. They can appear to Alec telepathically, but Alec can’t stop that. His powers are useless against them. Cronin wants to protect Alec no matter what and once again he's willing to do anything to keep him alive. The new quest leads Alec, Cronin and their friends to Paris, Rome and Moscow where they find out the gargoyles aren’t simply statues on walls. Some of them are Zoan and they are being awakened. Alec has to find out how to kill those creatures and how to shut down the portal from where they arrived on earth.
This installment held my attention from the beginning. First because I wanted to read more about these two endearing main characters – Alec and Cronin and secondly because I had to know how will Alec manage to stop the Zoan. Like I mentioned above, the story was suspenseful and action packed which I enjoyed. These aspects of the story were well done and I found the whole story simply fascinating. I don’t usually read these kind of stories, but I have to say this installment/series surprised me in a very good way.
The story was really fast-paced, maybe at times a little fast-paced, but overall it was an entertaining read. At times it was emotional, at times it was intense and I honestly can say I enjoyed every minute of it. Alec and Cronin were fantastic here, individually and of course together. I loved the way they loved each other, their interactions, their beautiful words to each other, their lovely and intense sexy times. One thing I found very entertaining here was Alec’s jealousy. He was simply..cute. The supporting characters were entertaining and the ending was simply lovely and very romantic.
Overall, an enjoyable read!
July 12, 2018
***2.5 - 3 Stars***
I don't want to repeat myself over and over again, so I will just say the whole series was not really for me.
I'm rounding my rating up because of
~ Alec and Cronin who I both really loved,
~ Alec's humor,
~ the friggin' romantic ending
and because a certain little chubby vampire boy made me tear up towards the end.
The story itself taught me that I should have paid more attention during my geometry-, geography- and history lessons at school and maybe attended an additional astrology class. Way too technical and once again repetitive for my taste and I'm sad to say that not even the Gargoyles could save it for me. Alec's multifarious talents which appeard out of thin air when it was convenient got more and more on my nerves and called for the one or other eye-roll.
And the jury is still out on Joel Leslie's narration in general. Maybe I should resign myself to the fact that he will always be a mixed bag for me. There are parts I liked like Alec's and Jorge's voice (especially kid voices are not easy for a grown man and for me JL did it exceptionally well), but Eiji's voice made me cringe and everytime he said 'tinge' instead of 'thing' I was ready to commit murder.
Argh, I'm sorry, now I did repeat myself. Again. Please just ignore me, lots of people loved this book and the whole series, so just blame it on me and I hope you will enjoy it more than I did.
I don't want to repeat myself over and over again, so I will just say the whole series was not really for me.
I'm rounding my rating up because of
~ Alec and Cronin who I both really loved,
~ Alec's humor,
~ the friggin' romantic ending
and because a certain little chubby vampire boy made me tear up towards the end.
The story itself taught me that I should have paid more attention during my geometry-, geography- and history lessons at school and maybe attended an additional astrology class. Way too technical and once again repetitive for my taste and I'm sad to say that not even the Gargoyles could save it for me. Alec's multifarious talents which appeard out of thin air when it was convenient got more and more on my nerves and called for the one or other eye-roll.
And the jury is still out on Joel Leslie's narration in general. Maybe I should resign myself to the fact that he will always be a mixed bag for me. There are parts I liked like Alec's and Jorge's voice (especially kid voices are not easy for a grown man and for me JL did it exceptionally well), but Eiji's voice made me cringe and everytime he said 'tinge' instead of 'thing' I was ready to commit murder.
Argh, I'm sorry, now I did repeat myself. Again. Please just ignore me, lots of people loved this book and the whole series, so just blame it on me and I hope you will enjoy it more than I did.
freebie
December 19, 2016** FREE ** All 3 books in the Kronin's Key series, 2016-11-01:
https://www.amazon.com/Cronins-Key-3-...
https://www.amazon.com/Cronins-Key-3-...
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February 10, 2023Wow. Alec was a bit whiny starting this book, but he pulled it out. This was was amazing. I cried quite a bit. There were some beautifully poignant moments, like the dance between Cronin and Alec. Omg... Jorge 😭😭 I cried so much. This series just blew me away.😍😍
October 11, 2015
Alec went through his change a year ago and became Cronin’s husband just six months ago. He and Cronin are happy together, but since their wedding, they barely had some time to themselves.
Alec is the only vampire ever to have all vampire talents and he's still discovering some of them. The process of exploring and documenting his abilities is exhausting and Alec is looking for nothing more than quiet and peace with his beloved one. However, it becomes even more difficult to achieve when Zoan, dangerous half-lycan, half-dragon creatures, come through a portal and the key, once again, has to fulfill his duty and save the world.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Alec is the only vampire ever to have all vampire talents and he's still discovering some of them. The process of exploring and documenting his abilities is exhausting and Alec is looking for nothing more than quiet and peace with his beloved one. However, it becomes even more difficult to achieve when Zoan, dangerous half-lycan, half-dragon creatures, come through a portal and the key, once again, has to fulfill his duty and save the world.
"I love it when you call me that," Alec whispered, his heart too big for his chest. "M'cridhe."There's lots of sweet, tender moments, humor and feels. As always, I loved the action. I never got bored with all the new information and history. I was excited to see . Also, my eyes watered a little bit, because died. But in the end, I'm glad that Alec and Cronin finally have the peace they wanted for such a long time. After what they experienced, they most certainly deserve it.
"My husband, my heart," Cronin repeated, the words barely a murmur.
A key for the key. Cronin's key.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
June 29, 2018
Well, this is definitely one of those times where I really, really, hate to see a series end. This book, like the other two, is filled with action and history. It's really cool how Walker incorporated history, people and places around the world into vampire history. Things aren't always as they seem!
This one is also filled with some sad moments. My heart broke a time or two. But good things also happen. And Cronin's love for Alec and his for Cronin is so swoony and romantic. That dance in the field....*sigh*
I know all good things must come to an end but I really wish she would continue on with this series. There's a character or two I'd like to see more of..
I'm sure this series will be a reread for me over and over.
This one is also filled with some sad moments. My heart broke a time or two. But good things also happen. And Cronin's love for Alec and his for Cronin is so swoony and romantic. That dance in the field....*sigh*
I know all good things must come to an end but I really wish she would continue on with this series. There's a character or two I'd like to see more of..
I'm sure this series will be a reread for me over and over.
August 9, 2016
4 Stars
I had a lot of fun with this instalment. For me, it was the best in the series. I loved getting to see Alec as an all-powerful vampire, with his endless supply of kick-ass vampire talents. Once again, I enjoyed all the detailed histories and all the travel undertaken in this story.
I just adored all the characters. Cronin and Alec are a favourite MM couple of mine and I'm so glad they got their happy ending after all the epic end-of-the-world-bullshit they had to endlessly overcome since meeting. Seriously, it's no picnic being the key and his fated.
The secondary characters also need a nod here. A well rounded cast of characters like this just makes the entire reading experience more enjoyable. From Eiji and Jodis, to Jorge and Kennard, I loved all these characters dearly and would happily keep reading about them for a good long while - I would relish the opportunity to get a Kennard spin-off story, because reading more about him and his fated would be excellent!
Lastly, I spent the final 10% of this story crying - from devastation and from happiness. I think the emotional punch that Walker supplied at the end really enhanced this whole series and left an indelible mark on me.
This was a great ending to a thoroughly enjoyable and unique series. Highly recommended!
I had a lot of fun with this instalment. For me, it was the best in the series. I loved getting to see Alec as an all-powerful vampire, with his endless supply of kick-ass vampire talents. Once again, I enjoyed all the detailed histories and all the travel undertaken in this story.
I just adored all the characters. Cronin and Alec are a favourite MM couple of mine and I'm so glad they got their happy ending after all the epic end-of-the-world-bullshit they had to endlessly overcome since meeting. Seriously, it's no picnic being the key and his fated.
The secondary characters also need a nod here. A well rounded cast of characters like this just makes the entire reading experience more enjoyable. From Eiji and Jodis, to Jorge and Kennard, I loved all these characters dearly and would happily keep reading about them for a good long while - I would relish the opportunity to get a Kennard spin-off story, because reading more about him and his fated would be excellent!
Lastly, I spent the final 10% of this story crying - from devastation and from happiness. I think the emotional punch that Walker supplied at the end really enhanced this whole series and left an indelible mark on me.
This was a great ending to a thoroughly enjoyable and unique series. Highly recommended!
February 21, 2017
4.5 stars
This one got a lot more technical than the last 2 but I still loved it and the whole series. Highly recommended!
This one got a lot more technical than the last 2 but I still loved it and the whole series. Highly recommended!
June 27, 2018
A wonderful conclusion to the series. I enjoyed this book immensely. Cronin and Alec are one of the best paranormal couples! They are so in love and in tune with each other, so sweet and romantic at times. Eiji and Jodis are the greatest of friends and are always there to help save the world.
This time the mystery of Zoan creatures was fascinating - all the places they traveled, the words created colorful descriptions of some known and unknown places that have great historical value. I loved reading about them. All the secondary characters made this book a wonderful wholesome read. I was sad to see them go. But good prevailed over evil and Alec and Cronin were finally at peace. Wonderful job, Ms Walker. I highly recommend this series.
This time the mystery of Zoan creatures was fascinating - all the places they traveled, the words created colorful descriptions of some known and unknown places that have great historical value. I loved reading about them. All the secondary characters made this book a wonderful wholesome read. I was sad to see them go. But good prevailed over evil and Alec and Cronin were finally at peace. Wonderful job, Ms Walker. I highly recommend this series.
February 4, 2019
3.75*
I’m enjoying this series but then I do love a nice vampire romance.
Alec is now a vampire, the most powerful one on the planet. He has every vampire power so it’s hard to imagine anything could even cause him a problem.
The villains in this book are Zoans. Half-Lycan, half-dragon creatures like gargoyles. And at first Alec seems powerless against them.
Again I enjoyed this one. Alec was a bit grumpy at the beginning but he soon won me over again. The whole gang is here including cute little Jorge.
And yes it’s straight onto the next book for me now, Kennard’s Story.
I’m enjoying this series but then I do love a nice vampire romance.
Alec is now a vampire, the most powerful one on the planet. He has every vampire power so it’s hard to imagine anything could even cause him a problem.
The villains in this book are Zoans. Half-Lycan, half-dragon creatures like gargoyles. And at first Alec seems powerless against them.
Again I enjoyed this one. Alec was a bit grumpy at the beginning but he soon won me over again. The whole gang is here including cute little Jorge.
And yes it’s straight onto the next book for me now, Kennard’s Story.
September 5, 2015
3.75 stars
It's N.R. Walker, so you know the writing is fabulous. The mystery, history, and magic is all still there.
We get to see Jorge, the wonderful vampire child who is misunderstood, and Kennard, the snarky elder from London gets a bigger role here.
This time the enemy is the Zoan. They are lycan-like evil creatures who were released from a portal when Alec was converted to full vampire in the last book.
I was a tad bored though. It was just same old, same old. The title is Cronin's Key III, and you should take that LITERALLY. The same amount of action. The same small amount of smexy times. The same relationship between Alec and his dad, Alec and Cronin, Alec and his friends, etc.
I'd still recommend it because it's Walker, and I can't say I'd ever NOT read her stories. But I'm glad that this seems to be the last in Alec and Cronin's story. It's time for them to call it a day.
ARC kindly provided by Pride Publishing in exchange for honest review.
It's N.R. Walker, so you know the writing is fabulous. The mystery, history, and magic is all still there.
We get to see Jorge, the wonderful vampire child who is misunderstood, and Kennard, the snarky elder from London gets a bigger role here.
This time the enemy is the Zoan. They are lycan-like evil creatures who were released from a portal when Alec was converted to full vampire in the last book.
I was a tad bored though. It was just same old, same old. The title is Cronin's Key III, and you should take that LITERALLY. The same amount of action. The same small amount of smexy times. The same relationship between Alec and his dad, Alec and Cronin, Alec and his friends, etc.
I'd still recommend it because it's Walker, and I can't say I'd ever NOT read her stories. But I'm glad that this seems to be the last in Alec and Cronin's story. It's time for them to call it a day.
ARC kindly provided by Pride Publishing in exchange for honest review.
September 21, 2024
3.5 Stars
Consistent, entertaining adventure!
This continues to mesh real life history, myths, and legends into a formidable obstacle for Alec and his ever expanding family of fellow vampires. He’s an all powerful weapon, but it’s going to take everything he’s got and then some, to defeat an ancient foe.
Still high in the epic love and romance, and still low on the smex, this ended quite lovely - and of course, leaves open the possibility for more adventures regarding this great cast of characters!
Consistent, entertaining adventure!
This continues to mesh real life history, myths, and legends into a formidable obstacle for Alec and his ever expanding family of fellow vampires. He’s an all powerful weapon, but it’s going to take everything he’s got and then some, to defeat an ancient foe.
Still high in the epic love and romance, and still low on the smex, this ended quite lovely - and of course, leaves open the possibility for more adventures regarding this great cast of characters!
December 22, 2021
Alec se esta acotumbrando a sus nuevos poderes de vampiro, porque ademas del mejoramiento en todo el cuerpo que tiene todo vampiro, el parece que adquirio todos los "regalos" posibles para los vampiros, y al ser tantos y tan diferentes entre si, controlarlos se hace de lo mas complicado, y si a eso le agregas a tus amigos queriendo catalogar cada uno de los "regalos", la cosa se hace casi inmanejable. Asi que su relacion con Corin ha sido basicamente momentos robados aqui y alla, cuando ya esta obstinado y quiere gritar. Pero pronto dara las gracias por todo ese esfuerzo, porque deberan enfrentarse a unas criaturas que ni siquiera los vampiros conocen y que tienen poderes tan increibles que ni siquiera combinando todos sus poderes sienten que pueden vencerlos.
Sin embargo, tiene a Corin y a todos sus amigos vampiros de su lado, y entre todos es seguro que encontraran que buscan estas criaturas y como detenerlas.
Una historia llena de accion, amor, amistad y familia. Vemos como el temor de perder a un padre es tan profundo que puede desequilibrar hasta al mas fuerte de nosotros. Por supuesto, los malvados en este caso, son realmente extranos, siento que el autor necesitaba algo con lo que los protas pudieran luchar, y creo estas criaturas fue su manera de intentar abarcar mucho mas del universo en un solo libro.
Es una serie que es entretenida, divertida y tiene personajes interesantes, ademas de que esta muy bien llevada. Se que con este es el ultimo libro donde los protas son Alec y Corin, asi que podriamos decir que es el final de la serie, pero voy a leer el ultimo libro que se enfoca en la pareja de Kennard-Stas, y en laque imagino que tendran apariciones los demas personajes de esta serie.
Sin embargo, tiene a Corin y a todos sus amigos vampiros de su lado, y entre todos es seguro que encontraran que buscan estas criaturas y como detenerlas.
Una historia llena de accion, amor, amistad y familia. Vemos como el temor de perder a un padre es tan profundo que puede desequilibrar hasta al mas fuerte de nosotros. Por supuesto, los malvados en este caso, son realmente extranos, siento que el autor necesitaba algo con lo que los protas pudieran luchar, y creo estas criaturas fue su manera de intentar abarcar mucho mas del universo en un solo libro.
Es una serie que es entretenida, divertida y tiene personajes interesantes, ademas de que esta muy bien llevada. Se que con este es el ultimo libro donde los protas son Alec y Corin, asi que podriamos decir que es el final de la serie, pero voy a leer el ultimo libro que se enfoca en la pareja de Kennard-Stas, y en laque imagino que tendran apariciones los demas personajes de esta serie.
January 25, 2021
Portals or doors, someone always leaves them open.
Just as things seem better, new portals are discovered almost everywhere. As research points to key locations, new information from many centuries past becomes critical. How can the Zoan be stopped? The key has many powers, but needs help to survive, let alone win, against evil forces that can resist him.
Worrying about ancient texts, laptops, mind reading, replicas, lycan's, fire breathing wolves, dragons, gargoyles, stone statues, nine circle triangle pyramids under cathedrals and over fire pits with carved columns, ghosts, kid Jorge and friends, vampire elders, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, fated mates, lightning, and many more sort-of-related things shared by mind reading and transferred visions among our many main characters who keep "stay in touch" a requirement for leaping. You had to be there to understand. But you may learn why it is that gargoyles give you a scared feeling and mathematics and trigonometry are scientific and religious at the same time.
Somehow it almost makes sense when your head stops hurting and visions of heaven become real. But there is still time for a sequel to add confusion.
Just as things seem better, new portals are discovered almost everywhere. As research points to key locations, new information from many centuries past becomes critical. How can the Zoan be stopped? The key has many powers, but needs help to survive, let alone win, against evil forces that can resist him.
Worrying about ancient texts, laptops, mind reading, replicas, lycan's, fire breathing wolves, dragons, gargoyles, stone statues, nine circle triangle pyramids under cathedrals and over fire pits with carved columns, ghosts, kid Jorge and friends, vampire elders, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, fated mates, lightning, and many more sort-of-related things shared by mind reading and transferred visions among our many main characters who keep "stay in touch" a requirement for leaping. You had to be there to understand. But you may learn why it is that gargoyles give you a scared feeling and mathematics and trigonometry are scientific and religious at the same time.
Somehow it almost makes sense when your head stops hurting and visions of heaven become real. But there is still time for a sequel to add confusion.
September 5, 2015
ARC of In the Cronin's Key III provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review. This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
It's no secret that I absolutely adore NR Walker's writing. Her stories are always beautiful and vivid and the Cronin's Key series is full of adventure, too! Cronin's Key III, though not my favorite in the series, still delivered an enjoyable story. The same type of formula was followed in this installment as the previous ones. Action, adventure, mythology, all combined to give us a story that will undoubtedly entertain.
In Cronin's Key III, Alec has been a vampire for about a year and he and Cronin have had a few months of relative peace. They are happy and content. That is until a new Big Bad shows themselves to Alec, and only Alec and he realizes that he and his friends must work to save the world, again. No time for love Dr. Jones, we have a world to save!
This installment read a bit more like the Dan Brown novel that was referenced a few times in the story (though I liked this one much more). Secret sects of Catholic priests and what seems like a sort of treasure hunt, though it wasn't treasure our fearless vampires were hunting. But rather a way to defeat a new evil that was really very very old.
As with the previous novels, Alec's relationship with his father comes into play. Alec is realizing that not only is he going to outlive his father, as most children do, but he will very likely live a very very long time after his father is gone. Alec doesn't handle that reality very well, but Kole is content. Parental role's come into play in a couple ways here and the results are not always happy. But in the end, all works out as we knew it would. Even if it's in a bit of an unexpected way.
The smexytimes were more fleshed out in Cronin's Key III, than they were in the previous two books, which I wholeheartedly approved of. And Alec and Cronin are disgustingly happy. I loved it.
As a novel to finish up the Cronin's Key series, I enjoyed Cronin's Key III, and I'm glad that Alec and Cronin will finally see that peace and quiet they've both been craving.
It's no secret that I absolutely adore NR Walker's writing. Her stories are always beautiful and vivid and the Cronin's Key series is full of adventure, too! Cronin's Key III, though not my favorite in the series, still delivered an enjoyable story. The same type of formula was followed in this installment as the previous ones. Action, adventure, mythology, all combined to give us a story that will undoubtedly entertain.
In Cronin's Key III, Alec has been a vampire for about a year and he and Cronin have had a few months of relative peace. They are happy and content. That is until a new Big Bad shows themselves to Alec, and only Alec and he realizes that he and his friends must work to save the world, again. No time for love Dr. Jones, we have a world to save!
This installment read a bit more like the Dan Brown novel that was referenced a few times in the story (though I liked this one much more). Secret sects of Catholic priests and what seems like a sort of treasure hunt, though it wasn't treasure our fearless vampires were hunting. But rather a way to defeat a new evil that was really very very old.
As with the previous novels, Alec's relationship with his father comes into play. Alec is realizing that not only is he going to outlive his father, as most children do, but he will very likely live a very very long time after his father is gone. Alec doesn't handle that reality very well, but Kole is content. Parental role's come into play in a couple ways here and the results are not always happy. But in the end, all works out as we knew it would. Even if it's in a bit of an unexpected way.
The smexytimes were more fleshed out in Cronin's Key III, than they were in the previous two books, which I wholeheartedly approved of. And Alec and Cronin are disgustingly happy. I loved it.
As a novel to finish up the Cronin's Key series, I enjoyed Cronin's Key III, and I'm glad that Alec and Cronin will finally see that peace and quiet they've both been craving.
March 11, 2016
Well, I went ahead and read this next installment in this series despite not liking the previous two books very much. I guess I was hoping, yet again, that it would somehow be better than I thought. I'm sorry to say I was wrong, again. *sigh*
I don't know what it is about this series. I've loved everything else N.R. Walker has written, but this one series just bores me to death. It's not the writing, we all know this lady can write like nobody's business. It's not the characters, they are all wonderfully well rounded and expressive, even charming. Which is why I gave it three stars.
So all that leaves me with is the plot. The oh so very long and tedious plot. I feel like I'm in the midst of my horrible Ancient Civilization History class back in college, with the teacher droning on and on and the text swimming before my eyes. I know that sounds harsh, but I swear that is exactly the thought that came into my head as I started reading about gargoyles for crissakes.
Then again, maybe I'm just totally over the whole vampire schtick.
Regardless, once again, this one didn't set my world on fire. If there's another book in the series, I'm going to force myself to ignore it no matter how many times I see it reviewed on my feed.
I don't know what it is about this series. I've loved everything else N.R. Walker has written, but this one series just bores me to death. It's not the writing, we all know this lady can write like nobody's business. It's not the characters, they are all wonderfully well rounded and expressive, even charming. Which is why I gave it three stars.
So all that leaves me with is the plot. The oh so very long and tedious plot. I feel like I'm in the midst of my horrible Ancient Civilization History class back in college, with the teacher droning on and on and the text swimming before my eyes. I know that sounds harsh, but I swear that is exactly the thought that came into my head as I started reading about gargoyles for crissakes.
Then again, maybe I'm just totally over the whole vampire schtick.
Regardless, once again, this one didn't set my world on fire. If there's another book in the series, I'm going to force myself to ignore it no matter how many times I see it reviewed on my feed.
July 16, 2017
*3,5 stars*
We left Cronin and Alec in a pretty good place at the end of book 2. And I would have been quite happy leaving it at that.
Book 3 offers nothing really new - although we do get a better idea how powerful Alec has become and what burden this brings, the plot is very much alike the first two books, the problems are similar and resolved in a similar way, Cronin and Alec are solid and as romantic as ever, and Eiji and Jodis are lovely secondary characters.
I found the whole idea about the gargoyles really interesting (there must have gone a huge amount of research into that) and NR Walker's writing is always engaging, but this was not as gripping and heart warming as book 1.
We left Cronin and Alec in a pretty good place at the end of book 2. And I would have been quite happy leaving it at that.
Book 3 offers nothing really new - although we do get a better idea how powerful Alec has become and what burden this brings, the plot is very much alike the first two books, the problems are similar and resolved in a similar way, Cronin and Alec are solid and as romantic as ever, and Eiji and Jodis are lovely secondary characters.
I found the whole idea about the gargoyles really interesting (there must have gone a huge amount of research into that) and NR Walker's writing is always engaging, but this was not as gripping and heart warming as book 1.
May 30, 2023
It's been a couple of years since I read the first two books in this series and I think I should've done a reread of those before jumping into this one. I was lost of most of the time, not quite able to follow the lore of the world that the author has built. So I'm leaving this with three stars and a note that I might have been rating this differently with the previous books fresh in mind.
September 22, 2015
4.5 STARS
I'll be very brief (and probably rude) and say:
I fell in love with the way the story twisted historical events and sites. I fell in love with Alec. But I fell more in love with Cronin, my loving Scot. I feel like even if this series happened very quickly that I already couldn't let it go. In short, I fell in love with everything.
And this third book. Ugh. That ending! I mean I had tears in my eyes! I loved it. I know this is the end but I just wish for more. Our history is so big and so much more can be done! *cries*
I'll defninitely reread this series and I don't do that often.
I'll be very brief (and probably rude) and say:
I fell in love with the way the story twisted historical events and sites. I fell in love with Alec. But I fell more in love with Cronin, my loving Scot. I feel like even if this series happened very quickly that I already couldn't let it go. In short, I fell in love with everything.
And this third book. Ugh. That ending! I mean I had tears in my eyes! I loved it. I know this is the end but I just wish for more. Our history is so big and so much more can be done! *cries*
I'll defninitely reread this series and I don't do that often.
August 10, 2017
Not quite as good as the first two books but still very entertaining and enjoyable. The last couple chapters made me cry - not because of the MCs but because a sweet, little secondary character broke my heart.
Definitely a series I'm going to re-read!
Definitely a series I'm going to re-read!
May 11, 2018
What an amazing series from beginning to end. The two MCs were so perfect together. This series had a fab group of secondary characters. There was action, romance, and a group of friends bonded together that made them a family. This series will be a definite reread for me.
January 2, 2019
✮4.5 Stars✮
💗
December 22, 2015
It’s always a pleasure reading one of N.R. Walker’s books especially something that is part of a series. This one’s the third in her vampire series’ Cronin’s Key and it’s just as wonderful as the rest of the series. Here, we see how Alec’s adjusting with all of his newly acquired vampire powers – powers that most vampires would give anything to have. Then enter the Zoan, half-lycan, half-dragon creatures that wanted to unleash evil in this realm with Alec’s help.
This one’s an easy read. There’s still that wonderful chemistry between Alec and Cronin (and Alec’s less talkative this time and became grouchy instead – LOL). There are characters here aside from Alec and Cronin that made me want for more books in the series. Kennard is one of them. I just loved him! He seems fun and he’s really funny with all his snarky banter! Another is Jacques! There seems to be an interesting back-story in there about this French vampire.
My one bit of criticism about the story is how big the whole vampire chaos has become. It’s like they’re literally trying not to be discreet about their “society,” – I mean, it’s almost disconcerting how Alec was being reckless about being seen and all. But hey, that’s just for me. I thought the whole story as a whole was more “focused” in terms of the plot lines this time despite the info overload about gargoyles. You will see what I mean with this one but I’m pretty sure that it’s also not going to be a big deal for you.
The ending was not what I’ve expected – It’s nothing shocking but I was hoping that we’ll see more of that “little guy” in the future if there are more books to come. Nevertheless, I thought the whole deal about the Key completing his quest was a perfect closure into their love-story. Seriously, N.R. Walker needs to write a companion series with Kennard or Jacques as its main characters. Highly Recommended.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This one’s an easy read. There’s still that wonderful chemistry between Alec and Cronin (and Alec’s less talkative this time and became grouchy instead – LOL). There are characters here aside from Alec and Cronin that made me want for more books in the series. Kennard is one of them. I just loved him! He seems fun and he’s really funny with all his snarky banter! Another is Jacques! There seems to be an interesting back-story in there about this French vampire.
My one bit of criticism about the story is how big the whole vampire chaos has become. It’s like they’re literally trying not to be discreet about their “society,” – I mean, it’s almost disconcerting how Alec was being reckless about being seen and all. But hey, that’s just for me. I thought the whole story as a whole was more “focused” in terms of the plot lines this time despite the info overload about gargoyles. You will see what I mean with this one but I’m pretty sure that it’s also not going to be a big deal for you.
The ending was not what I’ve expected – It’s nothing shocking but I was hoping that we’ll see more of that “little guy” in the future if there are more books to come. Nevertheless, I thought the whole deal about the Key completing his quest was a perfect closure into their love-story. Seriously, N.R. Walker needs to write a companion series with Kennard or Jacques as its main characters. Highly Recommended.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
November 22, 2017
Review soon. I need my beauty sleep first :)
"“You are a good man.” In the blink of an eye, Alec had Cronin on his back in the middle of their bed and was firmly between his thighs. He ghosted a kiss over Cronin’s mouth. “I’m not a man,” he said, flexing his vampire fangs. He turned Cronin’s head, exposing his neck, and sank his teeth into his flesh."
July 14, 2023
The third book doesn't offer much new but it's still fun
I have to say, I was a little bit disappointed with this one as it's essentially a "rinse & repeat" of Alec saving the world - only this time he's got uber powers.
That's not to say I didn't find the story enjoyable, because it still was, I just though we might get something else.
Having said that, the idea of the gargoyles on churches across the world being some kind of alien wolf-dragon hybrid bad guys was interesting and it worked well for this plot.
Cronin and Alec are still getting it on at every opportunity, including just before a battle in this one, which made me chuckle, and I love to see the strong fated mates connection between them.
There is a good mix between action and romance and things get wrapped up in an interesting way.
Now onto Kennard and Stas!
I have to say, I was a little bit disappointed with this one as it's essentially a "rinse & repeat" of Alec saving the world - only this time he's got uber powers.
That's not to say I didn't find the story enjoyable, because it still was, I just though we might get something else.
Having said that, the idea of the gargoyles on churches across the world being some kind of alien wolf-dragon hybrid bad guys was interesting and it worked well for this plot.
Cronin and Alec are still getting it on at every opportunity, including just before a battle in this one, which made me chuckle, and I love to see the strong fated mates connection between them.
There is a good mix between action and romance and things get wrapped up in an interesting way.
Now onto Kennard and Stas!
October 17, 2015
2.5 (2.0) Stunned Stars
First off, I love N.R. Walker. She is an auto-buy for me. I don't care what she writes about, I'll buy it, read it, and almost always love it. Almost. That's what happened here. The almost.
I didn't care for this book. I'm still stunned as I write this review a month later. I don't get it. It's like trying to shove a round peg in the proverbial square hole. It just doesn't happen. Likewise, a less than stellar book by NRW? Nuh-uh.
Sadly, I had trouble almost from the get go. I couldn't get into the book and found myself a tad bored. *gasp* I kept getting distracted by disconnects in the story. (Real or perceived, does it matter?) In the end, it was too much all-about-Alec and super sappy. Plus I abhorred what happened to the Bolivian coven. Abhorred it. WTF?!?
Bottom line: I didn't care for this book.
First off, I love N.R. Walker. She is an auto-buy for me. I don't care what she writes about, I'll buy it, read it, and almost always love it. Almost. That's what happened here. The almost.
I didn't care for this book. I'm still stunned as I write this review a month later. I don't get it. It's like trying to shove a round peg in the proverbial square hole. It just doesn't happen. Likewise, a less than stellar book by NRW? Nuh-uh.
Sadly, I had trouble almost from the get go. I couldn't get into the book and found myself a tad bored. *gasp* I kept getting distracted by disconnects in the story. (Real or perceived, does it matter?) In the end, it was too much all-about-Alec and super sappy. Plus I abhorred what happened to the Bolivian coven. Abhorred it. WTF?!?
Bottom line: I didn't care for this book.
May 5, 2021
In my 28 years I’ve read 1000+ books and Alec is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most supremely overpowered character I’ve ever encountered - and I don’t mean that in a good way unfortunately.
I still love these two but this last installment was a bit of a throw away to be honest.
I’ve seen people complain about overpowered characters before but it wasn’t until this book that I ever echoed the sentiment. Jesus Christ. Deus ex machina on steroids.
The plot was kind of ludicrous on top of it? Or maybe it was made so by it? I honestly can’t tell.
Whenever I feel the need to revisit Alec and Cronin I’ll probably skip this one. But I’m still glad I got to meet and hang out with these two.
I still love these two but this last installment was a bit of a throw away to be honest.
I’ve seen people complain about overpowered characters before but it wasn’t until this book that I ever echoed the sentiment. Jesus Christ. Deus ex machina on steroids.
The plot was kind of ludicrous on top of it? Or maybe it was made so by it? I honestly can’t tell.
Whenever I feel the need to revisit Alec and Cronin I’ll probably skip this one. But I’m still glad I got to meet and hang out with these two.
May 21, 2017
4-4.5 stars!
I'm still not in terms with the fact that this series has come to an end.
I just.
*sniffles*
Cronin and Alec. They're just the cutest and easily one of my favorite couples ever.
If anyone is reading this review, than give this book a try. Trust me. As someone who hasn't read a paranormal in over a decade you will love this series. And if you love M/M? This is the icing on the cake for you all.
In terms of what happens in this story? It's nothing different from the other 2. Cronin, Alec and their family and friends all go on one last journey before finally getting their HEA. And that ending? GAH MY HEART. It was so romantic and cute.
I'm going to miss everyone in this series and I'm seriously tempted to do a re-read. And I never do one.
I'm still not in terms with the fact that this series has come to an end.
I just.
*sniffles*
Cronin and Alec. They're just the cutest and easily one of my favorite couples ever.
If anyone is reading this review, than give this book a try. Trust me. As someone who hasn't read a paranormal in over a decade you will love this series. And if you love M/M? This is the icing on the cake for you all.
In terms of what happens in this story? It's nothing different from the other 2. Cronin, Alec and their family and friends all go on one last journey before finally getting their HEA. And that ending? GAH MY HEART. It was so romantic and cute.
I'm going to miss everyone in this series and I'm seriously tempted to do a re-read. And I never do one.
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