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The Cursed Key Trilogy #1
The Cursed Key
A forgotten past, a dark mage, and an unyielding curse.
Another team beat free-spirited archaeologist Olivia Perez to the dig of a lifetime, and now she’s left with the choice to wait for scraps or brave a dangerous, dusty tomb in hopes of finding other priceless artifacts. Her reward? A mysterious key she has no idea is cursed. Soon, Olivia realizes she’s brought home more than just an ancient rarity.
Malevolent visions begin to plague her. Unnerved by what they reveal, she casts away the key…unknowingly placing it into the waiting hands of a dark mage bent on destruction. Only when a shifter agent from the Paranormal Intelligence and Tracking Organization arrives searching for the key does Olivia realize what a huge mistake she’s made.
Forced to team up with the ill-tempered shifter, her journey to reclaim the cursed key leads down a twisting path of dark histories, dangerous magic, and deadly obstacles. But Olivia’s efforts to take back the ancient relic before the dark mage can destroy the lives of humans, shifters, witches, and fae alike are thwarted by her own dark past…and a price steeper than what she’s willing to pay.
Another team beat free-spirited archaeologist Olivia Perez to the dig of a lifetime, and now she’s left with the choice to wait for scraps or brave a dangerous, dusty tomb in hopes of finding other priceless artifacts. Her reward? A mysterious key she has no idea is cursed. Soon, Olivia realizes she’s brought home more than just an ancient rarity.
Malevolent visions begin to plague her. Unnerved by what they reveal, she casts away the key…unknowingly placing it into the waiting hands of a dark mage bent on destruction. Only when a shifter agent from the Paranormal Intelligence and Tracking Organization arrives searching for the key does Olivia realize what a huge mistake she’s made.
Forced to team up with the ill-tempered shifter, her journey to reclaim the cursed key leads down a twisting path of dark histories, dangerous magic, and deadly obstacles. But Olivia’s efforts to take back the ancient relic before the dark mage can destroy the lives of humans, shifters, witches, and fae alike are thwarted by her own dark past…and a price steeper than what she’s willing to pay.
218 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2019
647 people are currently reading
4068 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Brock
18 books347 followersFrom an early age Miranda Brock has always loved fantasy and adventure everything. Since she doesn't live in a world of enchanting powers, mythical beasts, and things unbelievable she has decided to write about them. (Although, if you happen to see a dragon flying around, do tell her.) Born in southern Illinois, where she still resides with her husband and two children, she grew up running through the woods, playing in creeks, and riding horses. What started out as writing poetry grew into short stories and eventually led to her first novel, Souls Discovered. Miranda lives in the country where she finds inspiration in the simplicity and beauty around her. With the help of a ridiculous amount of coffee and some good music she writes whenever she gets a chance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
January 5, 2020
THE CURSED KEY had a great concept with an original plot. The potential was there for me to love it. It had all the aspects of what I look for in my reading choices and did you check out that amazing cover.
And here comes the BUT... But, in the end, it fell flat. I was not a fan of either Olivia or Kael, both were not very likeable. The pace was erratic and not engaging. The relationship lacked any development. And, in the end nothing was resolved or explained. This book was not for me.
And here comes the BUT... But, in the end, it fell flat. I was not a fan of either Olivia or Kael, both were not very likeable. The pace was erratic and not engaging. The relationship lacked any development. And, in the end nothing was resolved or explained. This book was not for me.
January 10, 2020
Who are you? You do not know anymore, do you?
The Cursed Key is a captivating and seamless collaboration between authors Miranda Brock and Rebecca Hamilton, and is the paranormal tale of an ancient evil awakening. An enthusiastic archaeologist follows whispers on the wind to recover what she believes to be a mundane golden key among crumbled ruins, but what she discovers is that some things are meant to remain hidden. Shortly after, she’s plagued by visions, hunted by enigmatic shadows, and abruptly tossed into a reality she never knew existed. Upon learning the taste of power brings about all manner of dangers, she embarks on a journey for answers, perhaps even one that will prevent a vile and malevolent force from being unleashed onto the world.
The beauty of this story lies in its charming and exciting adventure. From the humid rainforests of Brazil, to the quaint town of New Haven, to the rolling hills of Scotland, to the hidden secrets of the English countryside, we travel the world in order to solve a thrilling mystery. Every step of the way we’re met with lethal riddles, alluring and charismatic individuals, and secrets waiting to be revealed. A little bit of tomb raiding, a little bit of magic, a little bit of trekking through the unknown, there’s no shortage of risky undertakings. The action is unrelenting and severe, with lives constantly hanging in the balance, and always keeping me on the edge of my seat.
Power and destruction were calling my name. It would be easy with the key around my neck to bring the blood and screams to life.
Brock and Hamilton introduce us to a small, yet diverse and developed cast of characters from all walks of life. Our main character is Olivia, and her curious nature is the catalyst for all the events that transpire throughout the story. Upon finding the cursed key, her destined life unfurls before her, and she’s forced to accept the world as she knows it is but a facade. She comes to meet Kael, an irritable officer that claims he works for a paranormal agency, and their relationship is not necessarily a cordial one…at the start. Together they follow a trail of clues that leads them to cross paths with flirty fae, watchful witches, and a mystical and dangerous foe. Each character is crucial, and perfectly weaved into this tale.
This book contains a highly original and an excellently planned plot, told with simple prose, making this not only an easy story to read, but one I was unable to put down. Although written by two separate authors, I found the level of cohesion to be incredible, and I was pleasantly surprised, as I have not yet read works from either. I found the pacing to be near perfect – the fat smartly trimmed, and the story moving along without a single hitch. I went into this story with expectations, and nearly all have been met.
The Cursed Key is an excellent start to a series that left me needing to know what happens next. While it ends at a cliffhanger, it’s not entirely jarring like some, and the initial arc ties up nicely. With beautiful environments, outstanding character development and evolution, and an intriguing mystery, this story has a lot to offer, and I’m excited to see where Brock and Hamilton take us in the future. If you’re looking for a paranormal fantasy with an electrifying adventure, then this is the one you want.
Note: A huge thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and the authors for providing me with an advanced complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Cursed Key is a captivating and seamless collaboration between authors Miranda Brock and Rebecca Hamilton, and is the paranormal tale of an ancient evil awakening. An enthusiastic archaeologist follows whispers on the wind to recover what she believes to be a mundane golden key among crumbled ruins, but what she discovers is that some things are meant to remain hidden. Shortly after, she’s plagued by visions, hunted by enigmatic shadows, and abruptly tossed into a reality she never knew existed. Upon learning the taste of power brings about all manner of dangers, she embarks on a journey for answers, perhaps even one that will prevent a vile and malevolent force from being unleashed onto the world.
The beauty of this story lies in its charming and exciting adventure. From the humid rainforests of Brazil, to the quaint town of New Haven, to the rolling hills of Scotland, to the hidden secrets of the English countryside, we travel the world in order to solve a thrilling mystery. Every step of the way we’re met with lethal riddles, alluring and charismatic individuals, and secrets waiting to be revealed. A little bit of tomb raiding, a little bit of magic, a little bit of trekking through the unknown, there’s no shortage of risky undertakings. The action is unrelenting and severe, with lives constantly hanging in the balance, and always keeping me on the edge of my seat.
Power and destruction were calling my name. It would be easy with the key around my neck to bring the blood and screams to life.
Brock and Hamilton introduce us to a small, yet diverse and developed cast of characters from all walks of life. Our main character is Olivia, and her curious nature is the catalyst for all the events that transpire throughout the story. Upon finding the cursed key, her destined life unfurls before her, and she’s forced to accept the world as she knows it is but a facade. She comes to meet Kael, an irritable officer that claims he works for a paranormal agency, and their relationship is not necessarily a cordial one…at the start. Together they follow a trail of clues that leads them to cross paths with flirty fae, watchful witches, and a mystical and dangerous foe. Each character is crucial, and perfectly weaved into this tale.
This book contains a highly original and an excellently planned plot, told with simple prose, making this not only an easy story to read, but one I was unable to put down. Although written by two separate authors, I found the level of cohesion to be incredible, and I was pleasantly surprised, as I have not yet read works from either. I found the pacing to be near perfect – the fat smartly trimmed, and the story moving along without a single hitch. I went into this story with expectations, and nearly all have been met.
The Cursed Key is an excellent start to a series that left me needing to know what happens next. While it ends at a cliffhanger, it’s not entirely jarring like some, and the initial arc ties up nicely. With beautiful environments, outstanding character development and evolution, and an intriguing mystery, this story has a lot to offer, and I’m excited to see where Brock and Hamilton take us in the future. If you’re looking for a paranormal fantasy with an electrifying adventure, then this is the one you want.
Note: A huge thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and the authors for providing me with an advanced complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2020
The author/publisher provided a free copy of the book for review purposes - thank you! Receiving a review copy does not guarantee a positive review and therefore do not affect the opinion or content of the review.
I thought curses in books would be fun, but it turns out I didn't exactly have a grand time with The Cursed Key by Miranda Brock and Rebecca Hamilton.
Or rather, I wish I did, but uh... I turned out to be as disappointed as I get every holiday season when I try to get deals but get nothing. Other than food... which is always a good thing, but I like stocking up on chocolate. 😤
The Cursed Key had all the elements that I would enjoy:
• curses!
• magic, including dark ones
• he main character does an oops
• there's a steep price involved
But it turned out to be a huge disappointment, and I decided to call it quits at 16% mainly due to the writing. The book felt like it was sitting somewhere between the first and final draft, with every action being described in detail. Sometimes it didn't feel necessary to include some of the details, and I felt like I was getting bogged down.
16% is really early in my opinion to DNF as there isn't much I can formulate a review on, but it was hard for me to continue when I didn't feel like I could focus on other aspects. Most likely a me thing, so I'm hoping others out there aren't as bothered by the writing as I am and enjoy The Cursed Key more than I did!
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts.
I thought curses in books would be fun, but it turns out I didn't exactly have a grand time with The Cursed Key by Miranda Brock and Rebecca Hamilton.
Or rather, I wish I did, but uh... I turned out to be as disappointed as I get every holiday season when I try to get deals but get nothing. Other than food... which is always a good thing, but I like stocking up on chocolate. 😤
The Cursed Key had all the elements that I would enjoy:
• curses!
• magic, including dark ones
• he main character does an oops
• there's a steep price involved
But it turned out to be a huge disappointment, and I decided to call it quits at 16% mainly due to the writing. The book felt like it was sitting somewhere between the first and final draft, with every action being described in detail. Sometimes it didn't feel necessary to include some of the details, and I felt like I was getting bogged down.
16% is really early in my opinion to DNF as there isn't much I can formulate a review on, but it was hard for me to continue when I didn't feel like I could focus on other aspects. Most likely a me thing, so I'm hoping others out there aren't as bothered by the writing as I am and enjoy The Cursed Key more than I did!
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts.
April 12, 2022
The Cursed Key was interesting. By that I mean you meet a girl who doesn't know anything about magic and can magically do magic towards the end. There's also some shifters and a battle with a dark mage. A short battle but whatever.
Now I definitely got Lara Croft vibes when it came to our main character. Unlike Lara though, I didn't really connect to Oliva. She seemed nice but quite boring. It also seemed like things were happening way too easier for her. Especially since she didn't know anything about magic, shifters, or fae's to begin with.
In the end, some of what happened between the characters was predictable. It was easy to read but I don't really know if I want to dive into the next book right now. Or ever. Maybe one day?
Now I definitely got Lara Croft vibes when it came to our main character. Unlike Lara though, I didn't really connect to Oliva. She seemed nice but quite boring. It also seemed like things were happening way too easier for her. Especially since she didn't know anything about magic, shifters, or fae's to begin with.
In the end, some of what happened between the characters was predictable. It was easy to read but I don't really know if I want to dive into the next book right now. Or ever. Maybe one day?
January 10, 2020
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Cursed Key was a lot of fun. I gave it a solid three-star rating which means the book was pretty middle of the road for me. I truly enjoyed reading about our main character Olivia. She was such a strong female protagonist and to be honest, that’s one of my biggest buzz words. Strong female protagonist? Okay, I don’t care what the rest of the book is about, let me read this.
The plot was a lot of fun too. The journeys Olivia went on with her shape-shifting accomplice Kael kept me turning the pages, wondering what was to come next. It was also fun to read about the faeries and witches that appeared along the way. I love urban fantasies because it’s always a great way to escape for me. You don’t have to worry too much about world-building but you still get the fantastical element thrown in.
Unfortunately, this novel didn’t completely blow it out of the park the way I’d hoped it would. The writing felt a bit basic to me. Not everyone needs to be on Laini Taylor’s level of prose (in fact, I’m glad they’re not) but I did find it hard to put myself in the more fantastical situations. The last fight scene took place in a great setting that could have been so atmospheric, but it was hard to put myself there with the way it was written.
I also didn’t feel any chemistry between Olivia and Kael. Granted, there wasn’t much romance (if any) between them in the first 95% of the book but it is set up in one of the last scenes and I honestly wouldn’t pick up the second novel if there is going to be a romance between those two because I just don’t believe it. I felt there was more chemistry between Olivia and the faerie she met for twenty minutes in the beginning.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun, quick urban fantasy, I’d recommend this. It’s not the best book I’ve ever read but it was a lot of fun and at only 230 pages, it’s something you could finish in one sitting.
The Cursed Key was a lot of fun. I gave it a solid three-star rating which means the book was pretty middle of the road for me. I truly enjoyed reading about our main character Olivia. She was such a strong female protagonist and to be honest, that’s one of my biggest buzz words. Strong female protagonist? Okay, I don’t care what the rest of the book is about, let me read this.
The plot was a lot of fun too. The journeys Olivia went on with her shape-shifting accomplice Kael kept me turning the pages, wondering what was to come next. It was also fun to read about the faeries and witches that appeared along the way. I love urban fantasies because it’s always a great way to escape for me. You don’t have to worry too much about world-building but you still get the fantastical element thrown in.
Unfortunately, this novel didn’t completely blow it out of the park the way I’d hoped it would. The writing felt a bit basic to me. Not everyone needs to be on Laini Taylor’s level of prose (in fact, I’m glad they’re not) but I did find it hard to put myself in the more fantastical situations. The last fight scene took place in a great setting that could have been so atmospheric, but it was hard to put myself there with the way it was written.
I also didn’t feel any chemistry between Olivia and Kael. Granted, there wasn’t much romance (if any) between them in the first 95% of the book but it is set up in one of the last scenes and I honestly wouldn’t pick up the second novel if there is going to be a romance between those two because I just don’t believe it. I felt there was more chemistry between Olivia and the faerie she met for twenty minutes in the beginning.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun, quick urban fantasy, I’d recommend this. It’s not the best book I’ve ever read but it was a lot of fun and at only 230 pages, it’s something you could finish in one sitting.
February 18, 2020
Thanks to Hiddengemsbooks.com and the authors for a free e-book in exchange for an honest review.
The Cursed Key is the first book of an upcoming trilogy. Olivia, an archaeologist and university researcher, finds a strange but compelling key while on a site in Brazil. The action builds from there and involves odd keys, shape shifters, witches, fae, a dark mage, and Olivia discovering her own hidden magic. I thought the writing was good, with just the right balance of action and description, although I would have liked more background on the importance of the key, and why Olivia's magic had remained hidden her entire life up until this point. Overall, I thought this was a fun read and look forward to reading the future books in this trilogy.
The Cursed Key is the first book of an upcoming trilogy. Olivia, an archaeologist and university researcher, finds a strange but compelling key while on a site in Brazil. The action builds from there and involves odd keys, shape shifters, witches, fae, a dark mage, and Olivia discovering her own hidden magic. I thought the writing was good, with just the right balance of action and description, although I would have liked more background on the importance of the key, and why Olivia's magic had remained hidden her entire life up until this point. Overall, I thought this was a fun read and look forward to reading the future books in this trilogy.
June 21, 2020
I thought this was an interesting read but I can also see why some reviewers had issues with it. The premise definitely builds the book up to more thrilling and adventurous than it actually is. In fact the whole premise of the book is the heroine looking for a key. A key she knows nothing about and by the end still knows nothing about. Midway through she finds out the key has a twin and so she searched for that one too... a key, a plain old key that has some type of power and has gained her an enemy, another thing we know nothing about. The heroine has a mysterious past life, sudden powers and memories that, you guessed it, she knows nothing about nor does anyone else.
I thought this would be more of a Lara Croft/Indiana Jones blend and while the book started that way (opens with her exploring secret ruin riddled with puzzles and boobytraps) those elements sort of blurred themselves away on the hunt for a boring old key. I hated that the MCs would meet characters who could maybe help give her answers but always pointed them to someone else. There’s just so many questions brought about and not a single answer given which I really found frustrating. Not sure if I’ll continue on with the series, I’m worried it’ll just be more of the same.
I thought this would be more of a Lara Croft/Indiana Jones blend and while the book started that way (opens with her exploring secret ruin riddled with puzzles and boobytraps) those elements sort of blurred themselves away on the hunt for a boring old key. I hated that the MCs would meet characters who could maybe help give her answers but always pointed them to someone else. There’s just so many questions brought about and not a single answer given which I really found frustrating. Not sure if I’ll continue on with the series, I’m worried it’ll just be more of the same.
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April 1, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/1/2020)! 🎁
July 26, 2019
OMG this is just awesome. A fantastic collaboration between these two authors that brings you a well written adventurous story that will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time! I love the kick ass female mc and am totally hooked on this captivating, non stop action packed, exciting read and I cannot wait to read more from this trilogy!
November 21, 2021
A fast paced Paranormal Fantasy
I would have given this five stars except I don't like cliffhangers. An archeologist found a relic in the Brazilian amazon rainforest that changes her life. To find help and answers she will travel to New Haven, Kinloch Horn, and Yorkshire Dales National Park while meeting shifters, mages, fae, and witches. A page turner and keeper.
I would have given this five stars except I don't like cliffhangers. An archeologist found a relic in the Brazilian amazon rainforest that changes her life. To find help and answers she will travel to New Haven, Kinloch Horn, and Yorkshire Dales National Park while meeting shifters, mages, fae, and witches. A page turner and keeper.
January 14, 2020
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and Evershade Publishing for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
Okay I don’t care what you think about the two Tomb Raider movies with Angelina Jolie in them, they are some of my favorite freaking movies in the world and I loved her in both of them. Now while I was reading The Cursed Key, I couldn’t help but get Lara Croft vibes with her being an archaeologist, but also a bad ass living in this beautiful big house after her father passed away. Plus, hello? She also worked for Yale – I mean I know Croft lives in England, but similarities people!
Plus I also got Evie vibes from The Mummy Returns in the beginning of the novel when she was being pulled towards the ruins as if she had been there before. Even though of course those ruins have been shut away from the modern world for years, right? Riiiiight.
But anyway, Olivia was such a crazy cool character and I was proud of her for getting into this field and not allowing any of the men or whatever to tear her down just because she was a woman and all that crap. She was good at what she does, even when she had to start way behind the starting line, you know? She was already at a disadvantage because of being a woman, and I’m sure that there were a lot of people that didn’t think she could handle it even though her father was her inspiration and was one of the best history teachers at Yale for goodness sake.
And then this is a trilogy too so of course now I need to know how its going to end because that whole story just blew me away. I’m excited. I really liked this one and I’m glad I was a part of the blog tour!
Okay I don’t care what you think about the two Tomb Raider movies with Angelina Jolie in them, they are some of my favorite freaking movies in the world and I loved her in both of them. Now while I was reading The Cursed Key, I couldn’t help but get Lara Croft vibes with her being an archaeologist, but also a bad ass living in this beautiful big house after her father passed away. Plus, hello? She also worked for Yale – I mean I know Croft lives in England, but similarities people!
Plus I also got Evie vibes from The Mummy Returns in the beginning of the novel when she was being pulled towards the ruins as if she had been there before. Even though of course those ruins have been shut away from the modern world for years, right? Riiiiight.
But anyway, Olivia was such a crazy cool character and I was proud of her for getting into this field and not allowing any of the men or whatever to tear her down just because she was a woman and all that crap. She was good at what she does, even when she had to start way behind the starting line, you know? She was already at a disadvantage because of being a woman, and I’m sure that there were a lot of people that didn’t think she could handle it even though her father was her inspiration and was one of the best history teachers at Yale for goodness sake.
And then this is a trilogy too so of course now I need to know how its going to end because that whole story just blew me away. I’m excited. I really liked this one and I’m glad I was a part of the blog tour!
February 29, 2020
I actually received an ARc of the second book in this series, but hadn't read the first one, so had to go back and read it. I'm so glad I did as I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and well written. I really like Olivia as a complete newbie to this paranormal world and Kael was a great partner in helping her to understand more about the world she knew nothing about!
Olivia is an archaeologist and whilst on a dig in the Amazon rainforest, she follows whispers in the air to an undiscovered site of ruins. After exploring and almost dying several times, she discovers something which will change her life forever! The Cursed Key!
Back home she begins to suffer with devastating visions and although she can't bring herself to tell anyone about the key, she believes it to be evil and decides to hide it. Unfortunately for her, she is being hunted by two different men, both wanting the same thing - the Cursed Key, of course! When she loses the key to one of these men, the other joins forces with Olivia to try and get it back before he destroys the whole world! After a trip around the world (almost!), the fight for her life and the key is on! Her eyes have been opened to an entirely new world and Olivia now has to try and learn about it and about her newly awakened powers if she is going to survive and even more so, to win!
Now I can get on with my ARC for the second book - looking forward to it!
Olivia is an archaeologist and whilst on a dig in the Amazon rainforest, she follows whispers in the air to an undiscovered site of ruins. After exploring and almost dying several times, she discovers something which will change her life forever! The Cursed Key!
Back home she begins to suffer with devastating visions and although she can't bring herself to tell anyone about the key, she believes it to be evil and decides to hide it. Unfortunately for her, she is being hunted by two different men, both wanting the same thing - the Cursed Key, of course! When she loses the key to one of these men, the other joins forces with Olivia to try and get it back before he destroys the whole world! After a trip around the world (almost!), the fight for her life and the key is on! Her eyes have been opened to an entirely new world and Olivia now has to try and learn about it and about her newly awakened powers if she is going to survive and even more so, to win!
Now I can get on with my ARC for the second book - looking forward to it!
January 31, 2025
The Cursed Key
This one sucked me in from the first chapter. But I had tech week for a musical as I started it so I ended up having to stop and then start again. I couldn't stop thinking about it though so I knew it would be great.
Olivia is a relic hunter and academic, think Indiana Jones, but a girl. On a hunt in South America she wanders off and finds an old key. When she emerges with her find, she is attacked by a jaguar, but manages to escape.
When she gets home, she starts having flashes of terrible and disturbing images. This gets worse and worse until she finally just decides to bury the key. of course a dark mage immediately finds it and attacks Olivia. Then the jaguar, who is a very grumpy were-jaguar named Kael comes to yell at her for letting the key get stolen. He works for a paranormal agency that wants to protect the key from ever being found because it is dangerous.
What follows is a cross-country, then international chase to find the mage that took the key and another relic that might help.
This book is so fast-paced I read it in hours not days. It's not a long book either so that helped. If I was allowing myself to buy more books I would grab the whole lot of these. 4.5 stars.
This one sucked me in from the first chapter. But I had tech week for a musical as I started it so I ended up having to stop and then start again. I couldn't stop thinking about it though so I knew it would be great.
Olivia is a relic hunter and academic, think Indiana Jones, but a girl. On a hunt in South America she wanders off and finds an old key. When she emerges with her find, she is attacked by a jaguar, but manages to escape.
When she gets home, she starts having flashes of terrible and disturbing images. This gets worse and worse until she finally just decides to bury the key. of course a dark mage immediately finds it and attacks Olivia. Then the jaguar, who is a very grumpy were-jaguar named Kael comes to yell at her for letting the key get stolen. He works for a paranormal agency that wants to protect the key from ever being found because it is dangerous.
What follows is a cross-country, then international chase to find the mage that took the key and another relic that might help.
This book is so fast-paced I read it in hours not days. It's not a long book either so that helped. If I was allowing myself to buy more books I would grab the whole lot of these. 4.5 stars.
0-dnf
February 17, 2020DNF. The ideas were cool, but the writing style I didn't love/didn't work for me.
June 14, 2019
Great Story! This was full of action with drama and suspense throughout it. It was a unique story. Olivia was a kick butt of a woman who at times shows a softer side. Kael is this grouchy but protective. It is gripping and beautifully developed with beautifully developed characters. Even the support characters are amazing. It is definitely worth reading and doesn’t disappoint.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2019
Sacrifice to surrender. Blood to bind.
“A dark mage had stolen a cursed key from me, a key that had awoken some kind of ancient magic deep inside myself. Now I was stuck with a grumpy man who could change into a jaguar and he was driving my car to find a shady witch.” - Olivia Perez
Olivia Perez is an archeologist, and wildly excited about investigating newly discovered the ancient ruins of Vale do Jabari in Brazil. Drawn to the site, a knowing tugged Olivia away from her team and deeper into the rain forest. Finding herself in another location, with more ancient ruins, Olivia is startled when a large male jaguar threatens her. As Olivia is attempting to protect herself, the ground gives way... and Olivia finds herself in a previously unknown chamber.
The knowing returns... Following the strange tugging sensation, Olivia barely manages to escape several deadly traps, and discovers another chamber, deep within the complex. A runic puzzle solved, and Olivia makes a discovery... one that will transform her life, and her life’s work...
Discovering she is the processor of an ancient magic, unknown and untried, turns Olivia’s world upside down. Jael, the jaguar shifter, is determined to retrieve the mysterious artifact that Olivia discovered and removed from the Brazilian rainforest. Unfortunately, not only Jael is in pursuit of the artifact… so is a dark mage, more myth than reality, whose evil transcends time.
Haunting! Ethereal tendrils of fascination and fear twine all around you until all you can do is shudder… and read on. Captivating characters that leap from the pages and entreat your senses to continue… until the startling ending. Loved every sentence!
“A dark mage had stolen a cursed key from me, a key that had awoken some kind of ancient magic deep inside myself. Now I was stuck with a grumpy man who could change into a jaguar and he was driving my car to find a shady witch.” - Olivia Perez
Olivia Perez is an archeologist, and wildly excited about investigating newly discovered the ancient ruins of Vale do Jabari in Brazil. Drawn to the site, a knowing tugged Olivia away from her team and deeper into the rain forest. Finding herself in another location, with more ancient ruins, Olivia is startled when a large male jaguar threatens her. As Olivia is attempting to protect herself, the ground gives way... and Olivia finds herself in a previously unknown chamber.
The knowing returns... Following the strange tugging sensation, Olivia barely manages to escape several deadly traps, and discovers another chamber, deep within the complex. A runic puzzle solved, and Olivia makes a discovery... one that will transform her life, and her life’s work...
Discovering she is the processor of an ancient magic, unknown and untried, turns Olivia’s world upside down. Jael, the jaguar shifter, is determined to retrieve the mysterious artifact that Olivia discovered and removed from the Brazilian rainforest. Unfortunately, not only Jael is in pursuit of the artifact… so is a dark mage, more myth than reality, whose evil transcends time.
Haunting! Ethereal tendrils of fascination and fear twine all around you until all you can do is shudder… and read on. Captivating characters that leap from the pages and entreat your senses to continue… until the startling ending. Loved every sentence!
June 21, 2020
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2020...
This was a fun read! It’s one of those books while it didn’t have anything that ‘blew me away’ it definitely was enjoyable and filled with things I like. Adventure, a hint of romance, paranormal beings, magic, and a very Indiana Jones/Tomb Raider vibe going on.
Olivia is an archaeologist, she has wandered into the jungle, hoping to find something the other excavating teams haven’t yet, and that’s when her world gets turned upside down.
She finds a key, and suddenly I’m reminiscent of the curse of the mummy King Tut, what seems like just plain bad luck is more than that, she’s plagued with visions and it has nothing to do with heat fatigue from the climate as they persist after she returns home.
The whole time Olivia and the reader are unsure of who she is, you know there is something different to her, the mage she runs into proves as much, but, you don’t know what.
Has the key given her magical powers or was she born with them and they’ve been hiding?
I loved the mystery to Olivia and really thought the banter between her and her shifter friend was cute and fun.
The romance is slow burn which is a favorite of mine and though the book did keep me interested I felt that the magic system and worldbuilding could have used more focus. I am hoping that is rectified in book 2 as I definitely intend on reading the next one.
Again, an amusing read, nothing incredible, but definitely fun and worth a snoop!
Thank you to Xpresso Tours for an eARC of this to read and review honestly as part of the blog tour.
This was a fun read! It’s one of those books while it didn’t have anything that ‘blew me away’ it definitely was enjoyable and filled with things I like. Adventure, a hint of romance, paranormal beings, magic, and a very Indiana Jones/Tomb Raider vibe going on.
Olivia is an archaeologist, she has wandered into the jungle, hoping to find something the other excavating teams haven’t yet, and that’s when her world gets turned upside down.
She finds a key, and suddenly I’m reminiscent of the curse of the mummy King Tut, what seems like just plain bad luck is more than that, she’s plagued with visions and it has nothing to do with heat fatigue from the climate as they persist after she returns home.
The whole time Olivia and the reader are unsure of who she is, you know there is something different to her, the mage she runs into proves as much, but, you don’t know what.
Has the key given her magical powers or was she born with them and they’ve been hiding?
I loved the mystery to Olivia and really thought the banter between her and her shifter friend was cute and fun.
The romance is slow burn which is a favorite of mine and though the book did keep me interested I felt that the magic system and worldbuilding could have used more focus. I am hoping that is rectified in book 2 as I definitely intend on reading the next one.
Again, an amusing read, nothing incredible, but definitely fun and worth a snoop!
Thank you to Xpresso Tours for an eARC of this to read and review honestly as part of the blog tour.
July 28, 2019
A forgotten past, a dark mage, and an unyielding curse.
Another team beat free-spirited archaeologist Olivia Perez to the dig of a lifetime, and now she’s left with the choice to wait for scraps or brave a dangerous, dusty tomb in hopes of finding other priceless artifacts. Her reward? A mysterious key she has no idea is cursed. Soon, Olivia realizes she’s brought home more than just an ancient rarity.
Malevolent visions begin to plague her. Unnerved by what they reveal, she casts away the key…unknowingly placing it into the waiting hands of a dark mage bent on destruction. Only when a shifter agent from the Paranormal Intelligence and Tracking Organization arrives searching for the key does Olivia realize what a huge mistake she’s made.
Forced to team up with the ill-tempered shifter, her journey to reclaim the cursed key leads down a twisting path of dark histories, dangerous magic, and deadly obstacles. But Olivia’s efforts to take back the ancient relic before the dark mage can destroy the lives of humans, shifters, witches, and fae alike are thwarted by her own dark past…and a price steeper than what she’s willing to pay.
This is a great read which has been very enjoyable.
The story is full of action. drama and suspense.
Great story to start of a new series.
Fabulous characters that are fleshed out well and enjoy reading about.
Great plot and story line.
Look forward to reading more in the series.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another team beat free-spirited archaeologist Olivia Perez to the dig of a lifetime, and now she’s left with the choice to wait for scraps or brave a dangerous, dusty tomb in hopes of finding other priceless artifacts. Her reward? A mysterious key she has no idea is cursed. Soon, Olivia realizes she’s brought home more than just an ancient rarity.
Malevolent visions begin to plague her. Unnerved by what they reveal, she casts away the key…unknowingly placing it into the waiting hands of a dark mage bent on destruction. Only when a shifter agent from the Paranormal Intelligence and Tracking Organization arrives searching for the key does Olivia realize what a huge mistake she’s made.
Forced to team up with the ill-tempered shifter, her journey to reclaim the cursed key leads down a twisting path of dark histories, dangerous magic, and deadly obstacles. But Olivia’s efforts to take back the ancient relic before the dark mage can destroy the lives of humans, shifters, witches, and fae alike are thwarted by her own dark past…and a price steeper than what she’s willing to pay.
This is a great read which has been very enjoyable.
The story is full of action. drama and suspense.
Great story to start of a new series.
Fabulous characters that are fleshed out well and enjoy reading about.
Great plot and story line.
Look forward to reading more in the series.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2019
Much to her ,disappointment, archaeologists Olivia Perez and team trek to the dangerous Amazon only to find they are third on the scene of a new find. While she surveys the ruins her instincts pull her west. After a harrowing climb she finds more ruins and this time she is first. Only suddenly a giant panther appears and she finds herself falling. Her reward is a mysterious key. It is not until she has brought it home that she realizes it may be cursed. Dark dreams plague her so she gets rid of the key. Then the Paranormal Intelligence and Tracking Organization comes seeking the key. But she no long,ear has it and then her troubles really begin.
This is an amazing adventure filled with mystery, magic, paranormals and heart stopping action. The characters are well defined, interesting, charismatic and personable. The stakes are high. The action is non stop and very well described. The sense of urgency and suspense builds throughout the book. They storyline is easy to read and is filled with amazing twists, unexpected turns and interesting surprises. It is also a journey of self discovery for Olivia as she deals with her growing power. So much is going on in this book yet it is easy to read. Being the first in a trilogy means we have to read two more books to get to the end, I can hardly wait until I can read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an amazing adventure filled with mystery, magic, paranormals and heart stopping action. The characters are well defined, interesting, charismatic and personable. The stakes are high. The action is non stop and very well described. The sense of urgency and suspense builds throughout the book. They storyline is easy to read and is filled with amazing twists, unexpected turns and interesting surprises. It is also a journey of self discovery for Olivia as she deals with her growing power. So much is going on in this book yet it is easy to read. Being the first in a trilogy means we have to read two more books to get to the end, I can hardly wait until I can read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2019
Olivia Perez is an archeologist with a thirst for adventure and a knack of getting herself in tricky situations. It is thanks to her intuition that she manage to solve the riddles and pitfalls she encounters. Throughout this first book Olivia doesn't know what she's becoming and what she's capable of doing with the power that she awakenned when she found a key in the ruins of the Vale do Javari nestled in the Amazon Rainforest. From there she will discover a supernatural world with fae, witches, dark mage and she will find an ally with a certain broody jaguar shifter.
I really liked this first setting, a good storyline, plenty of actions and mystery. This was a first Rebecca Hamilton read for me and i will say it won't be the last. Can't wait to follow Olivia next adventures/Quest for answers and dark mage hunting.
My only wish is that it would be awesome if in later books we could have some Kael POV. Could this be possible? Love to have different POVs from characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am volontarily leaving a review.
I really liked this first setting, a good storyline, plenty of actions and mystery. This was a first Rebecca Hamilton read for me and i will say it won't be the last. Can't wait to follow Olivia next adventures/Quest for answers and dark mage hunting.
My only wish is that it would be awesome if in later books we could have some Kael POV. Could this be possible? Love to have different POVs from characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am volontarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2019
Her impulsive decision to keep an ancient artifact she finds at a dig site in the Amazon rainforest means that archaeologist, Olivia Perez, will be drawn into a community she had no idea existed. Kael Rivera is a jaguar shifter, and he is looking for the key that Olivia had in her possession, but quickly finds out that she buried it, hoping that getting rid of it would stop in disturbing visions that she has had since she took the artifact. Unfortunately, a powerful and evil mage had taken it, and Olivia and Kael will team up to retrieve another key, then find and confront the mage to get the first key back.
Wow! Exciting, fast paced adventure, filled with action, suspense, and a fascinating cast of characters. Olivia will feet a fae, witches, and wolf shifters in her travels with Kael. A unique, well written and absolutely fascinating world with sometimes humorous, and believable dialog. Fantastic book!
I am voluntarily leaving and honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
Wow! Exciting, fast paced adventure, filled with action, suspense, and a fascinating cast of characters. Olivia will feet a fae, witches, and wolf shifters in her travels with Kael. A unique, well written and absolutely fascinating world with sometimes humorous, and believable dialog. Fantastic book!
I am voluntarily leaving and honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
July 20, 2019
Adventurous
We get to follow Olivia Perez, and Archaeologist that finds herself being pooled deep into the Amazon Jungle, where she finds an ancient ruin, deep inside she takes the relic, a key, only to notice changes within herself and visions, that followed her home and has her questioning reality. A journey that has her stumble into an unknown world of paranormal, shape shifters, witches, fae, mages and magic. Will she unlock the mystery of the relic?
The Cursed Key, is packed with adventure and action, tomb raider meets the paranormal world. The writing is fantastic and extremely descriptive, it did drag out a little in the beginning but then sucks you in and becomes a page turner that you can’t stop. Strong characters that are rich and captivating. Overall a great story with twists spread throughout. I definitely want to see how the characters evolve through out the series and what adventures are install for the next book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
We get to follow Olivia Perez, and Archaeologist that finds herself being pooled deep into the Amazon Jungle, where she finds an ancient ruin, deep inside she takes the relic, a key, only to notice changes within herself and visions, that followed her home and has her questioning reality. A journey that has her stumble into an unknown world of paranormal, shape shifters, witches, fae, mages and magic. Will she unlock the mystery of the relic?
The Cursed Key, is packed with adventure and action, tomb raider meets the paranormal world. The writing is fantastic and extremely descriptive, it did drag out a little in the beginning but then sucks you in and becomes a page turner that you can’t stop. Strong characters that are rich and captivating. Overall a great story with twists spread throughout. I definitely want to see how the characters evolve through out the series and what adventures are install for the next book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 25, 2019
ONE EARTH SHAKING RIDE!!!
Ka-boom baby! This dynamic duo just dropped da bomb. This baby hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Hook, line and sinker. This bad boy comes with one hard hitting punch that keeps your total focus on every word. Nah, you won't be able to put this baby down. Grab a seat, get comfy cause your in for the long haul. One non-stop action packed, fast paced, page flipping bombshell that keeps you riveted on a razors edge. Wrangling through all the trials and tribulations trying to get one step ahead and running out of time. A throng of startling circumstances and unforeseen events blast those churning emotions forward in this thrilling storyline and gripping plot. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes that really pull this baby together smoothly. Awesome job guys, thanks for sharing it.
Ka-boom baby! This dynamic duo just dropped da bomb. This baby hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Hook, line and sinker. This bad boy comes with one hard hitting punch that keeps your total focus on every word. Nah, you won't be able to put this baby down. Grab a seat, get comfy cause your in for the long haul. One non-stop action packed, fast paced, page flipping bombshell that keeps you riveted on a razors edge. Wrangling through all the trials and tribulations trying to get one step ahead and running out of time. A throng of startling circumstances and unforeseen events blast those churning emotions forward in this thrilling storyline and gripping plot. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes that really pull this baby together smoothly. Awesome job guys, thanks for sharing it.
July 20, 2019
What a great beginning to a new series. It has everything that I enjoy in a story, from a great plot with a lot of adventure to unresolved sexual tension to plenty of action.
It also has a variety of supernatural creatures from Fae, Shifters , Witches and evil Mages.
Olivia the heroine is written in a way that is appealing to me. She is adventurous, take no nonsense kind of girl. She stands up for herself and doesn't take crap from anyone.
Olivia's past is a bit of a mystery and I was really glued to the story to see what happens to her.
Think of a type of Laura Croft novel where there are power ancient treasures being hunted and discovered.
Throw in an evil mage who wants to dominate all of the world and you have this story.
This is a must read and I can't wait to read the next installment.
It also has a variety of supernatural creatures from Fae, Shifters , Witches and evil Mages.
Olivia the heroine is written in a way that is appealing to me. She is adventurous, take no nonsense kind of girl. She stands up for herself and doesn't take crap from anyone.
Olivia's past is a bit of a mystery and I was really glued to the story to see what happens to her.
Think of a type of Laura Croft novel where there are power ancient treasures being hunted and discovered.
Throw in an evil mage who wants to dominate all of the world and you have this story.
This is a must read and I can't wait to read the next installment.
July 26, 2019
*****SPOILERS****The Cursed Key will keep you guessing. This is the first book of a new trilogy. Olivia,a second generation archeologist, is a female Indiana Jones. She takes risks and when everyone is going right she is following her gut to go up. In the South American jungles she is about to find out that the world of logic she lives in, is not what it seems. Olivia is introduced to shifters, witches, Fae, and Mages. She also finds out she was a Mage in a previous life.
The story is well written and moves at decent pace. The settings are easy to follow.
I am looking forward to book 2. It should be a real eye opener.
The story is well written and moves at decent pace. The settings are easy to follow.
I am looking forward to book 2. It should be a real eye opener.
July 28, 2019
This book grabbed me right from the start, there is mystery, intrigue, magic, adventure and anticipation of what will happen next. Olivia is strong and motivated and is able to take things in her stride from secret rooms in a tomb to shifters, witches and learning magic, a power hungry mage oh and dealing with Kael. 😉 I am glad to know there are 2 more books to come however I am not sure how well I will go with waiting for them to come out as I really want to read them now so I think this will be the perfect binge reading. 📚😍
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2019
This awesome new paranormal/urban fantasy sank its hooks right into me! It’s a little bit Laura Croft and a lot of a fantastically built world.
The main character, Olivia, is as tenacious in her pursuit for answers as she is at a dig site. I enjoyed following her around the world and learning about the magic existing right under her nose.
And Kael the leopard shifter? Yes! I loved their dynamic together and look forward to exploring their relationship more in future books!
I’ve read quite a few of Miranda Brock’s novels but this a first with Rebecca Hamilton. I’m curious to read more of her work and see if I can decipher which part of The Cursed Key comes from which author!
The main character, Olivia, is as tenacious in her pursuit for answers as she is at a dig site. I enjoyed following her around the world and learning about the magic existing right under her nose.
And Kael the leopard shifter? Yes! I loved their dynamic together and look forward to exploring their relationship more in future books!
I’ve read quite a few of Miranda Brock’s novels but this a first with Rebecca Hamilton. I’m curious to read more of her work and see if I can decipher which part of The Cursed Key comes from which author!
July 25, 2019
Olivia is a tomb raider who while on a visit to South America, finds a mysterious key hidden in a tomb. She takes the treasure home with her, but strange things start to happen to her. Is the key Cursed? This was an exciting and entertaining read. I love Lara Croft and the character reminded me of her. She is strong, stubborn and determined. If you love kick ass heroines and mysteries then you will love this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2020
This is the first book that I have read by one of the authors, but the other author I have read everything she has ever written, so I knew I would enjoy this book. First of all this was an excellent story that was full of action, suspense and drama as well as being filled with magic and shifters. I must say that I want the second book in this series like right now because I want to know what happens to Olivia and Kael and her "date". To find out about the date you need to read the book, believe me you will not be disappointed.
July 23, 2019
This story was quite the wild ride. It was full of mystery, magic and mayhem. Olivia was an archeologist that found a relic that changed her life and now she was part of the supernatural world. Along with Kael, a growly and grouchy shifter, they go after an evil mage. There was lots of kick butt action and great characters. This was definitely a book you can’t put down. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
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