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Arkana Archaeology Thrillers #1
The Granite Key: Arkana Archaeology Mystery Thriller Series #1
ARKANA SERIES
Forget everything you thought you knew about ancient history. The real facts have been buried… Until now!
Imagine yourself a nineteen year old college student. Your life is normal in every way until a bizarre set of events drags you into a hidden world of danger. You are recruited by an underground society questing for artifacts that reconstruct the lost history of the human race. You are being pursued by a fanatical religious cult intent on acquiring a legendary relic before you do. A relic that, in the wrong hands, has the power to destroy the world.
In a treasure hunt that spans twelve thousand years of human history and covers every continent, the Arkana series digs deep through the layers of fabricated history to reveal a past we never dreamed we had and a future we never dreamed we could have.
THE GRANITE KEY
College student Cassie Forsyth awakens in the middle of the night, shocked by a nightmare in which she sees her sister being murdered. The attacker is a man in a cowboy hat who demands something called "the key." The girl's nightmare becomes real as she is drawn into an underground organization bent on recovering an ancient artifact that has the power to save the world or end it altogether.
A secret society. A fanatical cult. A telepathic girl.
All vie to unlock the mysteries of the granite key. The quest leads halfway around the globe to the ruins of a forgotten civilization and a secret it has guarded for millennia. The fate of the world depends on who gets there first.
Forget everything you thought you knew about ancient history. The real facts have been buried… Until now!
Imagine yourself a nineteen year old college student. Your life is normal in every way until a bizarre set of events drags you into a hidden world of danger. You are recruited by an underground society questing for artifacts that reconstruct the lost history of the human race. You are being pursued by a fanatical religious cult intent on acquiring a legendary relic before you do. A relic that, in the wrong hands, has the power to destroy the world.
In a treasure hunt that spans twelve thousand years of human history and covers every continent, the Arkana series digs deep through the layers of fabricated history to reveal a past we never dreamed we had and a future we never dreamed we could have.
THE GRANITE KEY
College student Cassie Forsyth awakens in the middle of the night, shocked by a nightmare in which she sees her sister being murdered. The attacker is a man in a cowboy hat who demands something called "the key." The girl's nightmare becomes real as she is drawn into an underground organization bent on recovering an ancient artifact that has the power to save the world or end it altogether.
A secret society. A fanatical cult. A telepathic girl.
All vie to unlock the mysteries of the granite key. The quest leads halfway around the globe to the ruins of a forgotten civilization and a secret it has guarded for millennia. The fate of the world depends on who gets there first.
Hardcover
First published February 12, 2011
959 people are currently reading
729 people want to read
About the author
N.S. Wikarski
21 books153 followersNancy Wikarski is a fugitive from academia. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, she worked in corporate America for two decades before becoming a historical mystery author. Her books highlight unknown aspects of women’s history and contain elements of magical realism. In her Arkana series, she foregrounds the latest archaeological discoveries about prepatriarchal cultures around the planet and weaves these facts into fictional artifact hunts. Her Gilded Age Chicago books depict the real issues of first-wave feminism while following the fictional adventures of two amateur sleuths. Both her series have been award-nominated and have ranked on Amazon’s bestseller lists.
The author is a member of ALLi, Mystery Writers of America, the Society of Midland Authors, and has served as vice president of Sisters in Crime-Twin Cities and on the programming board of the Chicago chapter. Her short stories have appeared in Futures Magazine and DIME Anthology, while her book reviews and essays have been featured in Murder: Past Tense, Deadly Pleasures, and Mystery Readers Journal. She is currently writing an Arkana spinoff series called The Trove Chronicles that will continue to feature discoveries about global prepatriarchal cultures. More mysteries from the casebook of Gilded Age detectives Evangeline LeClair and Freddie Simpson are also in the works.
The author is a member of ALLi, Mystery Writers of America, the Society of Midland Authors, and has served as vice president of Sisters in Crime-Twin Cities and on the programming board of the Chicago chapter. Her short stories have appeared in Futures Magazine and DIME Anthology, while her book reviews and essays have been featured in Murder: Past Tense, Deadly Pleasures, and Mystery Readers Journal. She is currently writing an Arkana spinoff series called The Trove Chronicles that will continue to feature discoveries about global prepatriarchal cultures. More mysteries from the casebook of Gilded Age detectives Evangeline LeClair and Freddie Simpson are also in the works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
January 27, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for doing a review. Unfortunately, the review will not be very glowing. This is a hunt for ancient treasures - the granite key being a stone with etchings that is supposed to unlock the mysteries to finding some major artifacts having to do with the truth about the early civilizations of the world before the "warlords" took over and rewrote history. Odd - but OK - hunting for artifacts is a plot device that has often been used. Traveling around the world and discussing some of these archeological sites can be interesting.
The plot line is OK. It has the potential for more interest than it actually generates. There is the early murder, which adds the mystery, and then the two forces both looking for the mystery of the key. One side is the Arkana, having existed for centuries and hiding artifacts that prove their theory of the "true" beginnings of civilization. The other side is a religious cult, deeply secretive, with a leader of questionable moral integrity. I had to stretch my believability a little for both sides, but this is a work of fiction, after all. And, we do need the good and the evil.
The characters were the weakest link. Some of them have potential, but none seem to develop beyond the one-sided. Maybe more will happen in the rest of series. One can only hope. Cassie, the main character, is particularly irritating. I had to keep telling myself she was just being "funny" when she said some of the dumbest things I have ever read. And she is supposed to have the powers that will allow the Arkana to prevail? Give me a break. Almost all of the characters were more like caricatures than real, but at least some of them were likable. I believe this is supposed to be a young adult fiction, and it might be more appealing to that group.
This is the first book in the series, and I will not bother with the follow up books. Well, maybe I would read the next one if I got a free copy - maybe not. I read 60 or 70 books a year, and I won't hold my breath waiting for the next installment.
The plot line is OK. It has the potential for more interest than it actually generates. There is the early murder, which adds the mystery, and then the two forces both looking for the mystery of the key. One side is the Arkana, having existed for centuries and hiding artifacts that prove their theory of the "true" beginnings of civilization. The other side is a religious cult, deeply secretive, with a leader of questionable moral integrity. I had to stretch my believability a little for both sides, but this is a work of fiction, after all. And, we do need the good and the evil.
The characters were the weakest link. Some of them have potential, but none seem to develop beyond the one-sided. Maybe more will happen in the rest of series. One can only hope. Cassie, the main character, is particularly irritating. I had to keep telling myself she was just being "funny" when she said some of the dumbest things I have ever read. And she is supposed to have the powers that will allow the Arkana to prevail? Give me a break. Almost all of the characters were more like caricatures than real, but at least some of them were likable. I believe this is supposed to be a young adult fiction, and it might be more appealing to that group.
This is the first book in the series, and I will not bother with the follow up books. Well, maybe I would read the next one if I got a free copy - maybe not. I read 60 or 70 books a year, and I won't hold my breath waiting for the next installment.
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February 5, 2023TheFussyLibrarian. Series available KU
June 27, 2023
This book was fairly entertaining but definitely not amazing. Personally, I am not sure how I feel about the premise of a civilization so old but for the story’s purpose I can play along. Many reviewers didn’t feel that the characters were developed enough and I have to agree. The animosity between Erik and Cassie seemed so childish in the way it played out. Especially considering the seriousness of the task set before them. Not a bad book and certainly worth a read if you need to kill some time but may not be the best choice in the genre if your time is more limited. I will probably read the next in the series just to see where it goes. Insatiable curiosity!
August 31, 2013
Book review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
What impressed me the most about The Granite Key was the large amount of archaeological and historical detail that crept its way into this novel. It reads very much like an updated version of a Dan Brown book, matching fact with fiction until the reader is unsure of which is which. At the beginning of the book, our main character Cassie, already finds herself going through an enormous challenge. Her sister was murdered, and she saw it happen in a dream. Struggling with guilt, and with coming to terms of what’s happening, and the strange new world she is thrust into, Cassie must withstand several hardships. Cassie learns her sister was murdered because she found a relic of an ancient society called The Arkana. When touching the object, Cassie can see pictures of the past play out in her mind.
Next to Cassie, my favorite character was Griffin. But Cassie remained my absolute favorite. She went through so many emotions, from disbelief to wonder to being amazed, through grief, sorrow and anger, and all those emotions she portrayed so well and in such a fragile, human way.
I love thrillers linking the past to present and books that teach me something. Here I learned a great deal about ancient matriarchal societies. It was a very intriguing, suspenseful and enjoyable read.
What impressed me the most about The Granite Key was the large amount of archaeological and historical detail that crept its way into this novel. It reads very much like an updated version of a Dan Brown book, matching fact with fiction until the reader is unsure of which is which. At the beginning of the book, our main character Cassie, already finds herself going through an enormous challenge. Her sister was murdered, and she saw it happen in a dream. Struggling with guilt, and with coming to terms of what’s happening, and the strange new world she is thrust into, Cassie must withstand several hardships. Cassie learns her sister was murdered because she found a relic of an ancient society called The Arkana. When touching the object, Cassie can see pictures of the past play out in her mind.
Next to Cassie, my favorite character was Griffin. But Cassie remained my absolute favorite. She went through so many emotions, from disbelief to wonder to being amazed, through grief, sorrow and anger, and all those emotions she portrayed so well and in such a fragile, human way.
I love thrillers linking the past to present and books that teach me something. Here I learned a great deal about ancient matriarchal societies. It was a very intriguing, suspenseful and enjoyable read.
May 11, 2013
I'll be kind & just say this was amateurishly written. There were times when I could almost sense her thumbing through a thesaurus. Often picking a word that was close, but no cigar. This is not a direct quote, but a similar example of what I'm talking about. " 'Let's go' he said succinctly" Well, is there a long winded way of saying let's go? So, you might ask, why did I bother finishing it. It was short enough to trudge through and it was a lot like watching some bad B movie whose entertainment value is mainly in its badness.
July 15, 2017
The Granite Key is rich in historical facts and references. I finished reading this novel enjoying the storyline, feeling protective of some of the characters, wanting to smack some of the others across their face. My emotions were certainly evoked as I read of the adventures of a team of folks who are trying to win on the good side while fighting off those whose aspirations are quite different. I love heroic quests.
July 20, 2017
Interesting, maybe a bit too much detail. Irritating as there is no end to this book...it just stops. I would have preferred at least 1 artifact be found before being forced to buy another book as this is, to me, another blatant shove to purchase several books to get the entire solution. This makes me think we have an author, who although obviously knows the subject, is not too sure of the presentation or the ability to write well enough to keep ones interest without this ploy. Not enough action, too many dull spots to keep my interest, and, of course, the many annoying references to "the girl."
August 15, 2013
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
When I saw the blurb for this book, I definitely wanted to read it! I'm a sucker for mythology, history, and archaeology. I decided that since main character Cassie is a nineteen year old college student, this novel could pass for new adult. The Granite Key is kind of DaVinci Code meets Indiana Jones meets the paranormal. Interesting combination.
The story opens with Cassie seeing her sister's death in a dream. She soon learns that her sister's death was real, and it happened exactly as she saw it occur. Not only that, but her sister was killed over a relic she found for a secret society, The Arkana. Cassie has the same psychic gift as her sister did: the ability to authenticate relics through touch. Cassie actually sees scenes from the past play out in her mind when she touches the artifacts.
The Arkana is intent to preserve ancient relics from pre-patriarchal, goddess-worshipping societies. Since this goes against written history, these relics are either misunderstood, misinterpreted, or in danger of destruction to hide the truth. Once The Arkana discovers that Cassie share's her sister's psychic gift, she is inducted into the society, taking her sister's place.
The Granite Key is heavy on the mythology and history surrounding the forgotten pre-patriarchal societies. There are many references to mythology from numerous cultures. I found it interesting, but if this isn't your thing, it may seem more like a college lecture than a pleasure read. The Arkana itself is intriguing, their base of operations and overall manpower impressive. They have some major funding going on to support their endeavors.
The Blessed Nephilim is a disturbing religious cult with a leader/prophet interested in an artifact discovered by Cassie's sister. It's never made clear exactly what this man intends to do with the items, but based on his character, we'll assume it's sinister. The cult leader has no qualms about hiring a very dangerous man to acquire what he wants, nor does he care if people are hurt in the process.
I really liked Griffin, the British researcher. His character was both entertaining and interesting. Erik was annoying but I still liked him as well. I can't say the same for Cassie. The author made her clueless, probably for more opportunity to explain things, but it went a bit too far. For someone who managed to be accepted into college, she came across as a borderline idiot. There were also times when I thought her idiocy might be for comic relief (like mispronunciations), but if so, it fell flat. My biggest beef is the constant use of 'the girl' to refer to Cassie. It grated on my nerves every time I read it. I think 'she' would have worked much better.
I wasn't sure if there was romantic tension or just animosity between Cassie and Erik; perhaps that will become apparent in the next book.
Overall I enjoyed The Granite Key and wouldn't mine continuing the series. My curiosity has been piqued and won't be quelled until I give in and read further. I recommend this book to everyone, high school and up, that enjoy an interesting archaeological mystery and adventure.
When I saw the blurb for this book, I definitely wanted to read it! I'm a sucker for mythology, history, and archaeology. I decided that since main character Cassie is a nineteen year old college student, this novel could pass for new adult. The Granite Key is kind of DaVinci Code meets Indiana Jones meets the paranormal. Interesting combination.
The story opens with Cassie seeing her sister's death in a dream. She soon learns that her sister's death was real, and it happened exactly as she saw it occur. Not only that, but her sister was killed over a relic she found for a secret society, The Arkana. Cassie has the same psychic gift as her sister did: the ability to authenticate relics through touch. Cassie actually sees scenes from the past play out in her mind when she touches the artifacts.
The Arkana is intent to preserve ancient relics from pre-patriarchal, goddess-worshipping societies. Since this goes against written history, these relics are either misunderstood, misinterpreted, or in danger of destruction to hide the truth. Once The Arkana discovers that Cassie share's her sister's psychic gift, she is inducted into the society, taking her sister's place.
The Granite Key is heavy on the mythology and history surrounding the forgotten pre-patriarchal societies. There are many references to mythology from numerous cultures. I found it interesting, but if this isn't your thing, it may seem more like a college lecture than a pleasure read. The Arkana itself is intriguing, their base of operations and overall manpower impressive. They have some major funding going on to support their endeavors.
The Blessed Nephilim is a disturbing religious cult with a leader/prophet interested in an artifact discovered by Cassie's sister. It's never made clear exactly what this man intends to do with the items, but based on his character, we'll assume it's sinister. The cult leader has no qualms about hiring a very dangerous man to acquire what he wants, nor does he care if people are hurt in the process.
I really liked Griffin, the British researcher. His character was both entertaining and interesting. Erik was annoying but I still liked him as well. I can't say the same for Cassie. The author made her clueless, probably for more opportunity to explain things, but it went a bit too far. For someone who managed to be accepted into college, she came across as a borderline idiot. There were also times when I thought her idiocy might be for comic relief (like mispronunciations), but if so, it fell flat. My biggest beef is the constant use of 'the girl' to refer to Cassie. It grated on my nerves every time I read it. I think 'she' would have worked much better.
I wasn't sure if there was romantic tension or just animosity between Cassie and Erik; perhaps that will become apparent in the next book.
Overall I enjoyed The Granite Key and wouldn't mine continuing the series. My curiosity has been piqued and won't be quelled until I give in and read further. I recommend this book to everyone, high school and up, that enjoy an interesting archaeological mystery and adventure.
November 5, 2018
Indiana Jones or Dan Brown - The Granite Key doesn't come close to either. The story began with an antique storekeepers death...a real who done it...now, to find out who and why. The reason comes soon enough and readers are then introduced to the two forces that will fight one another in the book. However, most of what follows is the continued lecture about history and other civilizations. The continued "action" and actual time in the field are few and don't come until the last few chapters in the book. Then, expecting some reward, readers learn that there are five artifacts which are hidden separately, and all we've managed to solve after 200+ pages was a hint on where the first one might be located. The story ends at this point, and readers should purchase the next installment to continue the expedition. Upon finishing, I learned that there are six more books in the series and sense that they will all be the same as this one...too much lecture, little action, and no reward for readers. Therefore, I will not be continuing this series.
December 11, 2014
2.5 stars, but rounded down due to editing issues.
This is the first in a series (apparently of seven books) dealing with a race to find some mysterious artifacts. The pros: lots of interesting history and theory in here. The cons: not a whole lot actually gets done in this first version, be prepared to get really tired of the term "overlord," some questionable character development. Oh, and the editing issues. Please learn to use quotation marks correctly. Every second or third chapter seemed to have an issue with this.
This is the first in a series (apparently of seven books) dealing with a race to find some mysterious artifacts. The pros: lots of interesting history and theory in here. The cons: not a whole lot actually gets done in this first version, be prepared to get really tired of the term "overlord," some questionable character development. Oh, and the editing issues. Please learn to use quotation marks correctly. Every second or third chapter seemed to have an issue with this.
November 20, 2011
it was a 2.99 book on Kindle so I took a chance. It has a Dan brown type of plot regarding how historians have it all wrong but not to worry because the clues are all around us. I would have given it 3 stars but not enough happens. The author takes a lot of time to teach and explain. I imagine the sequel will have a lot more adventure now that the history lessons are taught. However, I don't think I'll be reading the 2nd book anytime soon.
December 9, 2011
... i got through half of it and couldn't bring myself to finish...
September 25, 2016
Not my cup of tea.
January 25, 2017
Something about it annoyed me. The clueless main character being the main cause.
August 19, 2018
Way too much information....too much terminology to keep straight I felt the author was offensive inferring my faith is bogus. I will not continue to read this series.
February 12, 2020
Ugggh!
This is a Wicca recruitment book. Didn’t get past first few chapters because I can’t stand this kind of drivel.
This is a Wicca recruitment book. Didn’t get past first few chapters because I can’t stand this kind of drivel.
November 10, 2020
Overall, I enjoyed the plot and the writing was good. But I really found the character of Cassie to be obnoxious and whiny, which took away from my enjoyment of the story.
Read
August 17, 2011The Granite Key: Nancy Wikarski
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Waking up in the middle of the night after envisioning your sister’s murder is more than frightening for nineteen-year-old Cassie. Thinking what she so vividly pictured in her dream was only a dream she never imagined waking up to the harsh reality that while dreaming the murder it really happened. An intruder that was after a Key of some type that cost Sybil her life. What does this Key unlock and why would someone kill to get it?
One man Abraham Metcalf holds the cards or the answers to this question as he sent this young man wearing a Stetson hat to find the Key. But, his overzealous attitude, anger and impatience lead to the death of one young woman. Reporting his lack of success did not please the head of the Blessed Nephilim. Arkana us a secret organization that Sybil was connected with. Linked to finding a specific artifact is in search of artifacts that will recreate the lost history of the human race, you enter a world totally unknown and more than dangerous. Followed and stalked by this religious cult, you and Arkana need to stay way ahead of them in order to find this ancient relic before they do. What would happen if you did not find it first? The fate of the world is in your hands and the treasure hunt of a lifetime has just begun for Cassie.
Two separate groups are watching her every move both wanting what they think she holds. Coming back to her sister’s apartment encounters her sister’s killer present only to be rescued by someone else. Searching through her affects she comes across a stone rule with unusual markings on it. Discounting it at first as something from her sister’s shop she never realized that this was the first step to solving a much broader mystery.
One letter would change everything for Cassie as Sybil’s words are heard and understood drawing Cassie into a world that she never would have encountered had Sybil survived. Meeting Faye the head of the Arkana would change the direction of her life, possibly explain what her sister was really doing and bring them the information needed to replicate the artifact that was stolen by this dangerous and religious cult. Revealing that she saw the killer in her dreams and able to identify him would alert Faye to the fact she might have paranormal or telepathic visions that would help them down the road.
What if you could retrace the path of civilization from the beginning and learn why people are so different from thousands of years ago? Why some lived in docile and hospitable environments and others chose a more violent route? What if we could change things now by linking the past to our present? Just what does Arkana want to find and how does this religious cult come into play to hamper their plans. Added to that the man running, although called Father, does not seem like anyone you’d want to call father alluding to his way of dealing with his children, wives and disobedience is bone chilling. The tone of his voice and the way his flock agrees to his every command or wish is frightening. Many who lived in environments filled with storms, floods, changing climates and forgetting that animals were killed for food and not for possessions or other reasons. Anger filled their hearts and instead of keeping their faith to the goddess they turned to a like-minded god. Outcasts became new to the world and driven to warfare raiding and invading villages and spreading their ways like a plague with no cure. Faye relates all of this to Cassie hoping to make her understand why humans are drowning in their own blood and what digging up the buried secrets of the world and finding these artifacts would do to change things. But, as Faye hands her an artifact to hold something happens that enlightens not only her but also Faye to the immense powers that Cassie might have as she relived how this bowl was found. Imagine holding a precious and dated artifact from thousands of years ago and reliving in your own mind how it was found, where it was and what it might mean.
Cassie agrees to become part of Arkana and learns the hidden meaning behind the secret society. As Maddie enlightens her about the history of the group, the fact that the word itself means to keep safe or protect not only the artifacts but the culture and the beliefs of the past, Cassie takes on the role Pythia, the one her sister carried out before her death. Next, she enters the inner rooms labeled with the names of the continents and finds out more about this society, the history of many cultures and much more.
But, as she learns more she questions more about the history of the Blessed Nephilim which Maddie reveals and the role of the Scribner which Griffin reveals and where artifacts are stored in troves or vaults. Cassie has decided to enter this world and find those responsible for killing her sister. Added to that the Operations director distrusts her and is not sure that she is the one to entrust with all of the information already imparted to her. On the side of the spectrum we have those in the cult who are managed, controlled and told what to do by one man who calls himself the Diviner. His own son is pressured to decipher the markings on the stone, find the clues and proceed into the Fallen Lands in order to do his bidding. Although an adult, he is manipulated and controlled by this man and his followers. Told that disobedience will bear him and anyone else grave punishments no one seems to go against his wishes.
Cassie and Maddie have another session and this time she relives another moment in history. Each time she comes in contact with an artifact she experiences whatever happened that time in history and she becomes on in the same with the person, the object and the time period. As Cassie learns more about her past and her future the author enlightens the reader as to what the granite stone holds and what it will unlock. Imagine a cache of Minoan sacred objects that have been hidden somewhere. The directions have are in Crete and encrypted in code and the granite key is the only way to unlock the code and its secrets. Added to that the first line of the stone has been translated by both groups and now the hunt for the Bones of the Mother which is what the first line means. Just how this links to the past and history you will have to learn for yourself.
One Christian Fundamentalist and group called Arkana. One out for the good of humanity the other wants to control it. Why would Arkana not take action against the Blessed Nephilim? What are they really after and how will this turn out still remains to be seen? One man who wants to control the actions of others and keep the world male dominated and those under him his servants surprised. One organization or secret society trying to do just the opposite and create a world where everyone is equal. Can they? Will they?
Two separate groups and one agenda: find the missing artifacts called the Bones of Mother. However, Arkana is hoping to find them also known as the Sage Stone in order to restore prosperity, peace and harmony to the world. The cult does not want them for other purposes and definitely not to allow a democracy to prevail nor do they revere their women and want them to have any say in their lives. Called the Consecrated wives and forced to obey like slaves or automatons, their prime purpose is to get the artifacts and use them for some other purpose. They are totally the opposite of the Arkana and definitely shun and dislike the ways of what they refer to as the Fallen Lands or where the rest of us live. However, Daniel along with the Sybil’s killer goes on a quest to find these Bones or Stone for his father. Anything other than success is not acceptable.
Imagine what would happen if the world were more peaceful, filled with prosperity and no wars. Imagine what would happen if there was no overlord domination. What would happen to this cult and its leader? What would happen to the need for weapons, and the desire for war? One stone: The Sage Stone: Voice O Heaven could change everything if found and placed in the right hands But, first both Arkana and the Blessed Nephilim are searching all over Crete to find it. History lessons every step of the way as author Nancy Wikarski takes the reader on a journey back in time to ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome and many other places to find this hidden artifact. Who will find it and what happens you won’t want to miss taking this journey together with Cassie, Griffin, Erik and the Trove Keeper in charge of Crete to find the answers for yourself.
It’s a race to see which group will find the key first as Cassie and her team search many caves, relics and travel throughout Crete to find the granite key. Trailing right behind them is Daniel and his group from the Nephillim. One man alerting him that there are others in search of the relic puts in him a bad light and makes him feel uneasy. How will this all play out and who will finally find the Granite Key to save humankind or not?
As the Arkana team searches many caves, dark places and uncovers the hidden meaning of the symbols, ancient customs, animal rituals of sacrifices and much more they begin to unravel the clues and the first two lines of the key’s code. What they learn will teak them in more directions before the final words of the key are unlocked. What does a cow; bucraninum sings of the goddess, one key with five sides, five edges and half codes have to do with solving this mystery? What does this all have to do with birth, death and rebirth? What happens when two different worlds meet in the darkness of a cave? One explosive ending that will shake the inner core and rock the world of those involved sending them deeper into the caves and delving more into the past. You won’t believe what happens and where this will take them next. What is the fate of our three Arkana team members? The answers to all of your questions and what happens next, where they five relics are, what the key means and what the true mission of the man called the Diviner won’t be revealed unless you read this outstanding, well crafted, highly suspenseful novel by author Nancy Wikarski. One group working for the good and one you won’t believe why. Where will this take our three-team members and when will they all meet again? The secret to the code and the answers to these questions and more are locked away in the mind of our author and only she olds the Granite Key with the code. One girl’s dream, one girl’s vision many lives will never be the same. Read this FIVE GOLD KEY NOVEL to find out more.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Waking up in the middle of the night after envisioning your sister’s murder is more than frightening for nineteen-year-old Cassie. Thinking what she so vividly pictured in her dream was only a dream she never imagined waking up to the harsh reality that while dreaming the murder it really happened. An intruder that was after a Key of some type that cost Sybil her life. What does this Key unlock and why would someone kill to get it?
One man Abraham Metcalf holds the cards or the answers to this question as he sent this young man wearing a Stetson hat to find the Key. But, his overzealous attitude, anger and impatience lead to the death of one young woman. Reporting his lack of success did not please the head of the Blessed Nephilim. Arkana us a secret organization that Sybil was connected with. Linked to finding a specific artifact is in search of artifacts that will recreate the lost history of the human race, you enter a world totally unknown and more than dangerous. Followed and stalked by this religious cult, you and Arkana need to stay way ahead of them in order to find this ancient relic before they do. What would happen if you did not find it first? The fate of the world is in your hands and the treasure hunt of a lifetime has just begun for Cassie.
Two separate groups are watching her every move both wanting what they think she holds. Coming back to her sister’s apartment encounters her sister’s killer present only to be rescued by someone else. Searching through her affects she comes across a stone rule with unusual markings on it. Discounting it at first as something from her sister’s shop she never realized that this was the first step to solving a much broader mystery.
One letter would change everything for Cassie as Sybil’s words are heard and understood drawing Cassie into a world that she never would have encountered had Sybil survived. Meeting Faye the head of the Arkana would change the direction of her life, possibly explain what her sister was really doing and bring them the information needed to replicate the artifact that was stolen by this dangerous and religious cult. Revealing that she saw the killer in her dreams and able to identify him would alert Faye to the fact she might have paranormal or telepathic visions that would help them down the road.
What if you could retrace the path of civilization from the beginning and learn why people are so different from thousands of years ago? Why some lived in docile and hospitable environments and others chose a more violent route? What if we could change things now by linking the past to our present? Just what does Arkana want to find and how does this religious cult come into play to hamper their plans. Added to that the man running, although called Father, does not seem like anyone you’d want to call father alluding to his way of dealing with his children, wives and disobedience is bone chilling. The tone of his voice and the way his flock agrees to his every command or wish is frightening. Many who lived in environments filled with storms, floods, changing climates and forgetting that animals were killed for food and not for possessions or other reasons. Anger filled their hearts and instead of keeping their faith to the goddess they turned to a like-minded god. Outcasts became new to the world and driven to warfare raiding and invading villages and spreading their ways like a plague with no cure. Faye relates all of this to Cassie hoping to make her understand why humans are drowning in their own blood and what digging up the buried secrets of the world and finding these artifacts would do to change things. But, as Faye hands her an artifact to hold something happens that enlightens not only her but also Faye to the immense powers that Cassie might have as she relived how this bowl was found. Imagine holding a precious and dated artifact from thousands of years ago and reliving in your own mind how it was found, where it was and what it might mean.
Cassie agrees to become part of Arkana and learns the hidden meaning behind the secret society. As Maddie enlightens her about the history of the group, the fact that the word itself means to keep safe or protect not only the artifacts but the culture and the beliefs of the past, Cassie takes on the role Pythia, the one her sister carried out before her death. Next, she enters the inner rooms labeled with the names of the continents and finds out more about this society, the history of many cultures and much more.
But, as she learns more she questions more about the history of the Blessed Nephilim which Maddie reveals and the role of the Scribner which Griffin reveals and where artifacts are stored in troves or vaults. Cassie has decided to enter this world and find those responsible for killing her sister. Added to that the Operations director distrusts her and is not sure that she is the one to entrust with all of the information already imparted to her. On the side of the spectrum we have those in the cult who are managed, controlled and told what to do by one man who calls himself the Diviner. His own son is pressured to decipher the markings on the stone, find the clues and proceed into the Fallen Lands in order to do his bidding. Although an adult, he is manipulated and controlled by this man and his followers. Told that disobedience will bear him and anyone else grave punishments no one seems to go against his wishes.
Cassie and Maddie have another session and this time she relives another moment in history. Each time she comes in contact with an artifact she experiences whatever happened that time in history and she becomes on in the same with the person, the object and the time period. As Cassie learns more about her past and her future the author enlightens the reader as to what the granite stone holds and what it will unlock. Imagine a cache of Minoan sacred objects that have been hidden somewhere. The directions have are in Crete and encrypted in code and the granite key is the only way to unlock the code and its secrets. Added to that the first line of the stone has been translated by both groups and now the hunt for the Bones of the Mother which is what the first line means. Just how this links to the past and history you will have to learn for yourself.
One Christian Fundamentalist and group called Arkana. One out for the good of humanity the other wants to control it. Why would Arkana not take action against the Blessed Nephilim? What are they really after and how will this turn out still remains to be seen? One man who wants to control the actions of others and keep the world male dominated and those under him his servants surprised. One organization or secret society trying to do just the opposite and create a world where everyone is equal. Can they? Will they?
Two separate groups and one agenda: find the missing artifacts called the Bones of Mother. However, Arkana is hoping to find them also known as the Sage Stone in order to restore prosperity, peace and harmony to the world. The cult does not want them for other purposes and definitely not to allow a democracy to prevail nor do they revere their women and want them to have any say in their lives. Called the Consecrated wives and forced to obey like slaves or automatons, their prime purpose is to get the artifacts and use them for some other purpose. They are totally the opposite of the Arkana and definitely shun and dislike the ways of what they refer to as the Fallen Lands or where the rest of us live. However, Daniel along with the Sybil’s killer goes on a quest to find these Bones or Stone for his father. Anything other than success is not acceptable.
Imagine what would happen if the world were more peaceful, filled with prosperity and no wars. Imagine what would happen if there was no overlord domination. What would happen to this cult and its leader? What would happen to the need for weapons, and the desire for war? One stone: The Sage Stone: Voice O Heaven could change everything if found and placed in the right hands But, first both Arkana and the Blessed Nephilim are searching all over Crete to find it. History lessons every step of the way as author Nancy Wikarski takes the reader on a journey back in time to ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome and many other places to find this hidden artifact. Who will find it and what happens you won’t want to miss taking this journey together with Cassie, Griffin, Erik and the Trove Keeper in charge of Crete to find the answers for yourself.
It’s a race to see which group will find the key first as Cassie and her team search many caves, relics and travel throughout Crete to find the granite key. Trailing right behind them is Daniel and his group from the Nephillim. One man alerting him that there are others in search of the relic puts in him a bad light and makes him feel uneasy. How will this all play out and who will finally find the Granite Key to save humankind or not?
As the Arkana team searches many caves, dark places and uncovers the hidden meaning of the symbols, ancient customs, animal rituals of sacrifices and much more they begin to unravel the clues and the first two lines of the key’s code. What they learn will teak them in more directions before the final words of the key are unlocked. What does a cow; bucraninum sings of the goddess, one key with five sides, five edges and half codes have to do with solving this mystery? What does this all have to do with birth, death and rebirth? What happens when two different worlds meet in the darkness of a cave? One explosive ending that will shake the inner core and rock the world of those involved sending them deeper into the caves and delving more into the past. You won’t believe what happens and where this will take them next. What is the fate of our three Arkana team members? The answers to all of your questions and what happens next, where they five relics are, what the key means and what the true mission of the man called the Diviner won’t be revealed unless you read this outstanding, well crafted, highly suspenseful novel by author Nancy Wikarski. One group working for the good and one you won’t believe why. Where will this take our three-team members and when will they all meet again? The secret to the code and the answers to these questions and more are locked away in the mind of our author and only she olds the Granite Key with the code. One girl’s dream, one girl’s vision many lives will never be the same. Read this FIVE GOLD KEY NOVEL to find out more.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
February 9, 2018
The Granite Key - The Arkana Mysteries Bk 1 - Written by Nancy Wikarski - Reviewed 2/8/18
Saving the world's artifacts can be dangerous!
Archaeology That Defies History - Two rival factions launch a global hunt to recover a cache of priceless artifacts. A secret society known as the Arkana wants to preserve it for posterity. A fanatical cult called the Nephilim wants to exploit it for a darker purpose. Caught in the crossfire is an innocent teen who may be the only living person capable of finding their coveted prize.
What did I like? I would like to think that someone out there is doing just this, saving the world’s greatest treasures. It would be even more awesome if there was someone just Cassie that could also tell the fakes from the real ones. Guess we will never know. Cassie was my favorite part of the whole book. That girl was thrown into a whirlwind and for a change came out smelling like a rose!
What will you like? Suspense, Intriguing, Ferocious, Intense, History, Mystery, Mythology, and a gripping action-filled read. This book is well written with lots of details but not overwhelming and descriptions that are very clear and take you right into the book. I could not lay it down until the wee hours of the morn and then it swirled around in my head. The characters are awesome and so individualized to capture the story and keep the humor and action going. Awesome read, plus a little history lesson included at no charge! LOL
Saving the world's artifacts can be dangerous!
Archaeology That Defies History - Two rival factions launch a global hunt to recover a cache of priceless artifacts. A secret society known as the Arkana wants to preserve it for posterity. A fanatical cult called the Nephilim wants to exploit it for a darker purpose. Caught in the crossfire is an innocent teen who may be the only living person capable of finding their coveted prize.
What did I like? I would like to think that someone out there is doing just this, saving the world’s greatest treasures. It would be even more awesome if there was someone just Cassie that could also tell the fakes from the real ones. Guess we will never know. Cassie was my favorite part of the whole book. That girl was thrown into a whirlwind and for a change came out smelling like a rose!
What will you like? Suspense, Intriguing, Ferocious, Intense, History, Mystery, Mythology, and a gripping action-filled read. This book is well written with lots of details but not overwhelming and descriptions that are very clear and take you right into the book. I could not lay it down until the wee hours of the morn and then it swirled around in my head. The characters are awesome and so individualized to capture the story and keep the humor and action going. Awesome read, plus a little history lesson included at no charge! LOL
January 8, 2023
I wouldn't recommend this to my worst enemy. As an archaeologist, I am often gifted copies of "archaeology" related books, of varying quality (most of them bad but hey, sometimes that's part of the fun). I received the first three in this series and was looking forward to some adventure cheese.
My first mistake was assuming this was a real book. I'm wary of self-publishing and this one is a good example of why. There are grammatical and word-usage mistakes peppered throughout. Also, too many ADVERBS and adjectives. This book should be a framed example of telling instead of showing! Wherever there might have been any real promise, the horrid writing steamrolls over any thread of plot. What plot? IDK, it's hard to find in between the heavy exposition. I don't mind some lore but there was waaaaay too much. When the main character is just asking "What?" over and over again to prompt "history" lessons from the other characters, it gets old pretty quickly. Ugh.
I am actually in shock that there are so many good ratings for this series. Well, I have to read the next two books because I already have them, but I'm dreading cracking into them. Hopefully an artifact will actually get found by the end of the next one. I won't hold my breath.
My first mistake was assuming this was a real book. I'm wary of self-publishing and this one is a good example of why. There are grammatical and word-usage mistakes peppered throughout. Also, too many ADVERBS and adjectives. This book should be a framed example of telling instead of showing! Wherever there might have been any real promise, the horrid writing steamrolls over any thread of plot. What plot? IDK, it's hard to find in between the heavy exposition. I don't mind some lore but there was waaaaay too much. When the main character is just asking "What?" over and over again to prompt "history" lessons from the other characters, it gets old pretty quickly. Ugh.
I am actually in shock that there are so many good ratings for this series. Well, I have to read the next two books because I already have them, but I'm dreading cracking into them. Hopefully an artifact will actually get found by the end of the next one. I won't hold my breath.
December 23, 2019
Book 1 of 7
This book is not a stand alone novel but instead lays the foundation for the series. While there isn’t a cliffhanger, there isn’t resolution either, it rather lays the groundwork for what to expect moving forward. The book explores the idea that our species isn’t hereditarily warlike but peaceful instead. That we only accept our warmongering ways because our recent recorded history says that is the status quo. The secret society ‘Arkana’ looks for artifacts from our distant past and hordes the evidence they find, which somehow is substantial and globe encompassing, with the intention of revealing it to the world when they feel the time is right. They treat this knowledge as if it will be too much for humanity to handle in it’s current frame of mind. I just don’t see how it’s so mind boggling unless I’m missing some subtle implications but it’s apparently worth having a secret society for. All in all the book/series introduces some unique perspectives and includes modern day treasure hunting adventures with world impacting ramifications while simultaneously stopping the bad guys from unleashing the End of Days. In short: FUN!
This book is not a stand alone novel but instead lays the foundation for the series. While there isn’t a cliffhanger, there isn’t resolution either, it rather lays the groundwork for what to expect moving forward. The book explores the idea that our species isn’t hereditarily warlike but peaceful instead. That we only accept our warmongering ways because our recent recorded history says that is the status quo. The secret society ‘Arkana’ looks for artifacts from our distant past and hordes the evidence they find, which somehow is substantial and globe encompassing, with the intention of revealing it to the world when they feel the time is right. They treat this knowledge as if it will be too much for humanity to handle in it’s current frame of mind. I just don’t see how it’s so mind boggling unless I’m missing some subtle implications but it’s apparently worth having a secret society for. All in all the book/series introduces some unique perspectives and includes modern day treasure hunting adventures with world impacting ramifications while simultaneously stopping the bad guys from unleashing the End of Days. In short: FUN!
January 22, 2020
This book was written by a very smart woman with a great plot line: civilizations existing before recorded time. Those conquered by aggression and murder and pacifist societies. There is a lot of historical facts here that I appreciated. Now we have the two factions in this modern day conquer Nephilim who's head is Abraham Metcalf, the diviner who stops at nothing killing in the name of God and the Arkanas, the pacifists, who wish only to find archeological discoveries to further their position in life. It all begins with the murder of the Arkana pithia who has insights, is clairvoyant. You can read the gist of the story by clicking on book cover. I loved the first 85% of the book but then the author kind of gives us her philosophy by a quote from the character Erik. "Nothing in Christianity is original. Not virgin birth or a dying ressurected God. They got all that stuff from pagan lore". She lost me then because this was not necessary for the story, mystery or for the coveted archeological discoveries. That's why only 3*. I would have given 4* because I took archeology and love learning about cultures and mores.
February 12, 2024
This is the first of a seven-book series. The main character, Cassie, is the sister of Sybil who unbeknownst to her belongs to a secret organization called Arkana. Cassie has a dream that her sister is killed at the moment it really happens. In Cassie's dream the killer wants something called the key, which Sybil says she knows nothing about. This leads Cassie eventually to the Arkana group, which tries to protect ancient artifacts and the opposing group, called the Nephilim which believes that they are descendants of angels who are supposed to bring on the destruction of anyone who is not part of their group. This book also presents the idea that there were civilizations that came earlier than recorded history that believed in a female god. There is a lot of information to wade through to get to the theories of the Arkana, so if you are interested in this type of fiction, it would be worth it to read all seven books.
January 18, 2025
I love me some incidental education in my books if it's relevant to the story and advances the plot, but at this point, it's beating me over the head with a dead horse.
There are at least 2 entire chapters that should have been cut.
The main character does not appear to have read any book ever. It's one thing to not be fully versed in ancient mythology, but how can a person get through to adulthood without accidentally learning a little something.
There was no satisfaction at the end of this book. They didn't make enough progress to put it down with a sense of accomplishment and then look forward to the next installment.
Mostly, I couldn't wait to be done and can't imagine reading another one (potentially 5 more) just like this one.
There are at least 2 entire chapters that should have been cut.
The main character does not appear to have read any book ever. It's one thing to not be fully versed in ancient mythology, but how can a person get through to adulthood without accidentally learning a little something.
There was no satisfaction at the end of this book. They didn't make enough progress to put it down with a sense of accomplishment and then look forward to the next installment.
Mostly, I couldn't wait to be done and can't imagine reading another one (potentially 5 more) just like this one.
September 17, 2018
The Granite Key is a novel rich in history, archaeology and mythology that is an enjoyable beginning to this Arkana Mysteries Series. The author has provided so much information that it is mind boggling at times to remember not only for the main protagonist, Cassie, but also for the reader.
The story is interesting in concept and full of facts about the artifacts that the characters were searching for. The author laid out the complete storyline and provided well developed characters that made the story more intriguing.
I could see this series becoming a made-for-TV movie or adapted to the big screen one day. I would be curious to see where this story goes from here.
The story is interesting in concept and full of facts about the artifacts that the characters were searching for. The author laid out the complete storyline and provided well developed characters that made the story more intriguing.
I could see this series becoming a made-for-TV movie or adapted to the big screen one day. I would be curious to see where this story goes from here.
February 25, 2021
Fantastic historical cultural awareness plot and character immersion!
First time reader of this author; I'm pleased to have come across it in my literary pursuit. A firm believer, "challenging cultural beliefs that have been accepted without question for far too many generations." History and power-players have strategized male dominance platforms viewed as strength. This first archaeological book is a good read. Fast paced act and quite enjoyable. Thank you N. S. Wikarski for a wonderful good way to while away a few hours of time.
First time reader of this author; I'm pleased to have come across it in my literary pursuit. A firm believer, "challenging cultural beliefs that have been accepted without question for far too many generations." History and power-players have strategized male dominance platforms viewed as strength. This first archaeological book is a good read. Fast paced act and quite enjoyable. Thank you N. S. Wikarski for a wonderful good way to while away a few hours of time.
June 9, 2021
A Real Page Turner, But
I enjoyed this book. If it had actually ended instead of being a cliff hanger, I would have rated it four stars. The book is well written, with interesting characters, an intriguing premise, and fast pacing. Even though the premise makes it something of a fantasy thriller, the characters are well rounded and more believable than usually occurs in similar books. However, I was greatly disappointed when I learned at the end of the novel that I would have to read six more books to find out how it ends.
I enjoyed this book. If it had actually ended instead of being a cliff hanger, I would have rated it four stars. The book is well written, with interesting characters, an intriguing premise, and fast pacing. Even though the premise makes it something of a fantasy thriller, the characters are well rounded and more believable than usually occurs in similar books. However, I was greatly disappointed when I learned at the end of the novel that I would have to read six more books to find out how it ends.
August 25, 2024
The Granite Key - N.S.Wikarski
Cassie has a dream that her sister is in danger and she sees the person that kills her. Cassie finds out that her sister was not just an Antique dealer but she also was involved in the Arkana.The Arkana is a secret society that have been around for centuries. The Arkana retrieves artifacts and relics from pagan societies that were lost in time and faded out from the “history” books. Cassie helps out the organization as their new seer and is on the hunt for the next clue.
I have enjoyed this book very much. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Cassie has a dream that her sister is in danger and she sees the person that kills her. Cassie finds out that her sister was not just an Antique dealer but she also was involved in the Arkana.The Arkana is a secret society that have been around for centuries. The Arkana retrieves artifacts and relics from pagan societies that were lost in time and faded out from the “history” books. Cassie helps out the organization as their new seer and is on the hunt for the next clue.
I have enjoyed this book very much. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
November 17, 2018
A Gate into Yesterday and Tomorrow
The Granite Key opens a seven-book cycle that soars through time and earth to show what might have been and might be again if the right choices are made by the right people. Believe what you will,but the story, characters, and settings are high adventure for the ages.
Recommended for all readers powerful fiction. But do read the books in order, please,or you will get lost.
The Granite Key opens a seven-book cycle that soars through time and earth to show what might have been and might be again if the right choices are made by the right people. Believe what you will,but the story, characters, and settings are high adventure for the ages.
Recommended for all readers powerful fiction. But do read the books in order, please,or you will get lost.
February 28, 2019
I was warned that this is the first of a series, and that the ending was not final. That said, even if I never get my hands on the rest of the books, the story was very interesting, the characters were realistic, the book was well-plotted. I hated the "bad guy". I saw some criticism of the historical information that was provided, but I am fascinated by the ancient Minoans, by all ancient cultures actually, and especially by "Goddess" cultures. I am glad I read The Granite Key.
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