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Key to the Kingdom #1
The Key to the Kingdom
Grayson Hawkes learns how imaginative and elaborate Walt Disney World is when he accepts an invitation one sunny day from a trusted friend landing him in a world he never knew existed. Innocently driven by curiosity he finds himself immersed in a heroic adventure. Barely escaping a late night encounter, he finds himself desperately trying to solve a mysterious disappearance while trying to stay ahead of those who are chasing him. Hawkes quickly realizes that unraveling the clues is essential if he is to discover the truth. He navigates through the kingdom where knowledge of seemingly unimportant Disney facts and some divine help are the only way he can discover the lock that can be opened by an ancient key. His world becomes even more complicated when he is captivated by a mysterious woman, causing him to make a series of choices that takes his faith to the brink. Each step is fueled with heart pounding intensity carrying him deeper into a thrill ride of secrecy. Within the walls of Walt Disney World is more mystery than one imagination can contain. Here Disney Trivia is not a game; and the ancient key is the only way out! Jeff Dixon was raised in Florida and has always been fascinated with the man Walt Disney and the theme park he created. Dixon feels that any guest who would take the time to look would discover a story that will never be completed. It is against this canvas that Dixon paints this mystery, adventure, and thriller. The epic drama carries the reader across the state of Florida to discover details that most people have missed. Each discovery and revelation will have the reader wondering if they are reading fact or fiction. In a quickening pace, the characters find themselves on a collision course with an unthinkable outcome! Fans of Walt Disney will love the history and tourists will find a travel guide that takes them on a trip most guests never get to take.
272 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2010
100 people are currently reading
837 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Dixon
25 books50 followersJeff is the author of a series of books set in Central Florida, in and around the Walt Disney World Resort. These mystery thrillers are loaded with trivia, hidden secrets, and loaded with adventure as parody, reality, and fiction built on fact (or "faction" as some have called it, collide in epic stories that are designed to take readers on the ultimate thrill ride.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 30, 2011
Who hasn't heard of Walt Disney, Disneyland, The Magic Kingdom or anything related to Disney in general?
Some of us have grown up with Disney in some form or another for most of our lives and know what dreams can do for those of us willing to dare to live them.
Farren Rales is one of the chief Imagineers working for the Magic Kingdom and when he calls Grayson Hawkes, a pastor of Celebration Community Church and asks him to meet him at the Gamble House. The Gamble House is a piece of property that is now part of the National Historical Society and is the inspiration come to life of Snow White's cottage from Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
It's late at night for a secret meeting with Farren and Hawkes as they wander around the inside of the cottage learning about Disney's fascination for details within a story. He leaves Hawkes with a gift, an old key that he claims is the Key to the Kingdom. When he looks up to inquire more about what the key means, Farren has vanished into the dark of night.
As Hawkes leaves the cottage, he learns that he is not the only one in the park at night. Running for his car, he barely manages to escape with his life. When Farren fails to show up for work, his secretary grows worried and returns Hawkes calls since he was the last person to see him. Not knowing what to do or where Farren is, he gets worried and believes that the clues to what is happening lie within the Magic Kingdom and what exactly that key will unlock.
Now Hawkes finds himself in a Disney-like National Treasure scavenger hunt, unlocking riddles that lead him to more clues within the Animal Kingdom, The Disney Resort, and Epcot Center with a stuffed Pal Mickey that becomes activated with hidden sensors located throughout the park guiding him to the next clue.
What he will ultimately discover is the Disney Magic may be more real than we have been led to believe and perhaps there is a whole lot more reality mixed in then we know.
I received the mystery novel, The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon, compliments of Bring It On Communication for my honest review. Being a huge Disney fan since I was a child, my child-like wonder has never left and I was captivated by the way the author wove this mystery around Disney facts and trivia that most of us walk by in our day to day visits of the park and never give it a second thought. Do tunnels really exist below the park? Is Walt Disney really sealed in a cryogenic cylinder waiting for a cure for cancer? Is there really a Snow White Cottage in Port Orange, Florida and inspired Disney to create Disneyland?
Who knows until you read this book and decide for yourself is this really fiction or perhaps a Disney magic way of covering up the secrets of the park! I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and now it has a place of permanence in my personal library because the kid in me, still believes in magic!
Some of us have grown up with Disney in some form or another for most of our lives and know what dreams can do for those of us willing to dare to live them.
Farren Rales is one of the chief Imagineers working for the Magic Kingdom and when he calls Grayson Hawkes, a pastor of Celebration Community Church and asks him to meet him at the Gamble House. The Gamble House is a piece of property that is now part of the National Historical Society and is the inspiration come to life of Snow White's cottage from Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
It's late at night for a secret meeting with Farren and Hawkes as they wander around the inside of the cottage learning about Disney's fascination for details within a story. He leaves Hawkes with a gift, an old key that he claims is the Key to the Kingdom. When he looks up to inquire more about what the key means, Farren has vanished into the dark of night.
As Hawkes leaves the cottage, he learns that he is not the only one in the park at night. Running for his car, he barely manages to escape with his life. When Farren fails to show up for work, his secretary grows worried and returns Hawkes calls since he was the last person to see him. Not knowing what to do or where Farren is, he gets worried and believes that the clues to what is happening lie within the Magic Kingdom and what exactly that key will unlock.
Now Hawkes finds himself in a Disney-like National Treasure scavenger hunt, unlocking riddles that lead him to more clues within the Animal Kingdom, The Disney Resort, and Epcot Center with a stuffed Pal Mickey that becomes activated with hidden sensors located throughout the park guiding him to the next clue.
What he will ultimately discover is the Disney Magic may be more real than we have been led to believe and perhaps there is a whole lot more reality mixed in then we know.
I received the mystery novel, The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon, compliments of Bring It On Communication for my honest review. Being a huge Disney fan since I was a child, my child-like wonder has never left and I was captivated by the way the author wove this mystery around Disney facts and trivia that most of us walk by in our day to day visits of the park and never give it a second thought. Do tunnels really exist below the park? Is Walt Disney really sealed in a cryogenic cylinder waiting for a cure for cancer? Is there really a Snow White Cottage in Port Orange, Florida and inspired Disney to create Disneyland?
Who knows until you read this book and decide for yourself is this really fiction or perhaps a Disney magic way of covering up the secrets of the park! I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and now it has a place of permanence in my personal library because the kid in me, still believes in magic!
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April 15, 2024
It's like... if the Da Vinci Code was about Disney. Is it ridiculous? Yes. Did I enjoy the heck out of this? Also yes.
I have already ordered book 2.
I have already ordered book 2.
August 29, 2019
If you love Disney and WDW, you’ll enjoy it. Silly but fun.
April 7, 2011
I have to admit, I wondered what The Key To the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon would hold. The book, based on the dreams of Walt Disney and actual facts/Disney trivia, had me wondering if this could possibly be an exciting novel, and after ripping through the book in about 2.5 days it was an adventure I'm glad I took!
Grayson Hawkes ventures off the beaten path to meet a long time friend in a dark cottage (which inspired the movie Snow White), where he is given a mysterious key and a message to use the key wisely. That night, his friend disappears and Hawk must use his knowledge of Disney trivia along with a string of clues left behind by his missing friend Farren Rales to bring him back. Hawk, a pastor of a local church, finds himself running all hours of the day and night trying to find the next clue. It's an adventure extreme, as Hawk lands behind the scenes, searching for clues where visitors are not allowed to go. Somehow he has to determine who is helping him, and who is against him. As the cover says, "In this world, Disney trivia is no game...and the ancient key is the only way out."
I could not put the book down! If I had taken the Evelyn Woods speed reading course I would have certainly applied it here! The only hope I had was to drink more coffee and to stay up late, just so I could get to the next chapter! I even read while I was driving. Don't worry, my husband had a hold of the wheel. Dixon does a great job of incorporating Disney facts while adding in a flair of his own brilliant imagination to make The Key To the Kingdom come to life.
What I loved the most is that it was a mystery full of suspense that is written in such a clean form that I could pass the book on to my pre-teens. And I love how the story kept twisting and turning, right up until the last page. This is a must read for anybody (any age) who loves Disney facts, and for anyone who doesn't!
Disney.....if you are listening this book should be your next big adventure movie and theme park ride! I find that I am planning my family adventure to Disney World, just so I can see what is real and what is not! I am instantly fascinated beyond my limited knowledge of how the parks were created, WHY each themed area was created, and how each intricate detail of the park has a story to tell.
Nice work Dixon! You may have just landed yourself a new movie and ride!
Grayson Hawkes ventures off the beaten path to meet a long time friend in a dark cottage (which inspired the movie Snow White), where he is given a mysterious key and a message to use the key wisely. That night, his friend disappears and Hawk must use his knowledge of Disney trivia along with a string of clues left behind by his missing friend Farren Rales to bring him back. Hawk, a pastor of a local church, finds himself running all hours of the day and night trying to find the next clue. It's an adventure extreme, as Hawk lands behind the scenes, searching for clues where visitors are not allowed to go. Somehow he has to determine who is helping him, and who is against him. As the cover says, "In this world, Disney trivia is no game...and the ancient key is the only way out."
I could not put the book down! If I had taken the Evelyn Woods speed reading course I would have certainly applied it here! The only hope I had was to drink more coffee and to stay up late, just so I could get to the next chapter! I even read while I was driving. Don't worry, my husband had a hold of the wheel. Dixon does a great job of incorporating Disney facts while adding in a flair of his own brilliant imagination to make The Key To the Kingdom come to life.
What I loved the most is that it was a mystery full of suspense that is written in such a clean form that I could pass the book on to my pre-teens. And I love how the story kept twisting and turning, right up until the last page. This is a must read for anybody (any age) who loves Disney facts, and for anyone who doesn't!
Disney.....if you are listening this book should be your next big adventure movie and theme park ride! I find that I am planning my family adventure to Disney World, just so I can see what is real and what is not! I am instantly fascinated beyond my limited knowledge of how the parks were created, WHY each themed area was created, and how each intricate detail of the park has a story to tell.
Nice work Dixon! You may have just landed yourself a new movie and ride!
July 28, 2012
Key To The Kingdom represents both the very best and the very worst of self-publishing. On the one hand, it is clear that Dixon is a huge fan of Walt Disney World (as am I), and that this book allowed him to create a world within the World via a scavenger hunt through the Florida resort. That's the good news.
The bad? The book, like many self-published tomes, is in desperate need of an editor. When your lead female character's name is spelled three different ways over the course of the book, this is problematic. (Maybe this is especially egregious to someone such as myself, who is an editor by trade and is immediately taken out of a story by ridiculously easy-to-fox things like spelling errors or sentences that are obviously missing a word, examples of which litter Dixon's work.)
Style wise, the book is wildly repetitive, especially when it comes to the various clues our hero follows in order to solve the mystery which is the heart of the story. (What lies at the end of the trail is beyond ridiculous and yet will, for many Disney fans, be the very definition of a dream come true.)
In all honestly, the only thing that drove me to finish this book was my unshakeable completion issues. As it was, I wound up skimming many pages when plot points were being endlessly repeated.
As I said earlier, I am a huge fan of the Disney theme parks, which was what drew me to this novel in the first place. Unfortunately, most of the passages which describe the parks and attractions sound as if they are lifted directly from travel guides or corporate literature. Worse, this is Disney as seen through the eyes of someone who seems determined to praise at all costs all things Disney. Even folks who make annual pilgrimages to the House Of Mouse (such as myself) have complaints about the resort... but our hero (and the author) take their Disney worship to a level that feels like fear of backlash for an honestly-stated criticism.
I wanted to love this book, and dove in excitedly. Unfortunately, I walked away more disappointed than a kid whose told they're one inch too short to ride Space Mountain.
The bad? The book, like many self-published tomes, is in desperate need of an editor. When your lead female character's name is spelled three different ways over the course of the book, this is problematic. (Maybe this is especially egregious to someone such as myself, who is an editor by trade and is immediately taken out of a story by ridiculously easy-to-fox things like spelling errors or sentences that are obviously missing a word, examples of which litter Dixon's work.)
Style wise, the book is wildly repetitive, especially when it comes to the various clues our hero follows in order to solve the mystery which is the heart of the story. (What lies at the end of the trail is beyond ridiculous and yet will, for many Disney fans, be the very definition of a dream come true.)
In all honestly, the only thing that drove me to finish this book was my unshakeable completion issues. As it was, I wound up skimming many pages when plot points were being endlessly repeated.
As I said earlier, I am a huge fan of the Disney theme parks, which was what drew me to this novel in the first place. Unfortunately, most of the passages which describe the parks and attractions sound as if they are lifted directly from travel guides or corporate literature. Worse, this is Disney as seen through the eyes of someone who seems determined to praise at all costs all things Disney. Even folks who make annual pilgrimages to the House Of Mouse (such as myself) have complaints about the resort... but our hero (and the author) take their Disney worship to a level that feels like fear of backlash for an honestly-stated criticism.
I wanted to love this book, and dove in excitedly. Unfortunately, I walked away more disappointed than a kid whose told they're one inch too short to ride Space Mountain.
June 2, 2013
"The Key To The Kingdom" and"Unlocking The Kingdom by Jeff Dixon are both 5 stars book. These books had me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next to Grayson Hawkes. These books is a mysteries revolting around Walt Disney World. Even through the books are fiction they make me want to visit Walt Disney World, I have never been there.
In Book 1 "The Key To The Kingdom" Hawkes ( a preacher) is given a key by his friend Farren Rales, who then disappears. When Rales hands Hawk the key, he tells him "Not just any key,my friend. It is a very special key. There is not another one in the entire world that does what this one will do. You are holding in your hand the key to the kingdom." So Hawk is trying to find out what Rales means throughout the story. He has two special friends help him, one is a Walt Disney World employee and the other you will have to read the book to find out! ( I will give you a clue he is famous). It is strange reading about all the things this preacher turned mystery hunter does that could land him in jail. But oh so enjoyable also! The story has rich details that describes the different scenes and places Hawk searches! During the searching Hawk witnesses to one helper about his faith in Jesus,(just mentions not actually witnessing but isn't that the best kind). But in closing this review I have to tell you things aren't always what they seem. Hawk solves the puzzle and is rewarded with a surprise.
In Book 2 "Unlocking The Kingdom" dead bodies and dead pirates keep showing up on rides. But are they real? The villains and the heroes are hard to figure out and that is what makes these two books so great! At the beginning of "Unlocking the Kingdom" Hawk meets George who tells him "unlock what never was, to protect what is yet to be," At the end of this book there are questions about Disney's trivia you can see if you know the answers. These books would make a great movie! This second book leaves you wondering if maybe a third book is coming! I think a third book would be great!
I received this book from www.bookfun.org to read and post my honest opinion.
In Book 1 "The Key To The Kingdom" Hawkes ( a preacher) is given a key by his friend Farren Rales, who then disappears. When Rales hands Hawk the key, he tells him "Not just any key,my friend. It is a very special key. There is not another one in the entire world that does what this one will do. You are holding in your hand the key to the kingdom." So Hawk is trying to find out what Rales means throughout the story. He has two special friends help him, one is a Walt Disney World employee and the other you will have to read the book to find out! ( I will give you a clue he is famous). It is strange reading about all the things this preacher turned mystery hunter does that could land him in jail. But oh so enjoyable also! The story has rich details that describes the different scenes and places Hawk searches! During the searching Hawk witnesses to one helper about his faith in Jesus,(just mentions not actually witnessing but isn't that the best kind). But in closing this review I have to tell you things aren't always what they seem. Hawk solves the puzzle and is rewarded with a surprise.
In Book 2 "Unlocking The Kingdom" dead bodies and dead pirates keep showing up on rides. But are they real? The villains and the heroes are hard to figure out and that is what makes these two books so great! At the beginning of "Unlocking the Kingdom" Hawk meets George who tells him "unlock what never was, to protect what is yet to be," At the end of this book there are questions about Disney's trivia you can see if you know the answers. These books would make a great movie! This second book leaves you wondering if maybe a third book is coming! I think a third book would be great!
I received this book from www.bookfun.org to read and post my honest opinion.
June 22, 2012
Fun, light reading. Enjoyable, but a little on the cheesy side at times. Filled with lots of (real) trivia from the parks and about Disney in general.
October 9, 2021
For those who love Disney we all know that there are plenty of hidden details that only a few people know about but that can be seen if you know where to look and this book is based around this fact. The book sees Grayson Hawkes accept an invite to learn more about Disney but when a disappearance leads to these trivia facts becoming much more important to unravelling what is really going on, it falls on Grayson to use his knowledge to keep safe as he finds himself a target, but can he keep running and use his knowledge to solve the mysteries?
I did really enjoy this book but at times it felt a little like the author is trying to show off just how much knowledge he has of Disney trivia and facts others may not be aware of and this somewhat grates on you after a while.
I did really enjoy this book but at times it felt a little like the author is trying to show off just how much knowledge he has of Disney trivia and facts others may not be aware of and this somewhat grates on you after a while.
August 27, 2017
I'm a bit conflicted on this. While I love anything, and everything Disney, I was not expecting the Christian undertones to the novel. I'm not sure if they felt out of place, or if I didn't realize this was a faith-based novel.
There was a lot of fun Disney trivia, and I enjoyed unlocking the clues as they appeared and guessing where Hawk had to go next.
However, I could tell this was an independently published novel: The sentence structure was generally short and choppy, and there were a bunch of editing errors that this English teacher nitpicked about.
Will I pick up Book 2? Probably. But, I'm not in a huge rush to do so.
There was a lot of fun Disney trivia, and I enjoyed unlocking the clues as they appeared and guessing where Hawk had to go next.
However, I could tell this was an independently published novel: The sentence structure was generally short and choppy, and there were a bunch of editing errors that this English teacher nitpicked about.
Will I pick up Book 2? Probably. But, I'm not in a huge rush to do so.
April 1, 2022
I was a little leery about reading this book. I am a huge Disney fan and was worried there might be something in this book that would creep me out. It wasn't like that at all. This was more like an escape room set at Disney World. I enjoyed the descriptions of the parks.....some things I knew quite well, other little details that I will look for in the future. The ending was a little too far fetched for me, but I still enjoyed this book.
December 6, 2023
I’ve been in a reading slump since October and this banished it.
This is a reread because I want to read the last two books in the series, but I read it so long ago that it was almost like reading it for the first time again.
Kiran is one of the most annoying characters I’ve ever read. Aside from that I loved this and I can’t wait to go back to Disney World to see some of the little nuggets dropped throughout the story.
This is a reread because I want to read the last two books in the series, but I read it so long ago that it was almost like reading it for the first time again.
Kiran is one of the most annoying characters I’ve ever read. Aside from that I loved this and I can’t wait to go back to Disney World to see some of the little nuggets dropped throughout the story.
September 10, 2019
What a great story! I wasn't sure to expect when this book was recommended to me, but I was so pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it! The story line was great and very well researched, the characters were easy to fall in love with and the mystery kept you reading to find out how the story would end!
April 30, 2018
Truly exceeded my expectations!
Highly recommended to all serious Disney fans as it will really make you see the parks in a whole new light. You may even start a journey of your own to find the key to the kingdom!
Highly recommended to all serious Disney fans as it will really make you see the parks in a whole new light. You may even start a journey of your own to find the key to the kingdom!
November 11, 2021
As a former Cast Member and lifelong Disney fan, I was excited to read this. I really wanted to love it, but it was just okay for me. Something about the style of writing didn’t work for me, but I did learn a few things I didn’t know about WDW.
July 29, 2024
I didn't finish it but I also didn't hate it. It just wasn't for me but I do think it was well enough written for what it was and I could see some people really enjoying it. The whole Christian angle just doesn't do it for me.
May 21, 2018
Do you like all things Disney? Do you enjoy Magic, Mystery, and Illusion? Then by all means, READ THIS BOOK!
HIGHLY recommended.
HIGHLY recommended.
May 3, 2019
Great read!
Such a fun escape for a Disney fan! Reads so smoothly and lots of believable stuff, had me on the edge of my seat!
Such a fun escape for a Disney fan! Reads so smoothly and lots of believable stuff, had me on the edge of my seat!
July 21, 2019
Fun read, and now I want to go back to WDW!
January 1, 2020
Every true fan's dream!
So much fun to read! I found myself wishing I could be Hawk. What a great tribute to true Walt fans!!!
So much fun to read! I found myself wishing I could be Hawk. What a great tribute to true Walt fans!!!
February 17, 2021
Excellent read!
May 11, 2021
Fun to read & imagine!
Fun to read and imagine places I’ve been at The Disney world parks as they were many years ago when I visited in my youth.
Fun to read and imagine places I’ve been at The Disney world parks as they were many years ago when I visited in my youth.
Read
March 30, 2022Audio book
February 21, 2020
Great story! Awesome trivia; facts and theories about Disney and how well placed they were throughout the book. Really leaves a reader in suspense in almost every chapter.
May 11, 2025
Feels like you’re at Disney World without the heat, crowds, and lines! Adult aged characters too! It’s a little ridiculous but hey thats what makes it fun!
March 4, 2017
This was a fun adventure set in Disney World in Florida, packed with Disney trivia and history. It's been many years since I've visited so I didn't quite have the visual in my mind that someone who has been there more often or recently might have had, but even so I enjoyed it!
Our main character is a Pastor of a nearby town who is big Disney fan and is given a mysterious key by a long time friend, who also happens to be a Disney Imagineer. What follows is a scavenger hunt of major proportions that takes him throughout Disney World and gets him hot water with the staff more often than not. There's even fighting and kidnapping! What is this incredible secret his friend has set him on the course to find? I'm not saying, but it's behind Hawk's wildest dreams, that's for sure!
This was fun, and now I'm really interested in learning more about Walt Disney himself and the history of his dream.
Our main character is a Pastor of a nearby town who is big Disney fan and is given a mysterious key by a long time friend, who also happens to be a Disney Imagineer. What follows is a scavenger hunt of major proportions that takes him throughout Disney World and gets him hot water with the staff more often than not. There's even fighting and kidnapping! What is this incredible secret his friend has set him on the course to find? I'm not saying, but it's behind Hawk's wildest dreams, that's for sure!
This was fun, and now I'm really interested in learning more about Walt Disney himself and the history of his dream.
June 26, 2019
3.5 Stars.
March 17, 2011
The Key to the Kingdom is a fantastic journey of mystery, intrigue and innuendos that is sure to capture the heart of everyone who peruses its pages. Once the book is picked up and begun, you will feel the need to complete it. The allure is hard to resist and its fast-paced, extremely informative, imaginative and believable tale is sure to become a favourite with all who are captured within its pages.
Grayson Hawkes is a minister whose approach to preaching is contemporary as he uses artistic mediums to relate the tale of the bible to his parishioners, making him a favourite and his church quite popular. A friend, and trusted confidante invites Grayson to meet him at the historic Snow White Cottage owned by James Gamble for a late-night tryst. It is here that the mysteries of Walt Disney World begin to unfold. Handing Grayson a key and the first piece in a perplexing puzzle of clues, the course is set and we are on our way, racing through the streets, concessions and attractions that make up Walt Disney World to unravel the mystery that has been placed before us. You are left breathless as you are lead from one clue to another, wondering who you can trust and who is your enemy. Gathering a group of folks you believe to be those who have your best interests at heart, you step into the web of intrigue and are lead one step closer, through interesting tidbits of Walt Disney history, to the mystery, that is, the key to the kingdom.
When I was first approached to review this book, I almost shied away, I am not a huge fan of the Walt Disney corporation as it stands today. I grew up with Walt in my living room in the early 70's, not even realizing, at the time, that he was already gone from us. To me, he was like a grandfather, who kind and wise words made me feel good about myself. I decided to read it anyhow and I am really pleased that I did! I rarely give a 5 out of 5 rating but The Key to the Kingdom deserves such and I highly recommend to anyone who is a Disney buff (I knew more about Walt Disney than I thought I did, and still, I enjoyed reading it), those who love a good, fast-paced mystery or those who like to solve riddles ( I must admit, this was a real high point for me, it brought out my natural sense of puzzle solving and on numerous occasions, I found myself yelling out my answers to Grayson as the book progressed, LOL).
The only thing I regret about this opportunity, is that I didn't opt in for the interview with the author, Jeff Dixon, I would have liked to have picked his brain a little more. I was impressed with his bio which states he researches ancient manuscripts (what I would give to be able to do something such as this) and examines them for content, meaning, understanding and then, using illustrations, he describes his research to listeners at the Covenant Community Church in Central Florida. I hope to be able to read more from Jeff, either with a sequel to The Key to the Kingdom (there may have been a hint at the end of the book alluding to this) or via any other literary projects. This is truly a wonderful book, sure to be enjoyed by folks of all ages!!
Grayson Hawkes is a minister whose approach to preaching is contemporary as he uses artistic mediums to relate the tale of the bible to his parishioners, making him a favourite and his church quite popular. A friend, and trusted confidante invites Grayson to meet him at the historic Snow White Cottage owned by James Gamble for a late-night tryst. It is here that the mysteries of Walt Disney World begin to unfold. Handing Grayson a key and the first piece in a perplexing puzzle of clues, the course is set and we are on our way, racing through the streets, concessions and attractions that make up Walt Disney World to unravel the mystery that has been placed before us. You are left breathless as you are lead from one clue to another, wondering who you can trust and who is your enemy. Gathering a group of folks you believe to be those who have your best interests at heart, you step into the web of intrigue and are lead one step closer, through interesting tidbits of Walt Disney history, to the mystery, that is, the key to the kingdom.
When I was first approached to review this book, I almost shied away, I am not a huge fan of the Walt Disney corporation as it stands today. I grew up with Walt in my living room in the early 70's, not even realizing, at the time, that he was already gone from us. To me, he was like a grandfather, who kind and wise words made me feel good about myself. I decided to read it anyhow and I am really pleased that I did! I rarely give a 5 out of 5 rating but The Key to the Kingdom deserves such and I highly recommend to anyone who is a Disney buff (I knew more about Walt Disney than I thought I did, and still, I enjoyed reading it), those who love a good, fast-paced mystery or those who like to solve riddles ( I must admit, this was a real high point for me, it brought out my natural sense of puzzle solving and on numerous occasions, I found myself yelling out my answers to Grayson as the book progressed, LOL).
The only thing I regret about this opportunity, is that I didn't opt in for the interview with the author, Jeff Dixon, I would have liked to have picked his brain a little more. I was impressed with his bio which states he researches ancient manuscripts (what I would give to be able to do something such as this) and examines them for content, meaning, understanding and then, using illustrations, he describes his research to listeners at the Covenant Community Church in Central Florida. I hope to be able to read more from Jeff, either with a sequel to The Key to the Kingdom (there may have been a hint at the end of the book alluding to this) or via any other literary projects. This is truly a wonderful book, sure to be enjoyed by folks of all ages!!
August 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. The main character is a pastor who has been sent on a scavenger hunt by a good friend. This friend is an Imagineer for Disney so this hunt takes him through the various Disney World parks. I felt like I was right there with Hawkes in the parks trying to figure out the clues. It was fun when I knew exactly what was being described at various times. I look forward to reading more in this series.
This review and others can be found at: C Jane Read.
This review and others can be found at: C Jane Read.
September 28, 2016
I like that this story takes place in Disney World but it didn't really make me want to read more.
June 24, 2013
Dr. Grayson Hawkes, affectionately known as "Hawk to most, is a preacher at Celebration Community Church in Celebration, Florida. Hawk is a long-time, frequent visitor to Walt Disney World in Orlando and has acquired an incredible wealth of knowledge regarding Disney trivia and attention to detail from his close friend, Farren Rales. Farren is head imagineer for Walt Disney World, and had worked directly with Walt Disney while he was still living. He and Hawk frequently discussed Walt's life and his dreams and visions for the future of Disney parks. In a mysterious meeting Farren presents Hawk with a "special" key, the key to the kingdom, and an assignment to unravel the clues that lead to what the key unlocks. Farren then suddenly disappears and Hawk is chased by an unknown assailant. As Hawk is catapulted into the adventures of his life, danger becomes his constant companion. Amidst his escapades through the world of Disney in his search for answers, Hawk encounters numerous predicaments that place him in compromising situations.
Jeff Dixon has created a fast-paced, exciting journey through the Magic Kingdom! The Key to The Kingdom is descriptive down to the most minute details and written with extraordinary knowledge and a passion for Disney. The author has penned a mystery that caused me to read as fast as I could, increasing my heart rate as I ran through the park with Hawk in this magical adventure! Danger lurked around every corner, and attention to detail in Disney design is amazing. Having visited Disney World a few times I was able to follow Hawk's adventures throughout the kingdom, and could visualize the attractions as if I was running alongside Hawk. If you've been to Walt Disney World this book is an amazing adventure through the Magic Kingdom that you don't want to miss! If you haven't been to the attraction yet, you'll certainly want to make the trip after reading this book!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and the For Readers Only program through BookFun.org for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to Jeff Dixon and Fred St Laurent from BookFun.org for providing me with this trip of a lifetime!
Jeff Dixon has created a fast-paced, exciting journey through the Magic Kingdom! The Key to The Kingdom is descriptive down to the most minute details and written with extraordinary knowledge and a passion for Disney. The author has penned a mystery that caused me to read as fast as I could, increasing my heart rate as I ran through the park with Hawk in this magical adventure! Danger lurked around every corner, and attention to detail in Disney design is amazing. Having visited Disney World a few times I was able to follow Hawk's adventures throughout the kingdom, and could visualize the attractions as if I was running alongside Hawk. If you've been to Walt Disney World this book is an amazing adventure through the Magic Kingdom that you don't want to miss! If you haven't been to the attraction yet, you'll certainly want to make the trip after reading this book!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and the For Readers Only program through BookFun.org for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to Jeff Dixon and Fred St Laurent from BookFun.org for providing me with this trip of a lifetime!
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