Book Review: Key to Conflict

Reviewed By: Molli Struebing

Key to Conflict     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Talia Gryphon
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Military   Woman Main Character   Vampire
Ace, 2007

Meet Gillian Key. She’s a Paramortal psychologist who can treat the mental distress of nonhumans. And she’s a Marine Special Forces operative who can get physical with them when the situation calls for it.

Gillian is sent to help Count Aleksei Rachlav, who just happens to be a vampire, with his ‘fangxiety’ issues in her role as a psychologist. She is also trying to gather information in her role as a Special Forces Agent (retired) on the rumored return of the legendary Count Dracula and an impending turf war. Without letting Aleksei know the real reason she is there. If you are looking for a ‘light evenings reading’ this book is NOT for you. The characters are multi-layered and complex. There is literally a cast of hundreds. Including but not limited to Tanis, Aleksei’s vampire brother, Pavel, a werewolf with a fur allergy, and Dante a vengeful ghost. Throw in rival vampire factions, a few Fae, and a Grael or two, and you almost need a score card to keep them all straight. This book forces you to pay attention, but in a way that will keep you mesmerized. The ending is so ambiguous that there just HAS to be a sequel. Nothing is resolved in this book, and the author leaves you wanting more. I for one hope she’s planning on continuing this story.

Molli Struebing

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Molli Struebing