The Key

By: Pauline Baird Jones

Narrated by: Janean Jorgensen

When Sara Donovan joins Project Enterprise, she finds out that what doesn't kill her makes her stronger. An Air Force pilot - the best of the best to be assigned to this mission - Sara isn't afraid to travel far beyond the Milky Way on an assignment that takes her into a galaxy torn apart by a long and bitter warfare between the Dusan and the Gadi.

After she's shot down and manages to land safely on an inhospitable planet, Sara encounters Kiernan Fyn - a seriously hot alien with a few secrets of his own - he's a member of a resistance group called the Ojemba, lead by the mysterious and ruthless Kalian. Together they must avoid capture, but can they avoid their growing attraction to each other?

A mysterious, hidden city on the planet brings Sara closer to the answers she seeks - about her baffling abilities and her mother's past. She has no idea she's being pulled into the same danger her mother fled - the key to a secret left behind by a lost civilization, the Garradians. The Dusan and the Gadi want the key. So do the Ojemba. They think Sara has it. They are willing to do anything to get it. Sara will have to do anything to stop them.

©2007 Pauline Baird Jones (P)2009 Books In Motion

Interesting, if a bit too romantic

When you cross a romance novel with science fiction, this is probably what you get. At first, I was put off by the romance and then accepted it. The story and characters are engaging although some suspension of credulity is required to accept how trans-galactic hyper drive developed in what appears current times and how it is that humans speak English in another galaxy. So it's not the tightest science fiction I have read. The romance part can be a little distracting for guys. I don't know what the girl readers would say. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. It's worth listening too if you are not picky about the science or the romance.

Uncommonly good female sci-fi

This story is fun - fast paced - different enough to be unexpectedly attention grabbing. Even better - it was narrated with skill that put emphasis with the right nuances for the humorous notes. Overall it was a good read with great narration that was worthy of time for a fan of sci-fi romance. I'm a big reader - not at all a t.v. watcher, but this book had such good ideas put across skillfully enough that I found myself thinking that it would have been fun to see this one done in film with special effects -- especially if they found the right actors to fill the spots! (Hot lead male, good leading lady who could deliver action as well as dry humor without coming across as just snotty.) I could easily visualize the battle scenes and down time dancing with crusty old character to burn off excess energy, all the way from space ships to romance. And all that with some very funny humorous moments and dry one liners that made the overall read an enjoyable one. Thanks!

Great sci-fi story!

this story exceeded my expectations. the story was complex, led by a strong female character. I wanted to hear how the story would lend itself towards uncovering the truth of Sarah's origins and the unlocking of the key. Romance, war, and inner conflict. What more could you want? not my fav, but worth the credit.

Great Read or Listen

Characters are memorable, likable and the story is unique. I enjoyed wondering what would happen next, and enjoyed the light romantic quality of the story. Avid sci-fi fantasy reader, I really enjoyed the book. It was able to bring the normal "earth" world into science fiction the way the much loved "Star Trek" always could. Definately worth the credit.

You'll love scrappy Sara!

This book turned me into a science fiction romance fan! Well written, with interesting, multi-faceted characters, and story arc. Loved the narrators' voices and inflections.

Romance novel with a sort of sci fi setting

Mixed. Strains credibility quite a bit— aliens in another galaxy nearly identical to humans but speaking English while having a different written language, instant telepathic connection to computers, miraculous healing where convenient. However, the heroine is a gutsy pilot and overcoming a lot, so that’s inspiring. But a little too much sex for me to recommend it to the teenage girls who would otherwise be the best audience for this.

Immature Protagonist, Tech/Universe unbelievable

What disappointed you about The Key?

Sara (protagonist) was the most disappointing. She spoke and thought like an immature teenager. I found it extremely unbelievable that she was of age to join the Air Force, let alone be a pilot (and one with FTL capabilities to traveling other galaxies). The universe the author created was beyond what I was able to believe and the male chauvinism (supported by the protagonist many times) was also very frustrating. Many times I was also taken out of the futuristic setting with current day references.The writing style is more appropriately categorized as a YA novel and an average one. Narration was done well, though a couple of times I could hear page turning. But I would blame that on production and not the narrator herself. Overall, this novel is not for folks looking for a logical military and/or sci-fi universe or that care for well developed adult and sophisticated relationships.

Terrible book

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Teenage girl geeks.

Would you ever listen to anything by Pauline Baird Jones again?

Never!

What didn’t you like about Janean Jorgensen’s performance?

Couldn't stand the perky valley girl tone of the narration.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Absolutely none.

Any additional comments?

The military jargon, cliches, twentieth century T.V. and movie references for a story set in the far future were too much for me to take. The book couldn't end fast enough. Save your money and skip this one.