The Golden Key

Vast yet intimate in scope with an absorbing, intricate plot and a solid cast of characters, the cherry on top being an incredibly appealing and creative premise (especially for this art history nerd; mileage may vary depending on readers' interest, or lack thereof in fine art). The extra touches such as the transitional Galleria interludes and the fictional painting guides are fantastic. The first “volume” of The Golden Key, Chieva do'Sangua, merely hints at the epic journey through the generations the story unfolds into, leading to a uniquely satisfying and subtly moving conclusion. I also have to note that characters such as Saavedra and Eleyna hold a special appeal for me, as a female reader in the creative field. The Golden Key, though I wouldn't go so far as to call it a masterpiece, is a memorable fantasy creation that will probably stay with me a long while.