To Health.
To Life.
To the Future.
We are The Key.
‘No touching today for a healthy tomorrow.’
Elodie obeys The Key. Elodie obeys the rules. Elodie trusts in the system. At least, Elodie used to…
Aidan is a rebel. Aidan doesn’t do what he’s told. Aidan just wants to be free. Aidan is on his last chance…
After a pandemic wiped out most of the human race, The Key took power. The Key dictates the rules. They govern in order to keep people safe. But as Elodie and Aidan begin to discover there is another side to The Key, they realise not everything is as it seems.
Rather than playing protector, The Key are playing God.
Reading a book about a pandemic wiping out most of the human race may not be everyone’s cup of tea right now, but the blurb hooked me right away.
What would the world look like if touching was forbidden? The world-building is impressive, and it’s obvious the author put a lot of time into creating it. Everything from personal pods to procreation techniques is covered. Citizens don’t date – they’re matched by The Key based on compatible genetics and given jobs determined by assessment tests. Everything is sterile and impersonal – free choice is practically nonexistent. What I missed was more information on how the pandemic came about and when and how The Key came into power. A little more backstory would have filled in some blanks.
I liked that conformist Elodie and rebellious Aiden are polar opposities – the rule follower and the rule challenger. Early on, it’s clear that Elodie doesn’t exactly obey all the rules, and I liked that about her. It didn’t come as such a shock when she began questioning things. The insta-love between them really wasn’t necessary for the plot – I think the story would have worked fine without it, but that’s just my opinion.
Pacing was an issue for me as not a lot happens in the first half of the story. Around the 80% mark, things take off to the point that the ending feels rushed, but it’s a good place for the next book to begin.
If you’re in the mood for a dystopian set post-pandemic, The Key to Fear is a timely read with well-developed characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
I used to love pandemic books and movies. Not so sure I’m up for one now but, as always, you give a great review.
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Thanks, Mae! Seems like I’d want to take a break from them, but they still grab me most of the time.
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I’m figuring out that my lack of attention span really has trouble with slower paced books. But this does sound like an interesting read. An insightful review!
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Thanks, Tessa! I’ve come across a few recently that seem slower paced through a large percentage of the book, then the ending seems rushed. A lot could just be my personal preference.
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An intriguing review, Teri. Thanks for your mindful remarks about the pace.
I hope your week so far has been wonderful. Looking forward to Bad Moon Rising! Hugs on the wing.
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Can’t complain about this week so far, Teagan. Have Bad Moon ready to kick off tomorrow. Hugs!
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Thanks for the review, Teri. I give you credit for sticking with the book…80% is a long time to hang. I think I fall into Mae’s camp when it comes to reading or watching anything pertaining to a pandemic.
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You have to feel for those authors of books like this who already had scheduled releases and then a real pandemic happens – what timing.
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This sounds good, Teri. I like dystopia which I think is firmly linked with horror.
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I think sometimes there’s a strong connection, Robbie. I’ve always enjoyed both genres.
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Yes, I think so too.
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Forbidden to touch? sounds interesting. Great review!
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Makes you wonder about things, right?
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totally
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Sounds a little too ‘on point’ for today’s reading 😉
Still though, it has me intrigued 😁
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Sure does, although I wouldn’t be opposed to personal pods sometimes. Might keep people out of my personal space even now.
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I know right? Some people can’t even social distance when it’s the law!
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