The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

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.

Heidi Says . . . I’m a huge fan of all-things Disney and have actually been doing a series of Disney-related reviews here on my blog.  So, when the opportunity to review this Disney-themed fiction book presented itself, I jumped at the chance. 

Though I read through the book fairly quickly and it held my interest pretty well, I have mixed feelings about this one. 

• Though I’m sure when someone asks you to review their book, they’re interested more in your thoughts on the storyline, I cannot let this review go without saying that I found the book full of spelling and grammatical errors that should have been picked up by an editor.  I have an eye for detail, and these things jump off the page at me.  They tend to shadow my opinion of a book.
• This book contains a TON of Disney facts and trivia.  Having recently listened to the Main Street USA podcast by Walt Disney World Radio, the details listed were so similar.  As a Disney fan, I enjoyed the little details, but think a non-Disney die-hard might be bored by them.
• Because there are so many facts in the book, it makes the line between fact and fiction very blurry.  It’s difficult for the reader to determine what the author views as fact vs. fiction.

So, in conclusion, I’d say that this book might be attractive to die-hard Disney fans. I’ve recommended it to my 17-year-old daughter, just because I think she’ll be interested in the Disney trivia that’s riddled throughout the book.  I’ll also commend the author on his characters – it’s very hard to determine the good guys from the bad guys – and, in the end, I was surprised by some of them!  I have to admit that I found the end to be a bit disappointing.

I would consider reading more books by the author in the future.

More information about this book can be found at The Key to the Kingdom website. It can also be purchased (signed by the author) from this site, or at Deep River Books or Barnes & Noble. You can also follow The Key to the Kingdom on Facebook.

NOTE: This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by Bring It On Communications for this review.