The Key of Apollo

The Gates of Artemis #1

by R.D. Brady

Meet Lucy Cole, Mythical Mishap MagnetMythical creatures? They're not just in fairy tales, folks! They're hanging out in Iphigenesis, and guess who's their brand-new guardian? Lucy Cole, who just found out about her new, unwanted destiny!But wait, there's more chaos coming her way! Her almost-adopted mom, Elodie, gets herself kidnapped, and the only way to save her is to find the Key of Apollo, a relic as rare as a unicorn at a coffee shop.No biggie, right? Oh, and she has to ace the Primordial Trials, which are basically like cosmic exams from the gods themselves.Now, armed with zero knowledge of Iphigenesis, a klutzy best friend, and another friend who's a literal human leaf, Lucy's ready to take on the Olympian challenges. What could possibly go wrong?

Genres: Mythology, Fantasy

437 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2018

About the author

R.D. Brady is the bestselling author of over 60 science-based thrillers, cryptid adventure novels, and mythological conspiracy series that blend real-world science with nonstop action.

With a Ph.D. in Criminology and a professional background in counterterrorism and behavioral science, R.D. brings expert insight to her fast-paced fiction. Her stories are known for featuring fierce female leads, ancient secrets, and cutting-edge research that challenges what we think we know about science, history, and the unknown.

She is best known for the long-running Belial Series, a fan-favorite that explores archaeological mysteries and supernatural revelations—and continues with the high-stakes Belial Rebirth Arc.

R.D. is also the author of The Ancestral Code Series, starting with Hominid, a cryptid-meets-science thriller that reimagines the Bigfoot legend. Her other popular works include the A.L.I.V.E. Series, The Unwelcome Trilogy, and the latest addition, the Shadow Directive series, including Predator Dominion.

Whether it's a global genetic conspiracy, an ancient civilization buried beneath modern myths, or a killer storm trapping a wrongly accused man, R.D.'s books deliver the adrenaline, mystery, and emotional depth that fans of Michael Crichton, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, and James Rollins crave.

When not writing, R.D. teaches martial arts, runs with her dogs, and tends to her garden. Under the pen name Sadie Hobbes, she also writes sharp, fast-paced urban fantasy thrillers.

📬 Subscribe at rdbradybooks.com to get exclusive extras, free novellas, and first looks at upcoming books.

Reviews

[WGRLS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Staff Review:
If you're looking for a series to read after all the Percy Jackson books, this is it. Lucy, the main protagonist in the story, is a strong female lead who learns and grows throughout the book. She and her two friends go on a journey in another land populated with
Gnomes, Centaurs, Pegasus and all sorts of other mythological & magical creatures. The end goal is to save her foster mom who has been kidnapped by an old "friend" who wants to bring these magical creatures into the real world and show them off in a zoo. Lucy and her friends can't let this happen!

Definitely, a page-turner filled with excitement and heart!

[Ash Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Percy Jackson fan, anything to do with Greek gods I’m ready to read. I loved this book and the fact that it isn’t the usual gods like Zeus, Poseidon or hades but Artemis. I really enjoyed seeing Lucy come to terms with being a “daughter” and her adventures to see the titans, save her mum and save mythical creatures along the way. I was surprised to see the relationship building lucy has with the titans and can’t wait to see where that leads

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rushed kinda

[Micajah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! It was fast-paced, an interesting story, and a really unique view of the Greek legends. Being a big Riordan fan, I was intrigued to see what this story would be like. I loved how Riley D. Bradley expounded on the stories and shifted them to show that they way we know things to be are not necessarily how they happened. I especially loved her interpretation of the Titans. There were some noticeable errors--spelling, word usage, etc.. that I noticed while reading that should be edited. I also dislike how Aubrey was such a focal point in the story, being a villain with a lot of focus on her, but then simply dropped off with no mention from the middle of the book onward. Overall it is a really entertaining story, great for middle grade readers. I am going to continue the story and am looking forward to starting book 2.

[R.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this novel is clearly intended to stimulate the imagination of tweens, I found it fascinating from the perspective of the author's craft. Brady's ability to cross over into an entirely new genre is impressive. The Gates of Artemis is sure to attract a cult following with its strong cast of young adult characters, adventures, and mythical animals. The fact that Riley slips in a healthy dose of classic literature and mythology along with the adventures ensures young readers are learning as well as being entertained. Thank you, for a story that captures the imagination and encourages young adults to keep reading!

[John Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, cried and got angry

Ok, so I know this book is for kids, but at 58, I had so much fun reading this first, in what I hope to be a long series of more to come from R.D.

R.D. I am so impressed by this book, I bought one for all my kids and a few not my kid so they too could join in on the adventure.

I don’t know, I laughed and cried, got angry a few times but I told anyone I could about the story! I know you said it was for kids so what does that say about me ha! I can’t wait to read more as you write these to life.
John

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Key of Apollo and highly recommend it. It is written for tweens and teenagers, primarily, but I like reading books that are well-written no matter what age bracket they are meant for. I learned a bit about Greek mythology and many mythological creatures, as well. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given review.

[Tami]

Very kid and adult friendly story.😊

Great job! Thoroughly enjoyed the story even though I'm North of 50. Thank you for introducing the gnomes. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[MARY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Brady has done it again.

This is awesome read,it is amazing. I also enjoyed the Titans,, I always wanted a dragon, all the animals where amazing you could almost see the animals in the paged of the story.
Great job Mrs. Brady

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing first time book that left me wanting more. Lucy is fourteen only but has to absorb that mythological creatures are real. Then her soon to adopted mother gets kidnapped. Fast paced.

[Yoggiebear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little story

[Mr R A Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Couldn't our the book down. R.d is a fantastic writer. Can't wait to start book2
. The curse of hecate!

[Pamela Haratsis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, fast, clean!

Enjoyable for all ages! I am 70 and am still young enough to be caught up in the adventure. So much fun.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good

It went was full of twists and turns. Also had a lot of fun in it. Can't wait for the next one.

[Suzanne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I Really loved this book. Getting ready to start number 2. It sets a whole new light to the gods.

[Kadence :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story sure to keep you at the edge of your seat!

I love how this book has all of the mythical creatures of the the world we may not believe exist, even the ones that have gone extinct. One thing's for sure is that this is an adventure for someone who loves animals. This book will send you into two different worlds in just one adventure. This funny, heartwarming, adventurous story is one to read. (Especially if you believe in multiple gods that include Zeus and Artemis.)

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a series to read after all the Percy Jackson books, this is it. Lucy, the main protagonist in the story, is a strong female lead who learns and grows throughout the book. She and her two friends go on a journey in another land populated with
Gnomes, Centaurs, Pegasus and all sorts of other mythological & magical creatures. The end goal is to save her foster mom who has been kidnapped by an old friend who wants to bring these magical creatures into the real world and show them off in a zoo. Lucy and her friends can't let this happen!

Definitely a page turner filled with excitement and heart!

[sharn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written story with a great cast of characters and very vivid scenery