Path to the Key

Destruction of Magic #1

by April Canavan

This title is out of print.
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.

She trusted a vampire, and now the fate of the world rests on her shoulders.

Turned against her will by her ex-husband, Sarah bore a half-vampire child—one her former lover covets for the power the boy holds. She may not have chosen to live an undead existence, but she’d do anything to protect her son, even if it means embracing the growing power within.

As mother and child are pursued across realms, Sarah discovers her little boy may be just what the magical world needs to bring back fading magic. But, her sire is relentless and she fears she isn’t strong enough to beat back the oncoming storm.

Will she accept the aid of another vampire who might just be the one to mend her own brokenness? Or will she turn her back on everyone, forsaking what it means to be a vampire in the pursuit of giving her son the life he deserves?

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author by day and superhero by night... Seriously, though. I write Contemporary Romance that will tear my readers apart and put them back together again.
As long I have coffee, I legit think I can conquer the world.

Find all my social media here:
geni.us/StalkApril

Reviews

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything supernatural. I love vampires. I absolutely positively LOVE when they can be brought together in one story. Canavan is now on my list of favorites! I love the characters, the romance, the love, the hate, the war and even the action. The fight scenes were a little yucky in a few parts but the gruesome details brought the story to life. I love the twist in the end and want to read more about this group of uniquely supernatural beings. 

Overall, I rate Path to the Key with 5 Boundless stars.

http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com

https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was unique - not similar to anything I've read before. The flow was very stop & go with some of the stop areas being incredibly boring. The world building was very minimalistic, it felt like there were too many places that left me feeling lost or like I missed a book. I almost quit the book a few times. I also didn't care for the sequences where it goes back into a memory, there were too many of those and some of them just didn't seem well thought out or worked for the intended effect for the memory in the placement of the story. But, the big hang up for me, there were way too many inconsistencies in the plot, and a lot of things that happen with no explanations of how or why, and a lot of things just conveniently happen to solve problems or to move the plot forward. (so who actually turned Tyler, it said Vander, but Tyler is with the Blood King when he meets Winter for the first time, even before Vander is turned into a Vampire? if Alex was such a weak vampire, how could he beat Vander, who was supposed to be stronger as a vampire than Alex was supposed to be -in the fight? why did Winter give that magic to Sarah to make her immortal as it never really explained what that was all about, & I thought the vampires were immortal anyway? after Sarah is given the magic, it sounded like she wasn't a vampire anymore, like maybe she was a witch or something, even said she wouldn't need to drink blood, but then she does need to drink blood, so what's up with that? how did Alex keep finding Sarah & Jack while they were running since it was never really explained? how was Sarah able to call to Alex to bring him to her at the end? what the heck was the prior memory of a previous encounter with Vander, it could have been left off altogether, as it was just a confusing after thought sort of thing at the end of the book? these are a few of the things I remember the next day without going back & searching for more, there were too many more questions just like these all thru out the book). I think a good content editor would have helped a lot of those issues, which in turn would have helped the story a lot. I did finish the book, and it could definitely have had a higher star rating if the previous issues hadn't been so extreme. As to the characters, Sarah is odd, and almost not relatable for me as a reader. She flips back & forth too much in her thoughts & actions. There was too much internal dialogue from Sarah as well. The relationships Sarah has with the 2 brothers is so wishy washy, as to not be believable. There is no definitive showing that Alex used some sort of mind control to make her date him sort of thing, when she was so against it to begin with. As to Vander & Alex, just bleh. I really didn't form any like of Vander or even more than a general dislike of Alex considering he was the bad guy. So overall, I wish I hadn't bothered reading this book. I felt like I wasted my time. I won't be reading more in the series either.

[Nyxed - The Book Snob · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish...

Sarah
• FMC
• Son with Alex: Jack
• Decendent of magical bloodline
• Took Jack, on the run from Alex
• Can read humans minds

Alex (Sarah's ex husband)
• Wants Sarah & Jack back- some alterior motive
• Not a nice guy
Jack
• Has interesting dream visions, leading him & Sarah to safe places to hide.
Winter
• Witch. Mysterious.
• Seer
• Most ancient supernatural creature
• Offers Sarah & Jack refuge
• Can read Sarah's mind
Zander
• Alex's brother
• Father recently passed away
• Mention of Dark throne
Jessica
• Dark fae princess - Zanders friend with benefits (beginning of book)

Misc. Thoughts
• Jack's aging can be "sped up."
• Every supernatural species has its own laws to govern them, and they’re each ruled by a different person.
• Sarah's first visit with Winter is full of random story "facts" at rapid-fire pace. Dialogue seems forced or robotic; Sarah seems naive, hanging on Winter's every word, even tjough the circumstances of their meeting are bizarre and any person worth their salt would be suspicious and wary. Winter delivers some weird conspiracy-like story, revolving around Sarah, Jack and Alex. Then tells Sarah, "It's getting late. Why don't you go feed, I'll watch Jack, and we'll all have some cookies when you get back?" Then Sarah... the Oh-So-Protective-Mama-Bear... asks Winter who Zander is? Uhm... a self-admitted, previously unknown to Sarah, ancient oracle witch queen delivers some seriously scary news and Sarah's just going to leave her 3 year old son with her just to go feed?! Wtf!?
• DNF at 28% - Zander and Sarah launch into lust after seeing each other just twice. Zander banters with her, then suddenly threatens to kill her and she's nearly pissing her pants scaredvof him. A minute later, she snaps at him, storms away, and shortly after that, she "ignites something in him" and they're all lusty. Seriously. Self-respect, Sarah. Get some. I can't even try to keep reading. This just got too lame and too cheesy, too fast.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Canavan and I will be reading more. I absolutely love paranormal romance especially vampires. I love the new twist on paranormal romances.

Magic is fading from the world and the Witch Queen sets out to do something about it. Sarah doesn't care anything about that she just wants to survive her ex-husband stalking her. She is on the run with her three-year-old son and she can't believe how he keeps finding her. Did I mention he turned her into a vampire against her will, now she hates what she has become because she is forced to drink blood. Her son, Jackson, has special abilities where he dreams things that come true. Her ex-husband, Alex wants to gain power and he will stop at nothing to obtain the power he seeks. Her main goal is to not let Alex have Jackson even if that means she teams up with witches and other vampires.

Zander should be the Blood King but he does not want to take the throne. When he meets Sarah they have an instant connection. But when he learns about Sarah's family that has his blood boiling. He does not know how to process his feelings for Sarah and her connection with his brother. There will be a battle ensuing, which faction will come out on top? Will all the key players be standing after the battle is complete?

I highly recommend this book. I can't wait for the series to continue.

** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **

[Corrine Pickering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Path to the Key (Destruction of Magic Book 1) April Canavan

### 4.5 Hashtags ###

Vampires, witches and lots of magic! I really enjoyed this book. I felt this one had a uniquely different twist from the usual vampire genre.

Sarah had a tough struggle with learning how important her child is and keeping him protected. As things unfold it gets harder and harder for her. She's a great strong character and I adore her spirit. I love Zander... this is my sons name and it felt kinda strange to start with!

I did find the story as a whole little drawn out in places and for me Zander & Sarah's relationship developed a bit too quickly. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I'm really looking forward to the next book to see what else is in store for them.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 to the Destruction of Magic series and it’s a fantastic read. This is the story of Sarah and her son Jackson, Sarah just wants to get away from her abusive ex husband Alex. You see Sarah is human and Alex is a vampire, Alex drugged Sarah’s food and drink so he could have sex with her and make her pregnant, then he turned her into a vampire. Sarah doesn’t know why Alex had done this to her but she knows he’s evil and she won’t let him get his hands on their son Jackson. Sarah ended up meeting Zander and he is the brother of Alex and when he found out about her and Alex he wanted to kill Sarah and Jackson. Jackson has abilities and Alex wants to use him to get more power, it’s amazing what a mother will do to protect her child. This book has vampires and witches, there’s action, adventure, fear, betrayal, love and some pretty hot scenes. Very well written storyline I loved and hated some of the characters and I can’t wait to read book 2. I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Angie Warner · Rating 2 out of 5]

No Flow

To be fair, I didn't read the entire story, so it could get better. The storyline is amazing and the reason I got as far as I did, but the conversations between them are stilted, they don't flow and are way too long and drawn out. For ex., at one point she asks ZAN-der why Winter calls him Zan.. That one simple, totally obvious answer, took 3/4 of one page and 1/4 of the next. Why? Why did she even ask that question to begin with? Especially when the answer is basically because that's what Winter likes and it's part of his name. Literally every conversation she has, is exactly like that...just words to fill the pages but hold no significance to the story. Out of 6 sentences, you might get 1 sentence that contains anything important. I did this technique in middle school when I needed to write a story or report that equaled a certain number of pages...elaborate every tiny thing so I could do the least amount of work but meet the page requirement. It's hard to stay interested when it's like that, no matter how great the storyline is.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good story

This one should have probably spent a little more time with the editor as there were several instances of misspelled/mistyped words (baord instead of board and shem instead of them for example) which NORMALLY wouldn't bother me but...being extremely overtired, to the point of having to force myself to stay awake, they were glaringly obvious. It's NOT that the story was so boring that I had to force myself to stay awake either! Far from it, actually! THAT was because I've been up for over 24 hours and I really wanted to know how this story ended because it's THAT interesting! That being said, knowing how much of a struggle I had to push myself through to finish this one and not wanting to get caught up in another one before getting some sleep I'm going to go ahead and borrow the next one...because I really DO like these stories...and start it tomorrow!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me state, I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review. Also, this is my first read with this author & it won't be my last.

Wow!!! I truly couldn't put this book down. I can't wait to read the next story. Sarah had my heart as soon as I started to know her. She was a strong young woman when she met Alex, but through his abuse he changed her. But not fully. She loved her baby boy Jack so much, she'd allow nothing to harm him. Alex was a sick man/vampire. When I first met Winter I was unsure whether i liked her or not, but she won me over. She's a powerful witch. Zander, who's a royal vampire & Alex's twin, is nothing like his sick brother. He & Sarah make a gr8 couple. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Path to the Key by April Canavan is book one to an amazing series. Full of magic, suspernatural beings and romance. I love the war between the good and the evil. Fight to save loved ones. Family, power, and determination. April Canavan's writing is superb. I was lost instantly from the first page. Engaging, well-developed, and exciting. A war brewing. One involving power and ruling over others. A woman whose child is key to her evil husband's game. Yet there's another man, the brother, who can help save them. Path to the Key was entertaining. Easy to follow along. I loved it. Couldn't stop reading it. Overall, I highly recommend it to readers everywhere.

[Rae Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read! The twist and turns kept me on my toes the entire time. There was so much to learn and at times it was a bit overwhelming, but still very entertaining. I will say that I don't think that Alex is actually dead. I feel as though he will come back in next books. I hope not because he was a supreme ass, anyone who views there wife as property is the lowest of the low in my book.
I am excited to see what will happen between Zander and Johnothan, who will actually be the Blood King. Zander has my vote!!
Now Jackson and Anna should be a cool aspect of the next books, now that the war is technically over I wonder what the next problem will be?

Great Book!

[Helois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampires, Witches, Fae, Shape Shifters and every other supernatural being imaginable!

This is one of those books that sucks you in right from the start and you can't put it down. The story moves along at a good pace, with well developed characters, along with plenty of action, magic and love. Well written with plenty of twists and a well done ending that leaves you wanting more.

Sarah only wants to protect her son Jack, but soon finds out that he may just be the key to save the magic from fading from the world completely. Jack's 4th birthday will bring on a war that had long been prophesied. Which side he chooses will determine the fate of all.

[Linda Romer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Path to the Key (Destruction of Magic #1) by April Canavan

I enjoyed reading Path to the Key. This story was intense at times and complicated, but cutting through all the detailed explanations an interesting story emerged. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and The Witch Queen Winter was my favorite. There is plenty of excitement in this story and the battle at the end was so good I could picture the scenes in my mind. I did enjoy this Authors writing and would read book #2.

I give Path to the Key 4 stars for its exciting story.
I would recommend this book to Paranormal Fans.

[Marie Pedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Path to the key

An amazing story of how a mothers love transcends everything even death or in the case of this book undeath. Meet Sarah a young vampire on the run from an evil undead ex-husband with a son that is prophesied to bring magic back into the world.
This is a truly amazing story that is gripping right to the end leaving you wander what will happen.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down I can't wait till the next one.
This review was written on behalf of Amo and Sarah's book corner.

[Sharlene Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! I highly recommend this book if you are in to the paranormal. April Canavan captures your imagination and takes you on a flying carpet ride from the beginning to the very end. She introduces you the the characters and gives you the inside scoop to where you keep reading just so you can find out what happens next. You can't put it down till the very end and then she keeps you wanting more.

[Susan Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars

A different take on a vampire novel. The Blood Court is like the courts of the Fey with a Blood King ruling the vampires. The Blood Court has been weakened by the disappearance of one king and the reluctance of his heir to take up the throne. Into this conflict comes Sarah a mortal who marries a vampire and is turned without her consent or knowledge after the birth of her son. Sarah’s son Jack is a catalyst for a new battle for the Blood Throne.

[Lisa Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, gripping, and intense

This was an intense, roller coaster ride with so many twists and turns. It will have your emotions spiking, pining, and fearing for the characters. Brilliant writing, I really felt connected with the heronie and her battles, story was written brilliantly, will definitely move on to the next story.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started this book I thought I wasn’t going to like it. But, I stuck it out and am so glad I did.
This was a very deep, intense book and I was drawn into the story. It is just one of those books you will just have to read for yourselves but you won’t be disappointed.

[CI · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too convoluted

I gave up at 40%. Too difficult to follow what was going on, didn't like the feel of manipulation with every action by the witch Winter, and felt nothing for Sarah or Sander.

[Ashton Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! It kept me guessing throughout the whole thing, and I loved the ending. Can't wait for the next one to find out what happens to everyone.

[Stephanie Willett-marion · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a book I will continue to read

I dont know I just thought this book was boring. Im sorry. I thought it woulf be a great book from description but I didny find it that way.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

I always appreciate different tales of supernatural beings. I can't wait to explore more of the series. The book is sexy without making me uncomfortable.

[Donna Bagnall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very cloak and dagger for the majority of the book which was frustrating as it was hard to follow the story

[Charlene Kaup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read!

Wonderful characters that interact with each other beautiful! Fabulous plot twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[April]

Path to the Key
Destruction of Magic
Book 1
ongoing series
Purchase Link: https://geni.us/PathKey

[†Reviews of a FearStreetZombie† · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book at 4 this morning and I am still at a loss for words.

I'm just gonna say, you know it is a good book when it makes you want to throw it a couple of times.

Path to the Key was very well written and flowed so smooth it had me hooked from the very start. It had such an interesting story that you can't help but to be drawn in. Even with it's flaws you wonder "But what is going to happen next?"
I mean, this book is a roller coaster that will leave you exhausted at the end. I wouldn't blame you if you just sat there staring off into space after you finish it with the "deer in headlights" look. Goodness knows I did. Haha.

As much as I hate to say it, there were a few things that left me upset.
I was not happy she ended up with Zander. I kinda liked him the first time they met because he helped her. But the second time they met and he found out that she had been married to his brother, he flipped, grabbed her by the hair and threatened her life.
......later that same night, they end up having sex.
and that really made me feel like that wasn't sending a good example especially since she just got out of a abusive relationship.
Still sticking to annoyed with them being together farther down the road, Winter helps her, I won't say how, but when Zander comes in, he's not even worried she is crumpled on the floor looking like she'd been through the battle of her life *hint hint*
he just snatches her up demanding where *someone* was. She then throws up on him. aaaaaaand then he wants to get sexual with her trying to follow her to the shower.

Are. You. Kidding. Me.






Anyway, xD
I really think Winter was my favorite character in all honesty. I mean, the "I am the most powerful witch" every few seconds got really annoying but after she chilled out a bit and stopped saying it so much, she was awesome.
As for Sara, she is a puzzle. I like her, I relate. But there is also a part of me that really just wanted to slap her. I think that is why I may like Winter so much. Lol She had finally had enough and told her to hush, listen, and grow up.

I have such a love hate relationship with this book! Lol But I really would recommend it to other supernatural lovers.


I will admit, a few things that happened made me tear up a bit. Even for those I strongly disliked because the pain was so REAL. that is why I say this book like like a roller coaster. You feel every single bit that these characters feel and it leaves you at a loss for words and exhausted that the end.

Keep in mind, this book is a 18 and up book! So if you are 18+ and a supernatural loverm I would recommend it.

[Terry Hammoutene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah's goal in life in to keep her son protected at any cost, so when he starts having dreams and insists they go to a book store, she gets right on it. All Sara knows before she gets there is that her ex changed her and her son has some power. What she learns and how she reads is the main point of the story.
I loved how the story stayed focused and t wash;t all over the place, even with the past being told while the story moved on.
I thought this was a good read.



** I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

[Emma-Louise Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this book. There were twists and turns every second of the way. Completely unpredictable. I have never read anything this unique with vampires and supernatural beings. Excellently written

[Ingrid Stephanie Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Path to the Key   
Series: Destruction of Magic #1
Release Date: #AlreadyReleased
Author: April Canavan
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan 
Serial: Standalone, No Cliffhanger  
Genre:  #PRN #HEA #Magic #Vampires
#5Stars🌟⭐🌟🌟🌟
FB: ARC's For Reviews
••••••••••••••
What a Mother Always Does for her Child
When I first started reading the Prologue I thought no, not my cup of tea. Then I started reading chapter one, chapter 2 and all I can say is I couldn't read this book fast enough it is absolutley magnificent. It has you on the edge of your seat, definitely a Must Read!
••••••••••••
⚡Sarah was human and a Vampire who was full of himself, named Alex tricked her dousing her drink and food with drugs so that he could have his way all night, he wanted her pregnant. Then he made her a vampire, all of this was a trick that he and his maker planned, but Sarah wasn't going to let him have there son, Jackson James aka: Jack who was gifted. Sarah didn't know the real reason, she just knew Alex was evil and she must get her son away from him.
⚡Winter is the most Powerful Witch in the universe. She would fight to save Sarah and her son.
⚡Zander aka: Zan was Royalty and the Blood King but he hadn't taken throne yet. Seeing this tiny women out trying to feed took him by surprise, feeding her took him by surprise more, he couldn't help it he was drawn to her. When Zander found out who she was he wanted to kill her and Jack.
🔥This is your book if you want Survival, Fear, Betrayal, Action Packed, Hate, Loyalty, Love, Wickedly Hot Scenes, it's Fan-Freaking-Tastic.
     A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.