"I loved being able to visualize where the characters were while they raced to solve the clues to the puzzle. Not only was the story entertaining, but I also enjoyed the Disney trivia and folklore that was scattered throughout the book."

The Key to the Kingdom, by Jeff Dixon
Reviewed by Christina at There's Just One Mommy

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Deep River Books (December 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935265245
• ISBN-13: 978-1935265245

After experiencing the magic of Walt Disney World this summer with our kids, I was really excited to discover a mystery book that revolves around the theme park.  After reading it, I have to say my initial expectations were surpassed, and I’m now looking forward even more to future visits to Walt Disney World.

What book am I talking about?  The Key to the Kingdom, by Jeff Dixon.The main character of the book is Grayson Hawkes, a minister with a penchant for Disney trivia.  Hawkes gets pulled into an intriguing and complex puzzle while trying to figure out the mysterious disappearance of his dear friend, Farren Rales, a Disney “imagineer.”  Before disappearing, Rales gave Hawkes a very unique key, the Key to the Kingdom, and told him to not only treasure it, but to use it.  This key becomes a central piece to unlocking the pieces in the puzzle.

Dixon’s characters are well written and fun to travel with through the course of the book.  Each evening as I read, I found myself drawn into the storyline a little more, trying to solve the clues alongside Hawkes. Having been to The Magic Kingdom recently, I loved being able to visualize where the characters were while they raced to solve the clues to the puzzle.   Not only was the story entertaining, but I also enjoyed the Disney trivia and folklore that was scattered throughout the book.

So, would I recommend this book?  Definitely!  In fact, I told my husband it has to be next on his reading list because I really want to be able to talk to someone about the story.

If you are looking for a quick, fun read you can find Jeff Dixon’s The Key to the Kingdom at Deep River Books or on Amazon for $10.87 at the time of this review. Also available on Kindle and Nook.

**I received a free copy of this book from Bring It On! Communications for review purposes.   I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this review.   All opinions are my own.

"I was captivated by the way the author wove this mystery around Disney facts and trivia"

Review by Kat at Reviews From the Heart

Who hasn't heard of Walt Disney, Disneyland, The Magic Kingdom or anything related to Disney in general?

Some of us have grown up with Disney in some form or another for most of our lives and know what dreams can do for those of us willing to dare to live them.

Farren Rales is one of the chief Imagineers working for the Magic Kingdom and when he calls Grayson Hawkes, a pastor of Celebration Community Church and asks him to meet him at the Gamble House. The Gamble House is a piece of property that is now part of the National Historical Society and is the inspiration come to life of Snow White's cottage from Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

It's late at night for a secret meeting with Farren and Hawkes as they wander around the inside of the cottage learning about Disney's fascination for details within a story. He leaves Hawkes with a gift, an old key that he claims is the Key to the Kingdom. When he looks up to inquire more about what the key means, Farren has vanished into the dark of night.

As Hawkes leaves the cottage, he learns that he is not the only one in the park at night. Running for his car, he barely manages to escape with his life. When Farren fails to show up for work, his secretary grows worried and returns Hawkes calls since he was the last person to see him. Not knowing what to do or where Farren is, he gets worried and believes that the clues to what is happening lie within the Magic Kingdom and what exactly that key will unlock.

Now Hawkes finds himself in a Disney-like National Treasure scavenger hunt, unlocking riddles that lead him to more clues within the Animal Kingdom, The Disney Resort, and Epcot Center with a stuffed Pal Mickey that becomes activated with hidden sensors located throughout the park guiding him to the next clue.

What he will ultimately discover is the Disney Magic may be more real than we have been led to believe and perhaps there is a whole lot more reality mixed in then we know.



I received the mystery novel, The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon, compliments of Bring It On Communication for my honest review. Being a huge Disney fan since I was a child, my child-like wonder has never left and I was captivated by the way the author wove this mystery around Disney facts and trivia that most of us walk by in our day to day visits of the park and never give it a second thought. Do tunnels really exist below the park? Is Walt Disney really sealed in a cryogenic cylinder waiting for a cure for cancer? Is there really a Snow White Cottage in Port Orange, Florida and inspired Disney to create Disneyland?

Who knows until you read this book and decide for yourself is this really fiction or perhaps a Disney magic way of covering up the secrets of the park! I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and now it has a place of permanence in my personal library because the kid in me, still believes in magic!

For more information about this book, the author or where to purchase your copy of this book, click on the links below:

The Key To The Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

You can also find out more secrets on Facebook by clicking here.

The Key to the Kingdom is a natural (choice) for Disney fans!

Review done by Andrea

I have been a fan of anything Disney-related for as long as I can remember. So when I read about a book called ‘The Key to the Kingdom’ by Jeff Dixon, I knew I had to read it!

Here is the synopsis of this interesting novel:

In this world, Disney trivia is no game…and the ancient key is the only way out.

Grayson Hawkes learns how imaginative and elaborate Walt Disney World is when he accepts an invitation that lands him in a world he never knew existed. Suddenly unraveling a perplexing puzzle and trying to solve a mysterious disappearance, Hawkes navigates through the kingdom where knowledge of seemingly unimportant Disney facts, and some divine help, are the only way he can discover the answers and get out.

Some of the lines between right and wrong begin to blur, and telling the difference between real and unreal becomes nearly impossible. Loyalty to faith, family, and friends are stretched to the extreme in a pulse quickening adventure through a magical place where dreams really do come true.

Here is the biography of this author:

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.

Jeff s a storyteller. Each week he researches ancient manuscripts and examines them for content, meaning, and understanding and describes his findings, using illustrations, to a crowd of listeners at Covenant Community Church in Central Florida. Some people might call this preaching (but that can sound so boring!).

Jeff brings an intensity and passion to communicating that incorporates his early years in Orlando, working at Disney World; his educational trek that landed him at Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas; and the latitudinal and longitudinal journey ministering in churches trying to impact the world. Jeff loves living in the heart of Florida with his family, his friends, and his annual pass to Walt Disney World.

Here is the book trailer for this adventurous tome:

Key To The Kingdom Trailer from Marc Percy on Vimeo.

And here is Jeff answering some questions about his book:

Key to the Kingdom: Questions Received About the Story from Marc Percy on Vimeo.

The main character in this book, Dr. Grayson Hawkes, who is a pastor, has a long history of Disney love. Here we learn some background information, as well as a peek at the magical kingdom created by Walt Disney:

Growing up in Orlando and taking more trips to the Walt Disney World Resort than he could remember gave Hawk a familiarity with Disney property that would rival any expert’s. The Key to the Kingdom tour was meeting at the City Hall on Main Street, USA. In order to get there as fast as possible, Hawk decided to park at the Contemporary Hotel and walk across to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Pulling past the security stand at the Contemporary and heading toward the parking area, Hawk took a moment and looked at the futuristic building rising up in front of him. When the Magic Kingdom resort opened, the Contemporary was one of the two hotels that were part of the grand opening celebration. The monorail track that stretch from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Main Gate passed through the Polynesian Resort Hotel and the Grand Floridian on one side of Bay Lake and through the interior of the Contemporary Resort on the other. Each time Hawk remembered the first time he rode on the monorail as a child it brought a smile to his face. It has almost taken his breath away as he looked out the window when the monorail moved from the outside of the hotel to the interior. It was a childhood memory that was burned into his young mind forever. (p. 29)

That passage transported me back to my first visit to Walt Disney World, when I was about ten years old. Riding on the monorail through the Contemporary Hotel and staying at the Polynesian Resort Hotel are two incredible childhood memories.

One thing I learned about Disney World that I found to be extremely intriguing was Pal Mickey; I had heretofore been unfamiliar with this incredible invention:

…The design of Pal Mickey began in the year 2000 as Imagineers began to flirt with ways that wireless devices could be used to enhance the guest experience in the theme parks. This technology would allow the guest to receive practical and helpful information but also allow the Imagineers to communicate some of the rich stories and details that were such an important part of the design of each unique park. Throughout the Walt Disney World Resort hundreds of hidden infrared transmitters emit information to the toy. The end result is a transponder network designed to keep the Pal Mickey constantly receiving and able to dispense information. The computer system that runs the emitters as well as the computing power inside the doll itself is one that builds and stacks the information so it becomes a genuine interactive experience. (p. 69)

Unfortunately, this technology is no longer active inside the Resort, although Pal Mickey does figure prominently in this book.

Fortunately, Dr. Hawkes shares his faith in the midst of his great adventure. Here is a conversation between him and tour guide Kiran:

“I believe I have been called to follow Jesus. So I live my life based on trying my best to be a God follower. If I am serious about doing that, I have to trust the things that happen fit into God’s plan.”

“And that leaves no room for luck?”

“I guess not. Whatever happens good or bad, I remind myself God is in charge, and because He is in charge, I don’t spend a lot of time asking why. Instead I focus on what I should do or how I should react.” (p. 180)

This book makes me want to book a trip back to Walt Disney World TODAY! The last time I was down there was in January, 2009, when my husband Fred and I participated in the Walt Disney World Marathon (we passed through Epcot, the Animal Kingdom, the Magic Kingdom, and the Disney-MGM Studios). Unfortunately, after crossing the finish line, I had an extreme case of blisters on my heels (picture the skin of a shar pei pup; that’s what my heels looked like!), so wasn’t able to enjoy the Magic Kingdom after we completed the marathon. I greatly look forward to my next visit there!

'The Key to the Kingdom' is a natural for Disney fans! Mr. Dixon takes us behind the scenes, including a peek at the Utilidors, the nine acre network of tunnels underneath Disney World, where Disney characters can travel to their destinations, unseen by the general public, thereby keeping the magical mystique intact. I had heard about this secret aspect of Disney World, but had never ‘seen’ it the way I did in ‘The Key to the Kingdom.’

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Deep River Books and provided by Bring It On! Communications for review purposes. 

If you're a fan of Disney, you're going to love this book!

REVIEW DONE BY JAN

The Key to the Kingdom

by Jeff Dixon
ISBN-10: 1935265245 
ISBN-13: 978-1935265245  
Publisher: Deep River Books 

(December 1, 2010) 
List Price: $15.99

If you’re a fan of Disney, you’re going to love this book!

The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon, is about pastor Grayson Hawkes whose old friend, an Imagineer at Disney World, gives him an antique key before he mysteriously disappears.

A suspenseful adventure ensues as “Hawk” tries to figure out what he must do. A trail of clues and characters lead him on a dangerous race through the streets of Disney World, where the people and things he encounters are not always what they seem to be.  The adventure is complicated by the appearance of a mysterious woman. “Hawk” finds his faith tested.  Will he find his missing friend? 

The author mixes fiction with facts about Disney World to the point that it almost makes you start questioning what you thought you knew about the Magic Kingdom. The Key to the Kingdom is an interesting, fast read… and it will make you want to go to Disney World to check out some of these ‘clues’ for yourself. 

Being a Disney fan, I loved the book. Even if you’re not that into Disney, I recommend this book. It’s an action-filled treasure hunt that will keep you guessing until the very end! I’d love to read more from this author, and based on the last chapter I think there’s a good possibility of a sequel.

Video 
Key To The Kingdom Trailer from Marc Percy on Vimeo.
To read more reviews like this one, go to Tell Us The Truth Reviews!

You can order The Key to the Kingdom at Amazon or Deep River Books.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bring It On Communications to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. A positive review was not guaranteed, and no monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

 

 

The Key to the Kingdom - Book Review!

Review done by Edna

 ISBN: 9781935265245

Paperback, 269 pages

Deep River Books

 Jeff Dixon

Key To The Kingdom Trailer from Marc Percy on Vimeo.

MY REVIEW:

If you are like millions of people and love anything Disney then you will really enjoy this suspense book by Rev. Jeff Dixon.  Hawk is a pastor and have a very good friend that is an Imagineer at Disney World " Farren Rales".  When Farren wants Hawk to meet him in a locked gate way back in the woods Hawk could not imagine why.  When they meet Farren gave him a gift after walking through an enchanting little house that looks just like the home of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves"  he then gives Hawk a gift which is wrapped very carefully in different layers of cloth.  When he got to the gift it was a golden key and Farren told him now he was the keeper of the Key to the Kingdom, what did he mean?  After Hawk looked at it and then turned around Farren was gone. 

While he tries to find out what this key is for he starts at Disney World as he has a pass to go when ever he wants.  

This is really a great read and it kept me on my toes each page I turned.  Thanks to the Author for a signed copy of this book and to Bring It On Communications for sending to me free.  It was my choice to review it.

The Key to the Kingdom - Book Review!

review done by Hayley

The Key To The Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

About The Book:

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.

My Thoughts:

I've never really been into mystery books, unless it is written just right. And this story is. From the get-go, you are immersed into the story and you become a part of it. You do not have to be a Disney fan to enjoy this book, though if you are, then it is a bonus. It is a fast easy read, and very enjoyable.

About The Author:

Jeff Dixon is a Senior Equipping Minister in Central Florida and a proud season pass holder to Disney World.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bring It On Communications. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Key to the Kingdom Book - review (And a giveaway)

The Key to the Kingdom Book - review (And a giveaway)

"Every locked door holds something behind it . . ."

http://www.keytothekingdombook.com/

About the Author: (From the website)

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.

About the Book: (From the website)

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. 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. 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 only be opened by an ancient key. His world becomes even more complicated when he is captivated by mysterious woman, causing him to make a series of choices that takes his faith to the brink. 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!

My review:

We are avid Disney fans, who visit often, I enjoyed following the search in the book, knowing exactly where they were in the parks (this really made me want to go back!)  As I tried to unravel the clues and solve the mystery! Other than the fact that the main character  is a pastor, there is little spiritual content. The story is suitable for most ages and contains no graphic violence or offensive language.  I love that Disney trivia was woven throughout the book, even as a seasoned Disney veteran, I learned a few cool tidbits.

You do not have to be a Disney fan to enjoy A Key to the Kingdom book, if you are a fan of mysteries this is a great book for you. You will follow "Hawk"  as he tries not to be found by people chasing him,  meets a mysterious woman, find out who is a friend or foe…and must solve a puzzle at the same time! You will get sucked in, and won't want to put it down. 

Buy it:

You can pick the book up at amazon for $10.87

 

Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

The Key to the Kingdom is a fantastic journey of mystery, intrigue and innuendos that is sure to capture the heart of everyone who peruses its pages.  Once the book is picked up and begun, you will feel the need to complete it.  The allure is hard to resist and it's fast-paced, extremely informative, imaginative and believable tale is sure to become a favourite with all who are captured within its pages.

Grayson Hawkes is a minister whose approach to preaching is contemporary as he uses artistic mediums to relate the tale of the bible to his parishioners, making him a favourite and his church quite popular.  A friend, and trusted confidante invites Grayson to meet him at the historic Snow White Cottage owned by James Gamble for a late-night tryst.  It is here that the mysteries of Walt Disney World begin to unfold.  Handing Grayson a key and the first piece in a perplexing puzzle of clues, the course is set and we are on our way, racing through the streets, concessions and attractions that make up Walt Disney World to unravel the mystery that has been placed before us.  You are left breathless as you are lead from one clue to another, wondering who you can trust and who is your enemy.  Gathering a group of folks you believe to be those who have your best interests at heart, you step into the web of intrigue and are lead one step closer, through interesting tidbits of Walt Disney history, to the mystery, that is, the key to the kingdom.

When I was first approached to review this book, I almost shied away, I am not a huge fan of the Walt Disney corporation as it stands today.  I grew up with Walt in my living room in the early 70's, not even realizing, at the time, that he was already gone from us.  To me, he was like a grandfather, who kind and wise words made me feel good about myself.  I decided to read it anyhow and I am really pleased that I did!  I rarely give a 5 out of 5 rating but The Key to the Kingdom deserves such and I highly recommend to anyone who is a Disney buff (I knew more about Walt Disney than I thought I did, and still, I enjoyed reading it), those who love a good, fast-paced mystery or those who like to solve riddles ( I must admit, this was a real high point for me, it brought out my natural sense of puzzle solving and on numerous occasions, I found myself yelling out my answers to Grayson as the book progressed, LOL).

The only thing I regret about this opportunity, is that I didn't opt in for the interview with the author, Jeff Dixon, I would have liked to have picked his brain a little more.  I was impressed with his bio which states he researches ancient manuscripts (what I would give to be able to do something such as this) and examines them for content, meaning, understanding and then, using illustrations, he describes his research to listeners at the Covenant Community Church in Central Florida.  I hope to be able to read more from Jeff, either with a sequel to The Key to the Kingdom (there may have been a hint at the end of the book alluding to this) or via any other literary projects.  This is truly a wonderful book, sure to be enjoyed by folks of all ages!!

FIRST WILD CARD TOUR - book review

The Key to the Kingdom - by Jeff Dixon

MY REVIEW:

My family LOVES Disney.  If you check out my cruising link at the top of my blog, you'll see that we cruise with Mickey practically every year.  Before we discovered cruising with the Mouse, we visited his vacation hot spot in Orlando.  If it says Disney - I usually wear it, watch it, read it or at the very least...want it.

So you can imagine how thrilled I was to get the chance to review this book.  I wanted to like it, I wanted to love it, but alas, I was not as taken with it as I had hoped I would be.

The story line had such possibilities, the framework is all there, but there was just some things just not quite right about it.

The characters for one.  The main character in the book on this quest to keep Walt Disney's dream alive is a pastor.  Now that in itself isn't a problem, except for that throughout the whole book, this same pastor is constantly breaking the law, willfully I might add, and then drags his staff into it.  That just didn't fit for me.  I think had the main character had a different profession or been a teenager, I could have dealt with the utter fantastical (and quite unbelievable) quest.

As I said before I am a big Disney fan, not in a trivia sense necessarily, just more about the whole feeling the parks, resorts, cruises and characters give you.  I enjoy learning about the attractions, shows and rides, and the details that went into creating them, that being said, this book read more like a travel guide than it did like a story.  If I wanted a Disney Travel/Trivia book this would be right up there on the list, however I was looking for a story and I felt a little let down.  Maybe because I have read the Kingdom Keeper books, and found the concept similar, or maybe just because I couldn't get past the whole Preacher turned law breaker thing.

I do have to say though, I have a bit more Disney trivia now to bandy about on our next cruise should I need some good table conversation...

FIRST WILD CARD TOUR- book review


The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon


My take:  There are a couple of things I need to set as background.  First, I'm the type of person who generally picks up a fiction book and doesn't put it down until I have finished it.  Second, while I enjoy Disney, particularly "classic" Disney, I'm not a rabid Disney fan.

This Disney-based mystery intrigued me though, and I was looking forward to reading it.  However, it was a long way into the book before I hit that "can't put it down" point.

If you can suspend your disbelief, this book is a lot of fun.  He roams Walt Disney World, going in and out of a bazillion attractions.  I did visit Disney (World more than Land) reasonably frequently from around 1975-1985, so there was a lot that was familiar to me.  The realism of the portions of the park with which I am familiar did make the whole setting of the story seem believable. 

Hawk, the main character, is a pastor.  At no point in the novel does the tone get preachy or in-your-face.  But at least some aspects of Christianity are woven in.

If you are a Disney fan (rabid or not!) I think you would really enjoy this book.  The Disney history is fabulous, and the fantasy aspect is fun. 

The Key to the Kingdom - A FANTASTIC First Wild Card Blog Tour Book -

I cannot say enough about this book! I absolutely loved it.  John Allen is reading it right now and loves it as well. Unfortunately I am going to write another post to describe how much we like it because my wife rushed my middle son to the hospital with breathing problems. He seems to be OK, but I didn't have time to process and put down all of my thoughts this evening. I wanted to get this posted, however, since the review is due today. But, suffice it to say for now...WE LOVED IT!

FIRST WILD CARD TOUR - book review

The Key to the Kingdom - by Jeff Dixon

MY REVIEW:

The Key to the Kingdom is a uniquely different story that takes place primarily within the  confines of Disney World. The author uses his intimate knowledge of the park and its history to concoct a page-turning mystery filled with fun facts, many in the form of clues leading Grayson Hawkes on a quest to solve the puzzle left by his missing friend. As his time grows short, Hawkes finds it more and more difficult to separate friends from foes.

I found The Key to the Kingdom to be an entertaining and interesting read and even began to interpret some of the clues before the book ended. The story is suitable for most ages and contains no graphic violence or objectionable language.  Other than the fact that the primary character is a pastor with the expected morals, there is little spiritual content. If you are looking for a bit of a change in your usual reading fare, this might be the book for you.

FIRST WILD CARD TOUR - book review


The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

My Review:
"That is the power of a good story. It can encourage, it can make you laugh, it can bring joy. It will make you think, it will tap into your hidden emotions, and it can make you cry. The power of a story can also bring about healing, give you peace, and change your life!" I was hooked on this story from page one, but that quote absolutely had me hook-line-sinker to the very end! That quote not only described lots of books that I have read lately, but it described the work of Jeff Dixon to a T. His work is mesmerizing!



Pastor Hawk's story was mysterious as he was entrusted with "the key to the kingdom" and had to unravel the pieces to a puzzling secret. Following along side Hawk as the story unfolds in Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom, was an exciting feeling. A vacation without ever leaving my home. It was adventurous, suspenseful, humorous and just an all around AWESOME story of clues, action and a love from God like no other!

I highly, no doubt about it, recommend this to EVERYONE. Worthy of 5 stars, you'll settle in for a magical, mysterious journey written by an absolutely FANTASTIC author. I am hoping, with fingers crossed, that Jeff Dixon continues the Magical journey of writing more captivating novels like this one!

FIRST WILD CARD TOUR - book review


The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

My Review

The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon is a fun mystery that will take you deep into the world of Walt Disney!

My Dad and his family are from Marceline, MO, which was the home of Walt Disney for part of his childhood. That is their big claim to fame in that tiny little town. So, I grew up knowing a whole lot about Walt Disney. Plus, back when I was growing up, we watched the weekly Walt Disney show. I think we probably knew a lot more about him than young people today might. When you say Walt Disney today, most young people probably only think of the theme parks and not the individual.

This book is an extremely creative mystery that involves a pastor named Grayson Hawkes, who is a huge fan of Walt Disney. He knows everything there is to know about Disney trivia. A friend of his happens to work for Disney, and calls him one night to a secret meeting. During this meeting, he gives him a clue and sends him a wild adventure. He isn't even sure what he's looking for, or why, but he knows it must be important. And, the further along he gets in his search, the more sure he becomes that he is onto something.

I would definitely recommend this fun mystery adventure! It's a light and fun read, but it also will keep you on your toes. It's fun to follow along with the clues and see if you can figure things out, especially if you are a Disney fan! He ends up going on some wild and dangerous clue hunts, and he's not sure who he can trust anymore! The author does a great job of blending in some great messages along the way! If you're a Disney fan, I know you'll love this one, or if you just love a good mystery!  
  
This book was provided for review by Bring It On! Communications and Deep River Books. 

Blessings,

FIRST WILD CARD TOUR - review

My review of The Key to the Kingdom:

I haven’t been to Disney World since I was a little girl, so I am not terribly familiar with all the rides and attractions that are there now, so I knew I was going to be entertained and interested by the Disney trivia in this book.  I’m not even a big Disney fan, but it is a place I would love to visit again, especially after reading The Key to the Kingdom.  I had such a good time reading this book, so much better than I had expected.  Not only is the story interesting, but all the trivia and the entire mystery of the book kept my attention and made this a fast read.  It didn’t take any time at all for me to get into this story.  Jeff Dixon really did an excellent job with the pace of the story and with adding interesting elements at just the right times.

You don’t have to be a Disney fan to enjoy The Key to the Kingdom, but it does help to have a good imagination and to love a good mystery.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.  It is a good nerd book, and I mean that in a most flattering way because I am a nerd and I appreciate books like this and this kind of writing.

FIRST WILD CARD TOUR - BOOK REVIEW

The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

MY THOUGHTS: 

Mysterious, mesmerizing, and magical! That would pretty much sum up this masterpiece by Jeff Dixon. With a fictional story that unfolds in Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom, you don't have to be a Disney fan to enjoy this one, but if you are, you are bound to love this book even more! Five stars twice! Can't recommend this one enough! I am really hoping that Jeff Dixon will continue unlocking the key to our hearts in the future with more of his creative talent.

The Key to the Kingdom: Unlocking Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom: A First Wildcard Book Review

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida holds a special place in my heart.  After all, it was in Epcot in Walt Disney World that my husband proposed over twenty years ago.  At that time, I had no idea we'd later move to Jacksonville, Florida, that I'd eventually work for the Disney Store (at the time, owned by the Walt Disney Company), or that we'd enjoy seasonal passes to the happiest place on earth for years, even before we had kids.

When I was given the opportunity to review a book that claimed to intertwine the magic of Walt Disney World with mystery and adventure, I was sure it would be an interesting read.  Unfortunately, the book arrived not long before the scheduled post-date, and at a time when I was swamped with other responsibilities, so... I passed the book on to my dear husband who is always looking for a good read to make his daily Metro commute a bit less monotonous.  He read the book in no time and agreed to write a review.  So, without further delay, here is my dear husband's take on Jeff Dixon's The Key to the Kingdom:  Unlocking Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom [Deep River Books (December 1, 2010)]:

If you have ever been to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida you understand how easy it is to get caught up in the magic of the Disney parks. In Key to the Kingdom, the main character gets caught up in a quest to solve the mystery of his missing friend, a Disney Imagineer, using only an old skeleton key and his extensive knowledge of Disney’s world.

The key leads to clues that involve actual locations in the four Disney Orlando theme parks.  Park goers will recognize the locations to which the key’s clues lead.  In fact, you could take the book to the parks on your next visit and retrace the path of the clues from start to finish. Minus, of course, the clues that lead, in the story, to the main character visiting employee only areas and certain parks after they have closed.

The book is written in third person. As a result, you are privy to information that the main character does not know.  At times this leads to a feeling that the story is pulling you along from one clue to the next before you have time to figure out the clue’s answer. I would have preferred the story to have been told from the first person perspective of the main character. I think that would have given the reader more opportunity to perhaps solve each clue, using their Disney knowledge, before the main character figured out each puzzle.

If you are a Disney fan, you will enjoy the attention to Disney trivia throughout the book. Even the most knowledgeable Disney fan will learn one or two new things. And the answer to the mystery puts the main character in a situation that any Disney fan would sell their entire Disney collection to experience. So grab the Key to the Kingdom and head off on a Disney trivia filled mystery.

And I know just who to send this book onto next.  Watch your mailbox my dear Disney-sister - you know who you are - this one's for you! :)

I  received a complimentary copy of this book  for the purpose of reviewing it.  I received no other compensation for this review.  The opinions expressed in this review are my honest opinions.  Your experience may vary.

Special thanks to Arielle Roper of Bring It On! Communications for sending me a review copy

  

FIRST WILD CARD TOUR REVIEW


The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

My personal thoughts: I feel like I just received this book and have not had a chance to finish it yet, but what I have read so far has been awesome! The characters and the storyline are very interesting and intriguing. I feel like I never know what to expect with each turn of the page and I love that in a book! I am really enjoying it and look forward to finishing it to see what happens (although I almost hate for it to be over)!

FIRST WILD CARD BOOK TOUR REVIEW


The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

Do you love Disneyland? Or how about Disney World? I was sooo blessed that my Dad lived in both California and then later moved to Florida so I was able to visit both Parks quite a few times! So being able to review this book was clearly a no brainer for me!! I love mysteries and add in Disney and I was curious!!! 

This is a book that will not disappoint! Jeff Dixon has done his research and The Keys to the Kingdom is a book that I love and will share with others as well as my kids!!! 
Get this one for sure!

Key To The Kingdom - Review

Another FIRST Wild Card Tour book review!

My take on this book:
Dr. Grayson Hawke is a pastor, but he also loves all things Disney. It was the love of Disney that initially drew him to his friend Farren Rales who is an imagineer hired by Walt Disney himself. When he gets an invitation to a mysterious meeting from Farren, it turns out to be more than he ever expected. At this meeting he is given the key to the kingdom, and told to use it, then Farren disappears. As the mystery unfolds the reader is along for the wild adventure through the park. Can Hawk figure out what happened to his missing friend, and where will the clues lead him?

A fantastic fast paced story that pulls the reader in immediately. Anyone who has ever been a visitor to the park will feel like they're right in the story.Fans of Disney will love this story because of all of the factual Disney trivia woven into the story, but anyone who likes a fast paced thrill ride should give it a look as well. I certainly hope this isn't the last we see of Hawk!