Keys to the Kingdom series, Garth Nix

[Misty]

Just wondering who else has read these. If not, the Keys to the Kingdom series, starting with Mister Monday, is about a young boy, Arthur Penhaligon, who finds himself sucked into a mysterious other world moments before death. The other world is inextricably linked with ours (and others), and is supposed to act as a sort of regulator of all the worlds created by the Architect. When the Architect left, her Will was torn in seven pieces, and seven different guardians set up to protect their respective pieces and rule their levels of the kingdom. But as time passes, they become more controlling and power-hungry, and Arthur is sucked into their world to stop them and reunite the Will, becoming the Rightful Heir (no, I am not going capitalization crazy, they are titles in the book).
The books (seven when all is said and done) mix sci-fi and action adventure, and are an interesting hodge-podge of religion, mythology, fairy tale -- you name it.
Curious to know what anyone who has read these thinks of them.

[Robert]

I'm waiting impatiently for the publication of the final book, having read all the others. I found them variable in quality, but over-all interesting and fun.
None of Nix' other books seem to be up to the standard of the Old Kingdom books, but this series is better than The Tower series in my view.

[Misty]

These are the only books I've read by him so far, but they are enough to intrigue me for more of his writing. I feel they tend to have jumbled starts, but they're so interesting when they get going. I have the release for the last in my phone, but I think I need to do some rereading first...

[Luann]

I'm anxiously awaiting Lord Sunday as well! My favorite so far in the series is Mister Monday, but I've enjoyed them all.

I've only read the first book in the Tower series, and thought it was just okay. Maybe one of these days I'll go back and read the rest.

I'm currently reading (actually listening to) Lirael, and enjoying it a lot.

[Robert]

The Tower series carries on at the "OK" level as far as I've got, which is the first four. Number five is in the giant to-read pile. The last one still hasn't had it's UK release.

[Taejas]

I read the first and second, but I want to reread them to read the series at one go -- it's been a while, and I don't remember the second when very well at all.

[Nichola]

Ohh ive just added this to my "to read" list :)

[Lydia]

In this second book of The Keys to the Kingdom series, Arthur is called back to obtain the Second Key. Grim Tuesday gathers indentured servants to work his mining pit of Nothing.

Nix has a more interesting concept of "Nothing" in this series. The basic premise is that everything created is created out of "Nothing". Yet, there seems to be a way to actually mine nothing. Does this relate back to a basic concept of Christianity? The existence of the various realms were indeed created by the "Architect". Is this the God or Creator as believed by numerous religions? And are the foes named for the days of the week, which are seven -- think Genesis -- the obstacles/evils who seek the end of creation? Who want the world to return to nothingness?

This series has some very fascinating facets that provoke thought and discussion.

[Lydia]

In this 3rd book of the series, Arthur has a marine experience, unlike any other. He and his friend Leaf are taken from the hospital on Earth into an area that is part House and part Second Realm. Only this time, the Trustee of the third key has a very different proposal for him.

As I have been reading this series, several analogies have popped up for me. With the concept of the 7 days is the concept from Christianity of the seven days of creation. Moreover, there is the notion of the Architect and the idea that all things are made from nothing. Within this series you can also find the idea of angels and fallen angels (Denizens who are immortal unless killed by very specific means); Arthur and Suzy could be equated with Adam and Eve; the concept of Noon, Dusk and Dawn as prophets. Did Nix intend this analogy? Furthermore, there are other mythological analogies such as the Architect being female; the Holy Grail, etc.

Does anyone else find this series to have elements of Christianity and mythology?

[Robert]

Each of the keyholders represents a Deadly Sin, I think.

[Lydia]

Oh, that's a new thought. I was thinking in terms of the days to creation.But you may be on to something, e.g., Wednesday being the symbol of gluttony.

[Robert]

That doesn't mean you're wrong.

[Lydia]

This may be true. I find quite a few analogies in these books that correspond with religious and mythological beliefs. Does anyone else?

[Robert]

For sure!

[Lydia]

In the continuing series of The Keys to the Kingdom by Nix, Arthur has a completely different experience, where his family is not only again in mortal danger, but also the girl he met in the first book, Leaf. Commanded into the army for 100 years, Arthur is forced to serve under a different name. Meanwhile Leaf is attempting to thwart a danger from an initially unknown force, back on earth, that has not only Arthur's family but also her own family in a grip that reeks of sorcery. Don't forget the everpresent Suzy. And is there something about Dame Primus?

The excellent writing of Nix continues. One thing I notice is that not every conflict leads to action. That is, there are some potential problems/conflicts that never come to fruition. This technique really contributes to the anticipation of the reader. I find this writing technique particularly attractive for YA readers of fantasy. Most often writers are told to not introduce a conflict without letting it lead somewhere (similar to the idea in mystery where if you see a gun, it best be used somewhere in the story).

Thursday seems to be the "god" of war. The army analogy is there; the concept of learning something until the behavior becomes automatic (reminding me of my Marine Corps trained spouse). Therein, lies the inner conflict for every soldier -- should I just obey orders or should I think and determine if I believe the orders are right/wrong and act out of my own sense of morality. Both issues are addressed in this book.

For me, we now have the concept of morality and values, and this plays into my concept of this novel being an analogy to religion.

[Lydia]

Arthur Penhaligon continues his journey to save the Realms. In the fifth book of the series, he must deal with Lady Friday, who is using the people of the Secondary Realm in danger. Leaf ends up in peril. Arthur finds his training in the army to be of use in dealing with his fear.

Nix maintains Arthur as a child. Arthur is a typical 10-year old in so many respects. He wants quick answers to his immediate problems rather that consider the possible consequences of his actions. He continues to want the love and protection of his family. He thrives and depends on his friends, often succumbing to peer pressure.He strives to find a way to resume his prior way of life, despite all of the indications that may be unattainable. But perhaps most importantly, he fails to recognize the actions of those close to him within the House.

On the back of the books, there is a list of the key issue (theme) of each book. The first is mystery, the second darkness, the third pirates, the fourth war, and the fifth as fear. I do think there is still an analogy to earth's creation [the Architect] and the concept of evolution [Arthur's progress toward becoming a Denizen]. But there are other facets that seem to be historical, e.g., Hordes, Legionaries, pirates, etc. I don't see a connection to the seven sins, but maybe there is one.

[Lydia]

Here I am, almost at the end of the series -- and I want to finish it now. In this 6th book, Arthur hears from his older brother that the hospital where his mother works is going to be hit by nuclear weapons. Leaf is also still stuck in the area. The time for the attack is set at 12:01, but the evil force who has been in the background for every book has instructions to act at 1 second past midnight -- a fact Arthur does not know. In fact, Arthur does not even register the fact that the attack has been ordered by a sworn nemesis. Arthur has more pressing issues as the House is being devastated. And, he seems to be losing more of his mortal self.

As I read these, perhaps there is an analogy to the seven deadly sins: wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony. It is easy to see Wednesday as gluttony. The fourth as wrath. The second as greed. The sixth as envy. I do have to re-think the others. But, these still relate to the basic principles of Christianity.

[Lydia]

Here we are at the final volume in the series. I don't want to present any spoilers so essentially I can't talk much about the book. If you read the series, you will find the ending satisfying and extremely interesting.

I do believe there is the completion of the analogy on Christianity. I can't help but think of Noah and the Arc; the completion to a certain degree of Adam and Eve, with a distinct twist; as well as the concept of the seven sins.

I'm finished reading and would recommend this series to almost any age YA reader.