Keyholes, by Tony Travis, follows brothers Allen and Brice Messman as they stumble upon a potential breakthrough in physics, a portal to another world, or possibly another time, created accidentally in Allen’s lab. Their relationship, strained by past familial tensions, becomes the backdrop to an intense exploration of the unknown, as they grapple with the ethical and scientific implications of their discovery. It’s a story about curiosity, risk, and the heavy weight of decisions that could change the world.

One of the many things I enjoyed about Keyholes was the interplay between Allen and Brice. Their banter felt realistic, especially when their different worldviews clashed. Allen’s more cautious, scientific approach contrasts with Brice’s military background and action-oriented mindset. This dynamic is particularly evident in scenes like when Brice suggests taking immediate action to test the portal’s possibilities, while Allen insists on carefully considering the potential dangers first. The tension between them gave the narrative an emotional depth that kept me invested.

I feel the pacing felt a bit uneven at times. Some chapters start with gripping tension, but others contain lengthy technical descriptions of the lab equipment and experiments. While these details ground the story in realism, they occasionally slowed the plot, and I found myself skimming through them to get back to the meat of the story—the interactions between the brothers and the mystery of the portal.

The most exciting aspect of Keyholes was the moral quandary presented by the portal. The stakes feel personal and global all at once, and the narrative doesn’t shy away from showing the complexity of their decision. Watching them debate the implications of their actions added a layer of philosophical tension that I really appreciated.

Keyholes is a thought-provoking read that would appeal to fans of slow-burn science fiction, especially those who enjoy stories rooted in ethical dilemmas and personal relationships. If you’re the kind of reader who enjoys a mix of scientific exploration, sibling rivalry, and just a touch of danger, Keyholes is a must-read.

Pages: 342 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CQYR8VT9