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Our Shared Human Condition
Keyholes follows two brothers who have a strained relationship grappling with an ethical dilemma when they stumble upon a portal to another world. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I have a deep love of both science and our shared human condition. As a hard science fiction work, I wanted to build a story that used the many worlds theory as a grounding back drop. I want any of my works to show something about our thinking, and mistakes. How we approach situations that are novel and stressful can demonstrate much of a person or people. I hope the book checks both these boxes.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Allen and Brice?
First, I gave them different world views. Brice’s military background, and Allen’s academic. I have had more foot in both these words. I used that to help guide the process of writing their perspectives and then interactions.
Do you have a favorite scene in this story? One that was particularly enjoyable to write?
One that I found exciting to write was one where the characters are attacked by a pack of creatures they knew were about. Its a fast-paced scene with a lot going on it is one I had some of the best feedback on from beta readers. Needless to say, it was tinkered with a good bit.
Can you give readers a glimpse inside the second book in the Keyholes trilogy? Where does it take readers?
The next book will be out around the end of this year. It will pick up right after the events of Keyholes. Since much of the technological parts of the world are already explained. The second book focuses more on action, characters, and other world building. It will cover a lot of ground and readers will get to see much more of what can be out there.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazo
Unlock the Mysteries of the Universe in the Keyholes Trilogy!
In the first installment of The Keyholes Trilogy, Dr. Allen Messman and his brother, COL. Brice Messman, are thrust into an extraordinary discovery—a mysterious portal that challenges everything they know about reality and the universe. With a team of military and scientific experts by their side, they embark on a race against time to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic gateway.
Is it a doorway to the past, an entrance to another universe, or something beyond comprehension? As they push the boundaries of science and existence, the Messman brothers face obstacles that could unravel the very fabric of space and time. What they uncover may not only reshape their understanding of the universe but alter its course forever.
Hard science fiction fans, prepare for a mind-expanding journey that will keep you questioning the nature of reality long after you turn the last page.
Book One of The Keyholes Trilogy—a gripping adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat, craving the next installment.
Keyholes
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
LITERARY TITAN 