The Treasure of Isian by Serena Clarke

The Treasure of Isian

Author: Serena Clarke

Published: September 2012

ISBN13: 9781477540107

Paperback: 216 pages

FTC FYI: Received a Kindle copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do anything for him, even die for him.

Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by angry giants, soul-stealing elves, bewitched dragons, a vengeful water-witch, battling foes, and a mysterious kingdom.

Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Garin must decide what the most important things are in his life.

Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom? And will Elani find true love?

Become lost in the adventure, love, loyalty, and mystery of The Treasure of Isian!

My Review

The Treasure of Isian is great story with intriguing characters.  At times I thought the pacing was off, but I was still enjoying the story.  Elani is a fabulous character with lots of heart and she had many adventures.  Garin too was enjoyable and I really liked the turnaround he made from the beginning of the story.  He at first was a spoiled prince who didn't care much for anything or anyone but himself.  I also enjoyed how Garin started seeing Elani through different eyes.  Serena did a great job with the supporting characters too.  Ander and Jared were great surprises.

4 out of 5 stars.  Book 2, The Alliance of Isian, is also out and I plan on reading it soon.

Author Links 

Goodreads / Website

Purchase Links

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Midnight Runner by Marilee Jackson -- Blog Tour

Midnight Runner

Author: Marilee Jackson

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: February 10th

ISBN13: 9781462116157

Paperback: 272 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Summary

“Run.” The soft whisper in her ear cut through the pitch-black hiding place. After the nightmare she had just endured, he was the only person she could still trust.

She waited. The silence surrounded her like a heavy blanket.

“Run!” he shouted, and they took off in opposite directions.

Orphaned, mistreated, and misunderstood, Moira has always dreamed of building a new life in the royal city. But when she finally arrives, her ambition gets the better of her. And little orphan Moira becomes a person she never imagined.

Isobail has never been ambitious. She wants nothing more than the simple life she’s always enjoyed. But when she’s recruited to work in the royal city, she finds her dreams changing.

This medieval tale of secrets, mistaken identities, romance, and long-sought redemption is sure to captivate readers. With a compelling story and characters that will keep you guessing, this book will change how you feel about villains and heroines, loss and love.

My Review

Wow!  I love being surprised by books, and this book had something new at every turn.  I didn't connect with Moira very much, every move she made worried me.  But, that was her life.  She was mistreated her whole life and hadn't learned how to trust anyone.  Her choice is always to run away.  Don't get me wrong, I felt sorry for her with all she had to endure, but she wasn't necessary likable.  But, that is what I liked most about this book.  Even though Moira's choices weren't the best, I still cared about her and those she meets along the way, especially Brian.  What a great guy.  I LOVED how time passed in this book, and I especially loved Isobail.  I would have loved a whole book on her.  The book has twists on every page that were very unexpected, but very cool!

4 out of 5 stars.  The ending is perfect for this story, loved it!

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble