This book will be released on April 10, 2018. I got my hands on an advanced reader's copy, it is uncorrected proof. There will undoubtedly be some changes to it before it is published on April 10, 2018.
I also tend to enjoy books with political and historical intrigue in alternate timelines/history with mythical or supernatural elements.
I mean, if you're a follower of this blog/me/whatever, you may have figured out I pretty much love a lot of different genres. Except for horror...they know what they did.
Anyways, here's an amazon summary, "Isle of Blood and Stone, the first in a duology, is a sweeping historical fantasy full of intrigue and schemes, romance and friendship, and fearless explorers searching for the truth.
Ulises asked, "How can I look at these maps, see this riddle, and do nothing? They are my brothers."
Elias reached across the table and flicked aside two shells with a fingertip. The map curled into itself. "It's bound to be a goose chase. You know that?"
"Or a treasure hunt," Ulises countered, "and you've always been good at those."
Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of del Mar's oldest friend. Soon he will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, an expedition past the Strait of Cain and into uncharted waters. Nothing stands in his way...until a long-ago tragedy creeps back into the light, threatening all he holds dear.
The people of St. John del Mar have never recovered from the loss of their boy princes, kidnapped eighteen years ago, both presumed dead. But when two maps surface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear to be drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias's father, who vanished on that same fateful day? With the king's beautiful cousin by his side-whether he wants her there or not-Elias will race to solve the riddle of the princes. He will have to use his wits and guard his back. Because some truths are better left buried...and an unknown enemy stalks his every turn." AMAZON LINK OF JUSTICE
Elias returns to del Mar from a long voyage and is immediately told to see the King. He cannot stop to bathe, change, anything; just go see the King. He is greeted at the docks by Mercedes, the King's cousin whom he has known for most of his life.
Now Elias is a mapmaker, a cartographer, and he has a deep love for adventure. Something doesn't feel quite right about this summons.
He meets with the King, the royal mapmaker, an apprentice, and Mercedes. They have discovered a map. A map of del Mar they think was created by Elias father. Elias' father has disappeared over 18 years ago, alongside the two brothers to the king, the first two in line for the throne on which the king now sits. There is not one map, but two maps. They look to created within the past 18 years, they are not quite identical, but they are in the definite style of Lord Antoni (Elias' father). Is Elias' father still alive? Are the other two brothers still alive? ...and do they want to find out, or is it best to leave it in the past?
That's enough summary. I know I said a lot of what the amazon summary said, but, but but but, this is another intricate book that a fact revealed too soon, may ruin the mystery for a future reader.
That being said.
I cherished this book. I loved going along for the adventure with Elias, I loved how authentic the relationships felt between the characters, and I loved, no, absolutely adored the hints of magic of the world rather than it being the focus of the story. I loved how the seas were filled with serpents, but again, it's not the focus. The heart of the story is around Elias and Ulises, and the mystery surrounding their families.
I only wish we could have seen a little more of Mercedes, to really understand her background better, but I can also appreciate why we weren't given that, which kind of makes me love the book more.
The explanation of society, the roles, the dynamics that fell into place, and even the smallest little characterizations about the culture painted (har har) such a beautiful picture of the whole world.
It was glorious.
Happy reading!
No comments:
Post a Comment