Isabelle Webb: The Grecian Princess by N.C. Allen

Isabelle Webb #3

by N.C. Allen

The sun burns brightly over the ancient isle of Greece as former Pinkerton spy Isabelle Webb returns for her most rousing adventure yet. Legend has it that the location of a fantastic treasure is revealed only when three mystical jewels are united. In an effort to locate the elusive trove and the power it promises, shadowy organizations and greedy men have tirelessly pursued the three hidden stones for centuries. Isabelle and her trusted companions including her dashing fiance, James Ashby are in possession of one of these legendary jewels, while nefarious treasure hunter Thaddeus Sparks retains another. The third stone, the Jewel of Hades, is rumored to be concealed on the rocky shores of Greece. As good and evil converge on this fiery island, the final battle for possession of the jewels and their anciently protected secret begins. When events take a deadly turn, Isabelle must rely on her keen instincts and indomitable spirit as dastardly forces threaten to make her first Greek expedition her last.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Clean Romance, Romance, Lds Fiction, Audiobook

Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

Also published under the name Nancy Campbell Allen

Reviews

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love Nancy Campbell Allen! I enjoy her writing and books. So it kills me to say that this last book in the Isabelle Webb series was somewhat difficult for me to get through. I was highly anticipating the conclusion to the series and NC Allen definitely delivered. I just didn’t connect as well with it as I’d hoped.

What I liked: The characters of course! The reason I continued with the series in the first place is because I enjoyed Isabelle and all of the other characters as well. The setting was also fabulous. I loved that it took place in Greece with all of the ancient relics and historical locations. The mystery was interesting as they are trying to locate the last of the three jewels and figure out the legend of the princess all while trying to outsmart dastardly villains.

What was less enjoyable: At various points throughout the book, the characters were separated from each other and I missed the interactions that they all had together in previous books. There was quite a lot of action with two or three separate stories going on at the same time. However, while there was a lot happening, it was hard at first to see how everything fit together. I loved the romance in the previous two books, but felt like there wasn’t as much in this book except perhaps towards the end. Finally, without giving too much away, there were people who show up and things that happen at the conclusion that were a little too coincidental.

Despite some of issues I had, this book did wrap up the series nicely and is a must read for that satisfying conclusion. Love N.C. Allen and will definitely read more of her books!

[A.L. Sowards]

This was a fun series. It’s kind of like an Indian Jones adventure, but without Harrison Ford, and set in the 1860s. Isabelle Webb and her friends search for three mystic jewels, determined to keep them out of the wrong hands. Their quest leads them to India, Egypt, and then, in this book, to Greece.

I’d recommend starting with the first book in the series. I’d also recommend against the audio book if you’re going to be on a road trip and your children are going to be interrupting you every 30 seconds to tell you what’s happening in their cartoon. The third book has a lot of characters, so you kind of have pay attention.

I think the second book was my favorite of the three (it was also the first one I read). Anyway, if it sounds like your type of fiction, the whole series will probably be worth your time.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice ending to the series, but I didn't like this story quite as well as the first two. There seemed to be way too many coincidences and things just happening to fall into place. And the ending was almost tied up too nicely.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first two novels in this series years ago and remembered that I quite liked them, and always thought I would get around to reading the final one. I finally did! This one ties up the story of Isabelle Webb, a former Pinkerton agency spy, retired after failing to prevent the assassination of President Lincoln, who travels the world, looking for a treasure that according to an ancient legend, determines the fate of the world! Along the way, she meets several people who join as her comrades in the quest, including a young man from Utah with whom she falls in love. Isabelle and her friends intent to find the treasure, destroy it and thereby eliminate the pending catastrophe. Unfortunately there are also other groups looking for the treasure, for their own gain. Their travels have taken them to India, Egypt, and now Greece where they hope to find the final clues. Time after time, they run up against their foes and are almost defeated.
All in all, a fun read, but definitely not very historical or believable!

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been an entertaining Indian Jones-esque mystery adventure romance series. A lot happens in this third and final book. There are a lot of points of view to follow, as well as shifts from one group to another as they need to divide their efforts between the three jewels. At times I got a bit turned around (Jack and James' names were just close enough for me to get mixed up at times), but things slid into place easy enough as I kept reading. Everything gets wrapped up by the end after a lot of intense action and near death experiences. Overall, a fun series.

[Tara Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satisfying conclusion to this cute series. While not serious literature, Allen sure has an imagination and these were fun. All the little love interests were wrapped up neatly and the foes defeated after much adventure. The Greek setting was fun and the plot no more outlandish than any Clive Cussler novel.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd and final book in the series. Things are wrapped up nicely. James character continued to drive me crazy. I think Isabelle could have done better than him. I wish James could have been more like Jack. I enjoyed many of the sub characters and their development. There were some interesting twists. This series is worth the read but not one of my favorites.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly, Isabelle wasn't my fave character-but I really grew to love the other characters and their stories. I would have liked to have an epilogue with Claire and Jackson and some more of Genevieve. I'm glad I read the series.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story. One thing I wondered about was why she set James as a Mormon. He never talked about it and the only reference to his religion was critical comments or teasing about polygamy. I felt it didn’t belong in the story.

[Charity Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic conclusion to an epic adventure. This book had me on pins and needles more often than the previous two books in the series. If you like historical settings, suspense, adventure, mythology, and romance then look no further than this series.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series, and this last one was my favorite. A bit of a hasty ending, but still a great wrap-up to an enjoyable trilogy.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fitting end to the series. First third of the book was a slog but it picked up the rest of the way.

[Christy Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun reflect adventure series just after the civil war. The couple matches were almost too perfect.

[Tracy Gilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time listened to.

[Maura Roo · Rating 3 out of 5]

James Ashby is still the actual worst. Why is he the primary love interest? Isabelle is the coolest, and he is terrible. I did actually like a lot of the new characters brought into this last book, and loved the setting. There was also a lot more spy stuff in this one, so I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Finally finished this series ten years later.

[Hollie Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this last book there are a few surprises, misconceptions about Mormonism, (totally thought that it was funny). She makes sure that everyone in the book has someone and that was predicable, but still ends the book nicely, with almost every character battered, broken down, and or sick. Allen puts her character through some tough situations, all I could think was

"How is Allen going to get them out of this?"

An interesting finally. She did let her characters grow, and we do meet the sister. A shock Isabel, doesn't know how to react to her sister. Everything gets reconciled of course. Clair becomes valuable to the characters, she is not really an asset to the story over all, but to the characters she is needed. She becomes the added strength everyone needs. Seriously, they needed someone to stitch the group up, and keep them from dieing.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved books 1and 2 of this series and was so excited to get my hands on this--book 3! However, the story started so slowly that I almost quit reading. I was on about chapter 10 or 11 and kept wondering when the action was going to start. However, it did eventually start and was much better after that. I am not sure how I felt about the ending, whether I liked it or not.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay...I like the setting descriptions. Funnily enough, I just grabbed this off the shelf at the library audiobooks section. I was unaware that it was the 3rd book, but I didn't really miss too much. I kind of caught on as I was going. And, now that I've finished, I don't think I'll go back and read the first 2 books. It was good, but I've got other things to read.

[Suzana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the characters and how they worked together. I enjoy reading when good triumphs and how the adventure and choices that have been made make the characters stronger, which is also true in real life if we allow it.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Isabelle Webb series. Now the characters are in Greece to find the third stone and destroy all of them. There are some interesting twists in this book. I really liked this book and this series.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is #3 in the series.

Absolutely amazing! Love this series! The perfect blend of romance, action, history, and mystery. And it had the perfect ending!

(Read more of this review on http://lucindawhitney.com/2013/09/boo...)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a roller coaster ride! This series would make a great movie. Dangerous events separate the characters and with that a desperation to find and destroy the three jewels. In the end, wounds have to heal, romance unites couples, and finally a Grecian wedding for James and Isabelle.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final installment in the Isabellle Webb trilogy. To Greece they all go. Includes chases at night, a volcanic eruption and love amongst the characters.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

a little too much romance for me, but i do always love it when all the strings come together in a nice little bow :)

[Kari Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was some predictability in the story, but lots of suspense, history, and romance. Overall, it was a good book.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a LOT going on. It was a nice wrap-up to the series.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story progressed so slowly I almost gave up on it several times. It had a nice neat ending. The first book in the series is still my favorite.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars for this action packed novel. There were a few too many characters for me to read this casually.

[Ralynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

keep me on the edge of my chair, had me guessing, and then had me sigh and smile at the end, one amazing book, hope to read more of Isabelle Webb's adventures.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come.