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The Ancestor's Secrets
Foresight and Acceptance
Ilona is a lonely doctor discovering her rich tribal heritage and birthright to become a Healer. She discovers increasing magical abilities within her in the strange world of the Huns, which are beyond her wildest dreams. She can use her gifts for absolute good or absolute evil; the choice is up to her. Ilona’s birthright as a Healer runs alongside her desires as a woman. She’s secretly and hopelessly in love with her best friend, but he’s oblivious to her feelings. Fate brings Zoltan into her life. Will he break her heart, or bring her true happiness? Ilona hopes for a red tulip, the symbol of devoted love. Who will offer it to her? She discovers some secrets the Hun society is concealing related to fiercely enforced ancient rules. Ilona is determined to control and guide her own life. Resourceful and daring, she crosses the line and breaks sacred rules but must face the consequences. She has to fight for her life and the lives of her men as they both disappear from the face of the earth. Zoltan saves her life by jeopardizing his own, which prompts Ilona to look for pieces of the ancient puzzle that will not only change her future but the future existence of the Huns, as well.
- GenresParanormal
596 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Erika M. Szabo
73 books59 followersWebsite:
https://www.authorerikamszabo.com
“The writing bug bit me on a rainy afternoon when I couldn’t find any new book to read. My daughter had enough of my moping around and snapped at me, “Mom, stop whining! If you haven’t a book to read, then write one.” Her challenge shocked me, but I started playing with the idea and I’ve been writing stories, that I like to read, ever since.”
Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introduces her story writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative, educational, and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way.
“I followed my dream to become a writer. As an artist, I paint pretty pictures with my brushes, and as a writer, I paint vivid pictures with my words.”
https://www.authorerikamszabo.com
“The writing bug bit me on a rainy afternoon when I couldn’t find any new book to read. My daughter had enough of my moping around and snapped at me, “Mom, stop whining! If you haven’t a book to read, then write one.” Her challenge shocked me, but I started playing with the idea and I’ve been writing stories, that I like to read, ever since.”
Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introduces her story writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative, educational, and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way.
“I followed my dream to become a writer. As an artist, I paint pretty pictures with my brushes, and as a writer, I paint vivid pictures with my words.”
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 20, 2012
In the commencement of this book you are thrown into the unique world of this character and what an intricate mind boggling world it is. Once again Ilona is caught between trying to become the person she is meant to be without the much needed guidance of her parents and understanding and embracing who she truly is. There is an amazing amount of discoveries in store for Ilona in this segment as well as finding true love. The author once again mixes a blend of magic,history and folklore with a bit of time travel thrown in for good measure. I would highly recommend for those readers who have not read the first in this series to do so prior to reading this one as it gives a complete back round to not only many of the characters but the importance of the tribal and mystical concepts that are vital throughout the story.
December 13, 2013
What an amazing ride! Erika continues this story with so much intrigue and suspense! I loved the time travel, mysterious powers and even the "gods"! Again she shares the meanings of flowers as the beginning of the chapters which draw us into the story. Ema choosing to stay in the past, Ilona finding true love despite all the false influences, and the end of all the "laws". True reality what does that really mean? Great story!
April 23, 2025
Good Conclusion to the story and the ending was different then expected, but very good.
I was surprised who Emma's baby turned out to be in their history. Narrator does a good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.
I was surprised who Emma's baby turned out to be in their history. Narrator does a good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.
July 30, 2013
Oh Erika you have left me once again hanging on the edge but I'm loving it!!!
Secrets Revealed is the sequel to Birthright Bestowed and continues the story of Ilona on her search. A search which takes on so many twists and turns you get dizzy and fact and fantasy do seem to come together in your mind.
Imagine time travel, mind reads, freezing time and much more that you get your mind around only to come up another amazing ability that reveals more of the story that is Ilona and her heritage.
Wrap this all in a package made of love and top it with a bow of love confused and you have a bombshell ready to go off ..will it be good or bad we won't know yet but what we do know is that Ilona is in the fight for her very life and I wonder who will be by her side in the end.
Fantastic read and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book of this continuing saga of love, fantasy, heritage, myth and everything else that makes a book a perfect escape.
Secrets Revealed is the sequel to Birthright Bestowed and continues the story of Ilona on her search. A search which takes on so many twists and turns you get dizzy and fact and fantasy do seem to come together in your mind.
Imagine time travel, mind reads, freezing time and much more that you get your mind around only to come up another amazing ability that reveals more of the story that is Ilona and her heritage.
Wrap this all in a package made of love and top it with a bow of love confused and you have a bombshell ready to go off ..will it be good or bad we won't know yet but what we do know is that Ilona is in the fight for her very life and I wonder who will be by her side in the end.
Fantastic read and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book of this continuing saga of love, fantasy, heritage, myth and everything else that makes a book a perfect escape.
September 16, 2012
I loved this book. I can't wait for book 3 to come out and find out what happens to Ilona next.
January 20, 2022
There are so many twists and turns in this book. Ilona, Zoltan and Baylor find themselves in a love triangle. When Ilona makes her choice she discovers the happiness is shirt lived. External forces continue to manipulate Ilona and friends. Ilona must understand and deal with Morana's evilness.
Narrator Jannie Meisburger voiced this book very well. She brought this book to life.
Narrator Jannie Meisburger voiced this book very well. She brought this book to life.
July 25, 2022
As always Erika manages to get everything together and place it both on the high shelf for intelligent readers, but explains enough for those who might not understand. Her description is beyond words they’re paintings within your mind. The characters are people you know, and know well! She’s a powerful writer, never underestimate her skills!
October 2, 2021
Good continuation of the series. An entertaining read.
March 3, 2014
5*
Ilona is a born healer. Descended from an ancient tribe of Hun.
In her 29 years she hasn’t learnt much about her heritage, due to the premature death of her parents. In keeping with rules and tradition only her parents were allowed to teach her the truth surrounding her destiny and in turn leading her toward a life she would have never imagined.
With only long lost memories to help her she sets herself on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Ever since they met as children Ilona has been in love with her best friend Bela, seemingly unrequited she settles with the incredible friendship they have built together.
Until a handsome stranger starts work at Ilona’s hospital.
Zoltan is incredibly handsome, clever and also a Hun descendant. Ilona feels an increasing attraction to him and it scares her. Why does he feel so familiar and why does she feel so strongly after only meeting for a moment?
As sinister occurrences begin to surround her she believes somebody wants her dead leading her very dear friends to reveal some closely guarded secrets.
With her ever increasing yearning to learn more about her destiny Ilona is now in a fight for her life and the lives of those she loves.
Who is she destined to be?
I had no idea when I started this book I would become as involved in the story as I did.
This book took me on such an incredible journey, it became a learning process too.
With every chapter comes a guide to plants and flowers and their meanings, something I hadn’t known before.
This is a book integrating fact and fiction creating a wonderful historical adventure. I loved each and every character and every surprise they created along the way.
I loved Zoltan from the start and even though there is a part in the book that would make a reader think otherwise I knew he would be redeemed, gosh did I hold my breath in those moments.
So many emotions run through this story and easily takes the reader along for the ride, I was elated and relieved by the final outcome, almost like I’d been through it myself.
I believe that yes this book is long when reading both parts together like I did but incredibly worth a reader’s time in doing so, I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next, I’d love to know how this story carries on.
Copy Supplied For Review.
Ilona is a born healer. Descended from an ancient tribe of Hun.
In her 29 years she hasn’t learnt much about her heritage, due to the premature death of her parents. In keeping with rules and tradition only her parents were allowed to teach her the truth surrounding her destiny and in turn leading her toward a life she would have never imagined.
With only long lost memories to help her she sets herself on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Ever since they met as children Ilona has been in love with her best friend Bela, seemingly unrequited she settles with the incredible friendship they have built together.
Until a handsome stranger starts work at Ilona’s hospital.
Zoltan is incredibly handsome, clever and also a Hun descendant. Ilona feels an increasing attraction to him and it scares her. Why does he feel so familiar and why does she feel so strongly after only meeting for a moment?
As sinister occurrences begin to surround her she believes somebody wants her dead leading her very dear friends to reveal some closely guarded secrets.
With her ever increasing yearning to learn more about her destiny Ilona is now in a fight for her life and the lives of those she loves.
Who is she destined to be?
I had no idea when I started this book I would become as involved in the story as I did.
This book took me on such an incredible journey, it became a learning process too.
With every chapter comes a guide to plants and flowers and their meanings, something I hadn’t known before.
This is a book integrating fact and fiction creating a wonderful historical adventure. I loved each and every character and every surprise they created along the way.
I loved Zoltan from the start and even though there is a part in the book that would make a reader think otherwise I knew he would be redeemed, gosh did I hold my breath in those moments.
So many emotions run through this story and easily takes the reader along for the ride, I was elated and relieved by the final outcome, almost like I’d been through it myself.
I believe that yes this book is long when reading both parts together like I did but incredibly worth a reader’s time in doing so, I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next, I’d love to know how this story carries on.
Copy Supplied For Review.
May 25, 2016
Morana has been found out, Ema has been moved to someplace safe, and Ilona and Zoltan seem to have discovered all they need to know about eluding the wicked Immortal and her partner in crime, Joland.
But jumping around time and space is getting tiresome, and everyone wants to get back to their original lives.
At least at first.
But as real time goes on, secrets are revealed, new relationships forged, and old ways questioned. It is hard for any of them to believe the hold that Morana had on them all, even to being able to “read” all of their diaries—which they had been obliged to keep since their coming-of-age.
Ilona’s powers grow quickly, and she soon finds that she is not merely a doctor with an ability to heal by touch—she is more important to the lives and futures of her people than she would have ever guessed.
Another fantastic offering by Erika Szabo. Always exciting, never a dull moment. I’m so glad I got the chance to read this series. Concise, witty, historically colorful—a not-to-be-missed tale!
But jumping around time and space is getting tiresome, and everyone wants to get back to their original lives.
At least at first.
But as real time goes on, secrets are revealed, new relationships forged, and old ways questioned. It is hard for any of them to believe the hold that Morana had on them all, even to being able to “read” all of their diaries—which they had been obliged to keep since their coming-of-age.
Ilona’s powers grow quickly, and she soon finds that she is not merely a doctor with an ability to heal by touch—she is more important to the lives and futures of her people than she would have ever guessed.
Another fantastic offering by Erika Szabo. Always exciting, never a dull moment. I’m so glad I got the chance to read this series. Concise, witty, historically colorful—a not-to-be-missed tale!
February 9, 2014
Acceptance is a continuation of the story of Ilona. The more that Erika M. Szabo writes, the better she becomes at her craft. She not only writes out of her very creative imagination, but she also writes about what she knows as a healer herself. I have so enjoyed this journey with Ilona and how she rises to accept the powers that she’s been given. But as Ilona is a loving and caring person, she also accepts the responsibilities that go along with those powers. Although her past has made her who she is, as a time traveler and the recipient of a great birthright, she has actually influenced events that have made her present something that she wouldn’t have even dreamed of. Yes, there is romance, there is fantasy, but there is a bigger story than that. Read it-you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
June 3, 2013
Just like the first book in the series, the story had me turning the pages. A story filled with unexpected twists, it has many facts mixed with legends of the Huns, woven with fiction. Learned something more of the language of flowers, I knew some, but not all. I am glad I picked these books, I enjoyed them very much.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews