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The Golden City #3
The Shores of Spain
A brilliant new chapter in the Novels of the Golden City.
Even as the branches of peace are being offered, there are some who still believe those who are not human should be used as chattel. And they are willing to go to great lengths to retain their power.
Newlywed siren Oriana Paredes has been appointed Ambassador to her home islands now that communication between Northern Portugual and the magical races has been restored. But convincing her people that the new Portuguese Prince’s intentions are honorable after years of persecution is difficult. And her husband, Duilio, faces his own obstacles among the sirens where males are a rare and valuable commodity with few rights.
In addition to their diplomatic mission, the two hope to uncover the truth behind Oriana's mother's death. Evidence suggests that Spain—a country that has been known to enslave magical beings—may have infiltrated the siren authority. Unable to leave their post, Oriana and Duilio must call on Inspector Joaquim Tavares to root out the truth.
But even his seer’s gift cannot prepare him for what he will discover.
Even as the branches of peace are being offered, there are some who still believe those who are not human should be used as chattel. And they are willing to go to great lengths to retain their power.
Newlywed siren Oriana Paredes has been appointed Ambassador to her home islands now that communication between Northern Portugual and the magical races has been restored. But convincing her people that the new Portuguese Prince’s intentions are honorable after years of persecution is difficult. And her husband, Duilio, faces his own obstacles among the sirens where males are a rare and valuable commodity with few rights.
In addition to their diplomatic mission, the two hope to uncover the truth behind Oriana's mother's death. Evidence suggests that Spain—a country that has been known to enslave magical beings—may have infiltrated the siren authority. Unable to leave their post, Oriana and Duilio must call on Inspector Joaquim Tavares to root out the truth.
But even his seer’s gift cannot prepare him for what he will discover.
415 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2015
7 people are currently reading
729 people want to read
About the author
J. Kathleen Cheney
46 books252 followersJ. Kathleen Cheney is nothing if not versatile in her story telling. But, weaving through her work is a common thread, that of the improbable heroine. From worlds set in humanity’s distant post-apocalyptic future to alternate worlds of today or of the near past, Kathleen’s heroines include a siren who with help from a gentleman of the city must stop a regicidal plot, the neglected daughter of an absent king coming to terms with her shapeshifting ancestors, a blind teenager who dreams of others’ deaths and who uses her gift of touch to find their killers, and the widow of a trainer who with a most unusual horse must save her farm and way of life. All use their unusual gifts and talents to overcome obstacles and find their place in the world.
In 2005 Kathleen decided to pursue writing as a full-time endeavor and has since enjoyed seeing her stories published in Shimmer, The Sword Review, and Baen’s Universe. Her novella “Iron Shoes” was a 2011 Nebula nominee. Kathleen twice attended the summer Writer’s Workshop at the Center for the Study of Science Fiction under the tutelage of James Gunn. She lists C. J. Cherryh, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer among the writers who influenced her most–as well as Ansen Dibell, whose ghostly fingerprints can be seen all over her work.
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Kathleen’s parents actually were rocket scientists (they worked at White Sands Missile Range), which made for interesting dinner-time conversations. After graduating with degrees in English and Marketing she worked as a menswear buyer for retail department store chains before changing careers to become a teacher, where she taught mathematics ranging from 7th Grade Arithmetic up to Calculus. Kathleen also served a brief stint as a Gifted and Talented Specialist. She coached the Academic Team and the Robotics Team and was the Chess Club sponsor.
When not writing, Kathleen likes to don a mask and get sweaty fencing, both foil and saber. Quieter hobbies include putting on her Wellingtons and getting her hands dirty in the garden. She also enjoys traveling and taking care of her dogs. Two large, hairy, dogs.
Her first novel, "The Golden City" came out from Ace Books, November 2013.
In 2005 Kathleen decided to pursue writing as a full-time endeavor and has since enjoyed seeing her stories published in Shimmer, The Sword Review, and Baen’s Universe. Her novella “Iron Shoes” was a 2011 Nebula nominee. Kathleen twice attended the summer Writer’s Workshop at the Center for the Study of Science Fiction under the tutelage of James Gunn. She lists C. J. Cherryh, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer among the writers who influenced her most–as well as Ansen Dibell, whose ghostly fingerprints can be seen all over her work.
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Kathleen’s parents actually were rocket scientists (they worked at White Sands Missile Range), which made for interesting dinner-time conversations. After graduating with degrees in English and Marketing she worked as a menswear buyer for retail department store chains before changing careers to become a teacher, where she taught mathematics ranging from 7th Grade Arithmetic up to Calculus. Kathleen also served a brief stint as a Gifted and Talented Specialist. She coached the Academic Team and the Robotics Team and was the Chess Club sponsor.
When not writing, Kathleen likes to don a mask and get sweaty fencing, both foil and saber. Quieter hobbies include putting on her Wellingtons and getting her hands dirty in the garden. She also enjoys traveling and taking care of her dogs. Two large, hairy, dogs.
Her first novel, "The Golden City" came out from Ace Books, November 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 42 reviews
April 17, 2015
I received this advanced copy of the book from the author. One of the cool things about being a writer is that I get to experience the writing process my friends' endure, too. I first read The Shores of Spain as a rough draft, and it was delightful to read it again now, fully polished and ready for publication by Roc in July.
This third book of The Tales of the Golden City twines together the vast conspiracy that has rocked the Golden City and the islands of the sireia (sirens). Oriana is now an ambassador, attending to her new duties on her home islands along with her husband, Duilio. Her mother was murdered a decade ago and recent events have revealed new clues on the identity of her killer--and most importantly, why the deed was done. Meanwhile, Oriana's sister Marina emerges with her own point-of-view and a greater role as she assists in the investigation. I love how Cheney incorporates period details as her characters move between 1903 Portugal, the islands of the sireia, and Spain; even distant events like the Spanish-American war play small yet pivotal parts. At heart, this is well-researched historical fiction and a mystery, with a wonderful touch of magic and the fantastic.
This third book of The Tales of the Golden City twines together the vast conspiracy that has rocked the Golden City and the islands of the sireia (sirens). Oriana is now an ambassador, attending to her new duties on her home islands along with her husband, Duilio. Her mother was murdered a decade ago and recent events have revealed new clues on the identity of her killer--and most importantly, why the deed was done. Meanwhile, Oriana's sister Marina emerges with her own point-of-view and a greater role as she assists in the investigation. I love how Cheney incorporates period details as her characters move between 1903 Portugal, the islands of the sireia, and Spain; even distant events like the Spanish-American war play small yet pivotal parts. At heart, this is well-researched historical fiction and a mystery, with a wonderful touch of magic and the fantastic.
November 7, 2017
Realistically I'd say this is more along a 3.5 stars. I went down a star just because I felt this was somewhat of a let down from the previous two books. Oriana and her husband are living on the Sereian Islands as Oriana fulfills her new role as the Portuguese ambassador, while also trying to track down the conspiracy that killed her mother. This leads Duilo's brother Joaquim and Oriana's sister Marina into Spain where they finally piece together all that happened. For some reason I just wasn't as into this one as either of the two before, maybe because Oriana and Duilo are part of the story but end up being rather peripheral. The bulk of the story is really Joaquim and Marina's. They've been fine characters in the previous books but I didn't enjoy them the way I did the others. Despite my minor disappointment, I would certainly read her next book, whether set in the Golden City or some new realm, because I've enjoyed her writing and appreciate she's been trying to tell interesting, original stories.
February 16, 2019
After working away at it for several weeks I finally finished this novel. It had been over a year since I’d read the first two and honestly I had forgotten how politically complicated and character dense these books are - it took me a while to catch back on to the backstory. I loved the first two and zoomed through them, but I struggled with this one. Partly the shifted character focus onto Joaquim and Mariana hurt it for me. Nice characters. Nice. Nice is a little (very) boring.
July 7, 2015
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
When last we left Duilio and Oriana they were getting ready to embark on a journey to speak with the various magical races as part of Oriana’s new role as Ambassador for Northern Portugal. The Shores of Spain opens with Duilio and Oriana having been gone roughly six months and they are now making their way to the Ilhas das Sereias, specifically to the island where Oriana’s grandmother resides. Besides her ambassadorial work, Oriana and Duilio have a more personal job they want to accomplish–finding out who killed Oriana’s mother. When a key piece to the puzzle is stolen, Duilio calls in his brother Joaquim for help in finding the missing item.
Joaquim’s search will, literally, take him to the shores of Spain. He’ll be tasked with using his newly discovered witch’s power more than ever in order to finally unravel the political espionage we’ve seen taking place since The Golden City. He will come to rely on Oriana’s sister Marina, and she in turn will step out of the meek and non-confrontational guise that she believes she inhabits and become a woman who stands up for what she believes in and for those she loves.
The Shores of Spain expertly ties up all the intricate story threads started in The Golden City. Starting out easily enough with the theft from Duilio and Oriana, I wasn’t expecting quite so much to be hinged on that one object, but J. Kathleen Cheney is great with the mystery. I think someone could look at this book and this series and get overwhelmed, and while I will say it demands your full attention while reading, I assure you, Cheney is wonderful at reminding readers of past events without coming right out with a long recitation.
While Duilio and Oriana have been one of the more satisfying fictional couples I’ve read about in awhile (I just loved the way their story took shape), in The Shores of Spain they move away from the spotlight and instead the book focuses more on Joaquim and Marina’s relationship, which I found equally as satisfying as the other. I loved seeing the contrast between these two couples. On one hand you have Duilio and Oriana who are perfectly content taking up the sereia traditions. On the other you have Joaquim and Marina who are happy with what they have in Portugal.
Something that has been in each book, but I found even more apparent here, is the fact that both Duilio and Joaqium are ok letting their other halves take charge. Sereian culture dictates that the female makes all decisions in the household, and Duilio is all right letting Oriana do that. It’s a nice change from the typical alpha-male type that many romances depict.
This is slated to be the last book in the series. Cheney left the ending a little ambiguous and I’m hoping that’s because someday she’ll be able to revisit these characters. I would love to read more adventures. The Shores of Spain is a great ending to a really solid, intricately built, series. Highly recommended.
When last we left Duilio and Oriana they were getting ready to embark on a journey to speak with the various magical races as part of Oriana’s new role as Ambassador for Northern Portugal. The Shores of Spain opens with Duilio and Oriana having been gone roughly six months and they are now making their way to the Ilhas das Sereias, specifically to the island where Oriana’s grandmother resides. Besides her ambassadorial work, Oriana and Duilio have a more personal job they want to accomplish–finding out who killed Oriana’s mother. When a key piece to the puzzle is stolen, Duilio calls in his brother Joaquim for help in finding the missing item.
Joaquim’s search will, literally, take him to the shores of Spain. He’ll be tasked with using his newly discovered witch’s power more than ever in order to finally unravel the political espionage we’ve seen taking place since The Golden City. He will come to rely on Oriana’s sister Marina, and she in turn will step out of the meek and non-confrontational guise that she believes she inhabits and become a woman who stands up for what she believes in and for those she loves.
The Shores of Spain expertly ties up all the intricate story threads started in The Golden City. Starting out easily enough with the theft from Duilio and Oriana, I wasn’t expecting quite so much to be hinged on that one object, but J. Kathleen Cheney is great with the mystery. I think someone could look at this book and this series and get overwhelmed, and while I will say it demands your full attention while reading, I assure you, Cheney is wonderful at reminding readers of past events without coming right out with a long recitation.
While Duilio and Oriana have been one of the more satisfying fictional couples I’ve read about in awhile (I just loved the way their story took shape), in The Shores of Spain they move away from the spotlight and instead the book focuses more on Joaquim and Marina’s relationship, which I found equally as satisfying as the other. I loved seeing the contrast between these two couples. On one hand you have Duilio and Oriana who are perfectly content taking up the sereia traditions. On the other you have Joaquim and Marina who are happy with what they have in Portugal.
Something that has been in each book, but I found even more apparent here, is the fact that both Duilio and Joaqium are ok letting their other halves take charge. Sereian culture dictates that the female makes all decisions in the household, and Duilio is all right letting Oriana do that. It’s a nice change from the typical alpha-male type that many romances depict.
This is slated to be the last book in the series. Cheney left the ending a little ambiguous and I’m hoping that’s because someday she’ll be able to revisit these characters. I would love to read more adventures. The Shores of Spain is a great ending to a really solid, intricately built, series. Highly recommended.
July 17, 2017
A pretty good ending to the series, though the focus was more on Marina and Joquim. Not that I'm complaining, because their story was engaging from almost the beginning and took a lot of different directions that I didn't expect. It was great to see more of this alternate, historical setting and learn more about the mysterious sereia and their society. While Oriana and Duilio were fantastic characters as always, Marina and Joquim had the most depth and grew a lot more. By the end of the story, they were even engaged in a life-or-death battle! I wasn't really sure how it would end. The pacing was a little slow for me at times, but the dialogue was well written and most of the plot holes were tied up. There was still a lot of romance and emotional moments that I enjoyed. Definitely a series you should consider picking up if you enjoy romance, mystery, and an easy pace!
July 25, 2015
The conclusion to this series was done very well. As in the first two books, the mystery and intrigue abound and the characters we're all invested in are here. A very cool character pops up in this book, I wouldn't be surprised if a series involving him were to appear. There is so much going on in this world, this series could definitely continue. That would certainly be an auto-buy for me. Highly recommended.
did-not-finish
January 1, 2016Oh man. I really liked the first two books in the series but this one is such a drag. I have read about half of it and it's just plotless tedium. An author shouldn't need 200 pages to find a purpose for her narrative. I am abandoning ship.
April 4, 2025
The 3rd Installment of The Golden City stories. This one I had to borrow through our Library's LINK+ system, but it was very much worth it. I'd recently borrowed it on March 29, and it proved just as page turning and hard to put down as the prior two novels.
While the first two were focused on Oriana & Duilio's journey and the intrigue happening in the Golden City with hints of the involvement of Oriana's home Island, this third novel starts out with Oriana and Duilio as the Portuguese ambassador to the Serias' home island (Ilha das Sereias) and their trying to unravel the political mystery going on within the Serias' government and what got Oriana & Marina's mother killed. In the first part of the novel, you see some alternating scenes that occur back in the Golden City with Joaquim and Marina which eventually shifts smoothly to their story about a quarter or just a little over of the way into the novel while following their part of the journey to unravel the knot of political intrigue that began with the first novel. You also see their romantic development seamlessly woven in with new characters - allies and nemeses - who appear within the book, while other more familiar characters are still there, if peripherally, enriching the background of the story and giving it more body.
I won't throw detailed spoilers in, but it's a book well worth reading (as is the prior two before it) and I have not regrets making the effort to borrow this one.
While the first two were focused on Oriana & Duilio's journey and the intrigue happening in the Golden City with hints of the involvement of Oriana's home Island, this third novel starts out with Oriana and Duilio as the Portuguese ambassador to the Serias' home island (Ilha das Sereias) and their trying to unravel the political mystery going on within the Serias' government and what got Oriana & Marina's mother killed. In the first part of the novel, you see some alternating scenes that occur back in the Golden City with Joaquim and Marina which eventually shifts smoothly to their story about a quarter or just a little over of the way into the novel while following their part of the journey to unravel the knot of political intrigue that began with the first novel. You also see their romantic development seamlessly woven in with new characters - allies and nemeses - who appear within the book, while other more familiar characters are still there, if peripherally, enriching the background of the story and giving it more body.
I won't throw detailed spoilers in, but it's a book well worth reading (as is the prior two before it) and I have not regrets making the effort to borrow this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2022
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first two books in the trilogy, as I find stories with split narration annoying to read - getting immersed in one setting/mindset then having to switch just when the plot is getting interesting! The split narration in this story was between Duilio/Oriana in the islands and Joachim/Marina, first in Portugal, then in Spain. It was necessary for the plot, and the plot was engaging.
Duilio and Oriana are in the islands in their roles as ambassadors for Portugal. The islands are matriarchal and Duilio manages well with this. They are on the hunt for Oriana's mother's journal and the mystery of what happened to her. Meanwhile, Joachim knows he is needed to help Duilio so heads for the islands, with Marina as a stowaway. They move from there to Spain, hunting for the stolen journal.
This book is more political than the first two, because it involves multiple other nations, including America. We also reach the dreaded Unnaturals Prison and, although we only see a glimmer of the cruelty and torture that is rife there, that gives us a good picture of how awful the place is and has been.
I loved the introduction of young Alejandro and of the powerful Vilaro. This book is the first real introduction of fairies to the series, although it continues to be explored in the two novellas.
Duilio and Oriana are in the islands in their roles as ambassadors for Portugal. The islands are matriarchal and Duilio manages well with this. They are on the hunt for Oriana's mother's journal and the mystery of what happened to her. Meanwhile, Joachim knows he is needed to help Duilio so heads for the islands, with Marina as a stowaway. They move from there to Spain, hunting for the stolen journal.
This book is more political than the first two, because it involves multiple other nations, including America. We also reach the dreaded Unnaturals Prison and, although we only see a glimmer of the cruelty and torture that is rife there, that gives us a good picture of how awful the place is and has been.
I loved the introduction of young Alejandro and of the powerful Vilaro. This book is the first real introduction of fairies to the series, although it continues to be explored in the two novellas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2017
I enjoyed both seeing Oriana and Duilio on the female-dominated isles of the sereia (where Oriana is a very young ambassador for the new ruler of a Portugal in flux, Duilio must remember his "place" in public, and complications large and small may or may not connect to the conspiracy that led to her mother's death a decade ago), and watching the developments as Duilio's illegitimate half-brother, the untrained finder/seer Inspector Joachim Tavares, and his own sereia love, Oriana's younger sister Marina, head to Spain, make an unexpected connection with a thieving young boy , and finally take on the dark, secret deeds of the "Canary" sirena wardens of the prison for "Unnaturals". JKC's characters (including two very different grandmothers), world-building, action, and writing style are excellent as ever.
Trade paperback purchased retail — a decision based on impatience to finish the trilogy (not available via my library system), and aided by the consistent beauty of the covers.
Trade paperback purchased retail — a decision based on impatience to finish the trilogy (not available via my library system), and aided by the consistent beauty of the covers.
August 18, 2020
I have to admit I did not remember much of anything about the two previous books except for the setting in Portugal and that it portrayed sirens.
I still really enjoyed the setting from all other urban fantasy I’ve read. Reading about Portugal ans Spain is really neat and brings something else to the usual characteristics of the genre.
It might not be as fun as Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series, not have the same creatures, but it does have a similar vibe with politics in the early 1900s, historical fantasy with good characters. I’m glad I finished the series.
I still really enjoyed the setting from all other urban fantasy I’ve read. Reading about Portugal ans Spain is really neat and brings something else to the usual characteristics of the genre.
It might not be as fun as Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series, not have the same creatures, but it does have a similar vibe with politics in the early 1900s, historical fantasy with good characters. I’m glad I finished the series.
March 11, 2020
A good ending to a very entertaining fantasy series. I was a bit disappointed that Duilio and Oriana were not the main characters in this last instalment instead Marina and Joaquin were the focus. Still an entertaining story but I would have preferred to focus on Duilio and Oriana.
August 16, 2018
Did not finish. 150 pages in, then abandoned. Didn't enjoy the pivot from Oriana and Duilio from the first two books, to the more boring Joaquim and Marina.
June 8, 2017
After loving the first two books, I was really excited to read this. For some reason, though, it didn't quite live up to the others. It was still very good, but I was a little disappointed.
The story of this book was more political than the other two, which were had plots that revolved more around the fantasy/magic element of the series. It also followed the story of Joaquim and Marina a lot more than the other two books, which mostly followed Oriana and Duilio. I'd say The Shores of Spain was probably split 50/50, though maybe a little more time was given to Joaquim and Marina. While I liked them, I also wasn't quite ready to give Oriana and Duilio up in terms of the love story .
I guess this is the last book in the series. It didn't really feel finished, necessarily, but I suppose it could be. I would have appreciated an epilogue or another chapter or something. There were a few things that I didn't quite feel were finished.
How it ended:
Note: A little mild swearing. A short paragraph leading up to off-page sex.
The story of this book was more political than the other two, which were had plots that revolved more around the fantasy/magic element of the series. It also followed the story of Joaquim and Marina a lot more than the other two books, which mostly followed Oriana and Duilio. I'd say The Shores of Spain was probably split 50/50, though maybe a little more time was given to Joaquim and Marina. While I liked them, I also wasn't quite ready to give Oriana and Duilio up in terms of the love story .
I guess this is the last book in the series. It didn't really feel finished, necessarily, but I suppose it could be. I would have appreciated an epilogue or another chapter or something. There were a few things that I didn't quite feel were finished.
How it ended:
Note: A little mild swearing. A short paragraph leading up to off-page sex.
October 12, 2016
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I was eager to read this third novel after the first two! It was nice to find that last book featuring all the characters we love. Unlike the others, however, the story is divided between Joaquim, Mariana, and Oriana and Duilio, allowing us to learn more about all the characters that were secondary.
Duilio and Oriana depart for the sirea islands as ambassadors to explain to her peers about the new government set up in Portugal and the rights that sireas might have now. This new position also allows to our heroine to try to understand her past and especially the murder of her mother as it remains unsolved so far. But this survey will push deep plots, forcing them to seek help and Mariana Joaquim who will have travel to Spain, where new dangers await them.
It was interesting to discover the culture of the sireas to see their lifestyle and to visit different countries between Spain and Portugal. It’s always a pleasure to find Oriana and Duilio after seeing the first attempt to integrate into the human world, we see her husband doing the same in this new environment that has nothing to do with all that he has seen before. The young woman will finally find her place, to understand what she wants for her future and it is a pleasure to see her growing and evolving with her relatives. It’s true that what I liked the most was to discover all the revelations that we have about her family and it was fascinating to learn them that way. It is the same for Joaquim and Mariana who gradually learn to coexist together and to accept the other and it was very touching to see their relationship evolve gradually.
It was a good book, a nice end to this trilogy and I am now curious to read the novellas associated!
My English review
I was eager to read this third novel after the first two! It was nice to find that last book featuring all the characters we love. Unlike the others, however, the story is divided between Joaquim, Mariana, and Oriana and Duilio, allowing us to learn more about all the characters that were secondary.
Duilio and Oriana depart for the sirea islands as ambassadors to explain to her peers about the new government set up in Portugal and the rights that sireas might have now. This new position also allows to our heroine to try to understand her past and especially the murder of her mother as it remains unsolved so far. But this survey will push deep plots, forcing them to seek help and Mariana Joaquim who will have travel to Spain, where new dangers await them.
It was interesting to discover the culture of the sireas to see their lifestyle and to visit different countries between Spain and Portugal. It’s always a pleasure to find Oriana and Duilio after seeing the first attempt to integrate into the human world, we see her husband doing the same in this new environment that has nothing to do with all that he has seen before. The young woman will finally find her place, to understand what she wants for her future and it is a pleasure to see her growing and evolving with her relatives. It’s true that what I liked the most was to discover all the revelations that we have about her family and it was fascinating to learn them that way. It is the same for Joaquim and Mariana who gradually learn to coexist together and to accept the other and it was very touching to see their relationship evolve gradually.
It was a good book, a nice end to this trilogy and I am now curious to read the novellas associated!
May 4, 2016
It's hard for me to believe that this is the end of this series. I've enjoyed it from the beginning and getting to know all the characters. I found this book as interesting as the other two and would love to read future books in this world if Kathleen chooses to write more.
This book takes places not only in the Golden City but also the Serena Islands and eventually Spain. I loved the different view points and each of the characters were a pleasure reading about.
Oriana, Duilio, Joaquim and Marina each find themselves having to deal with complicated matters that are far from easy.
Oriana and Duilio spend most of their time on the Sirena Islands trying to deal with the politics involved, married life, family matters and the threat of spies who have their own agendas. When Oriana's mother's journal is stolen, Joaquim arrives with Marina in tow to offer assistance after getting sense that his help is needed.
After some investigating, Joaquim and Marina find themselves on a ship to Spain where their heritage will place them in danger and plots will be revealed that will leave Joaquim and Marina struggling to make sense of things, including Joaquim being kidnapped.
Marina will soon find friends and allies in unexpected places and realize just how determined she can be when her loved ones are in danger.
The ending answered a lot of questions I had, I was on pins and needles for a while there but everything works out just in time.
I highly recommend this series which was full of mystery, love, adventure, a trace of magic a lot of culture. It's a series well worth checking out!
This book takes places not only in the Golden City but also the Serena Islands and eventually Spain. I loved the different view points and each of the characters were a pleasure reading about.
Oriana, Duilio, Joaquim and Marina each find themselves having to deal with complicated matters that are far from easy.
Oriana and Duilio spend most of their time on the Sirena Islands trying to deal with the politics involved, married life, family matters and the threat of spies who have their own agendas. When Oriana's mother's journal is stolen, Joaquim arrives with Marina in tow to offer assistance after getting sense that his help is needed.
After some investigating, Joaquim and Marina find themselves on a ship to Spain where their heritage will place them in danger and plots will be revealed that will leave Joaquim and Marina struggling to make sense of things, including Joaquim being kidnapped.
Marina will soon find friends and allies in unexpected places and realize just how determined she can be when her loved ones are in danger.
The ending answered a lot of questions I had, I was on pins and needles for a while there but everything works out just in time.
I highly recommend this series which was full of mystery, love, adventure, a trace of magic a lot of culture. It's a series well worth checking out!
December 14, 2015
The first two books of the Golden City trilogy are more Oriana & Duilio's story. Book three is the story of Oriana's sister Mariana. Oriana & Duilio appear, of course, but the main story is Mariana's and Joaquim's.
Oriana and Mariana are sereia (sirens just like those who called to Odysseus while he was lashed to the boat's mast). The sereia live in a matriarchal society. So I really enjoyed seeing their world and how different it was from Portugal (the usual patriarchal society).
What is especially interesting is that both the men and the women in the book have magic, but the men's magic is different from the women's magic.
Joaquim is a witch and a finder. Duilio is a seer. Joaquim is also seer, to a lesser extent. I really enjoy books with well-thought-out cultures and how people from different cultures act when thrown into each other's culture.
Plus, of course, there is a lot of action in all three books and a lot of people doing their best to save themselves, as well as coming to each other's rescue.
I highly recommend all three books in this trilogy. The third book wrapped everything up in a most satisfying manner!
I can't wait to read the author's NEW series, unfortunately not set in the world of the Golden City but in its OWN new world!
Oriana and Mariana are sereia (sirens just like those who called to Odysseus while he was lashed to the boat's mast). The sereia live in a matriarchal society. So I really enjoyed seeing their world and how different it was from Portugal (the usual patriarchal society).
What is especially interesting is that both the men and the women in the book have magic, but the men's magic is different from the women's magic.
Joaquim is a witch and a finder. Duilio is a seer. Joaquim is also seer, to a lesser extent. I really enjoy books with well-thought-out cultures and how people from different cultures act when thrown into each other's culture.
Plus, of course, there is a lot of action in all three books and a lot of people doing their best to save themselves, as well as coming to each other's rescue.
I highly recommend all three books in this trilogy. The third book wrapped everything up in a most satisfying manner!
I can't wait to read the author's NEW series, unfortunately not set in the world of the Golden City but in its OWN new world!
June 26, 2015
I received an advance copy from the author.
Mystery and romance continue in the third and final installment in this series. This time the story picks up in the islands where Oriana and the other sereias live as Oriana takes on the role of ambassador. She continues to pursue the question of who killed her mother, and in the meantime unravels a new, horrifying mystery regarding the sereia who have been executed over the years.
This time the romance focuses on Joaquim and Marina, and about halfway through the book Marina really comes into her own and becomes a driving force for the story. I end up liking her quite a bit. The story eventually comes to Spain and the prison where those who are not human are held captive. The book--and the series--wraps up nicely. When I finished this book, I found myself thinking about picking up the first again and rereading the entire series now that all the books are out.
As I've said before, murder, mermaids, and romance in an alternate history make for great reading.
Mystery and romance continue in the third and final installment in this series. This time the story picks up in the islands where Oriana and the other sereias live as Oriana takes on the role of ambassador. She continues to pursue the question of who killed her mother, and in the meantime unravels a new, horrifying mystery regarding the sereia who have been executed over the years.
This time the romance focuses on Joaquim and Marina, and about halfway through the book Marina really comes into her own and becomes a driving force for the story. I end up liking her quite a bit. The story eventually comes to Spain and the prison where those who are not human are held captive. The book--and the series--wraps up nicely. When I finished this book, I found myself thinking about picking up the first again and rereading the entire series now that all the books are out.
As I've said before, murder, mermaids, and romance in an alternate history make for great reading.
June 18, 2016
It took me a bit longer to get into this book than the prior two in the series. I think it may have been that the change in locale from Portugal to the Ilhas das Sereias was a bit of a culture shock. However, the story does not disappoint! Oriana Paredes and Duilio Ferreira continue their search for answers of the political and personal kind. Most importantly to Oriana, who murdered her mother? And why?
I especially enjoyed the expansion of the cast, and the wider view of the world given in this book. While Joaquim Tavares' appearance was expected and enjoyed, Marina Arenias's involvement really stole the show for me. I found the descriptions of the islands and Spain at this time period to be fascinating. It's a believable parallel universe. Not an easy task! The book deftly ties up the main story-lines of the series, while leaving room for future adventures. I would definitely be interested in reading more mysteries, more intrigue, and more of the lives of the Paredes and Tavares families.
I especially enjoyed the expansion of the cast, and the wider view of the world given in this book. While Joaquim Tavares' appearance was expected and enjoyed, Marina Arenias's involvement really stole the show for me. I found the descriptions of the islands and Spain at this time period to be fascinating. It's a believable parallel universe. Not an easy task! The book deftly ties up the main story-lines of the series, while leaving room for future adventures. I would definitely be interested in reading more mysteries, more intrigue, and more of the lives of the Paredes and Tavares families.
July 17, 2015
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2015/07...
I believe this is the final book in Cheney's Tales of the Golden City series (after The Golden City and The Seat of Magic), and it's a pretty good wrap-up. It mainly involves the two main couples trying to solve the murder of the women's mother, or at least to track down the stolen journal that holds the key to the mystery. As always, there are politics (both fantasical and real) to deal with, along with some poor li'l children and whatnot. Marina and Joaquim's story definitely takes center stage here, or at least is more interesting than Oriana and Duilio's. I dunno. I think the very end just left me feeling a little bit flat. Still a fun series though! B+.
I believe this is the final book in Cheney's Tales of the Golden City series (after The Golden City and The Seat of Magic), and it's a pretty good wrap-up. It mainly involves the two main couples trying to solve the murder of the women's mother, or at least to track down the stolen journal that holds the key to the mystery. As always, there are politics (both fantasical and real) to deal with, along with some poor li'l children and whatnot. Marina and Joaquim's story definitely takes center stage here, or at least is more interesting than Oriana and Duilio's. I dunno. I think the very end just left me feeling a little bit flat. Still a fun series though! B+.
October 20, 2015
Book three of the Series. What an elegant wrap up of a fast paced, engrossing alternate history. Portugal and Spain are the setting.
Whereas in the first book Oriana and Duilio are the main characters, the second book introduces Oriana's sister Marina, and several cousins and a half-brother (bastard) of Duilio. And they all share the stage in a well choreographed action packed mystery.
This third book brings Marina and Joaquim to stage center and Marina, very different from her sister Oriana faces adventures, dangerous, frightening adventures in Spain. More than that would really spoil the book. And it's a total kicker.
Read, read, read.
(And then go looking for the novelette that covers the bastard son of the bastard uncle! Hilarious, frightening, powerful! Just do it!)
Whereas in the first book Oriana and Duilio are the main characters, the second book introduces Oriana's sister Marina, and several cousins and a half-brother (bastard) of Duilio. And they all share the stage in a well choreographed action packed mystery.
This third book brings Marina and Joaquim to stage center and Marina, very different from her sister Oriana faces adventures, dangerous, frightening adventures in Spain. More than that would really spoil the book. And it's a total kicker.
Read, read, read.
(And then go looking for the novelette that covers the bastard son of the bastard uncle! Hilarious, frightening, powerful! Just do it!)
April 3, 2016
I loved the first two books but this one went way off the wagon. It started with the main characters going back to Ori's hometown ok but then it started driving me nuts jumping back and forth to their siblings. The story wants you to imply a lot. You have to fill in a lot of the gaps. Why on earth have the reader in one place then move to a different country and did not stay with just those characters but added their family in vague bits and pieces. I think it would have been better to finish off the first two characters before jumping into so many other people. It was more of a short stories book than novel.
July 23, 2015
A satisfying conclusion to Oriana's story. She is now ambassador to her homeland and trying to find the truth of her mother's death. It's a search that takes her sister Marianna and her new husband Joaquim to Spain where they discover a sinister plot. The story focused more on Marianna and Joaquim than Oriana and Diulio. It was another good read, and I'll miss visiting these characters in this world. Jeannette's writing reminds me a lot of Sharon Shinn's. It has an effortless quality that makes it easy to get into the story.
July 29, 2016
An amazing ending to an amazing trilogy. While the first two books focused on Oriana and Duilio, this third book focuses more on Marina and Joaquim. Marina and Joaquim are called to go to Spain in order to continue finding out who and what is behind the orders to kill Oriana and Mariana's mother, as well as Oriana as well. What they find in Spain though leads to a much bigger problem, not only for the sereia, but for all of Portugal, and the nonhuman populace as well.
If you like the first two books, then you absolutely need to finish the series and read this last book.
If you like the first two books, then you absolutely need to finish the series and read this last book.
July 13, 2015
I don't know if this book suffered from my high expectations, or if I just wasn't in the space to read it, or what, but it didn't grab me like the other two. There was so much happening, and i felt like themes were picked up and dropped without resolution. I loved spending time with these characters again, and I loved seeing more of Marina and Joaquim, and I really enjoyed the politics, but it was all a bit muddy.
November 30, 2015
The Shores of Spain is an extremely satisfying conclusion to a series I would have liked to be longer. Cheney's world of sirens, seal people, witches, and magic is enthralling and filled with believable, fantastic characters.
Oriana is sent home as an ambassador, and her new husband, Duilio, is forced to behave as is appropriate on the very matriarchal sereia islands. But Oriana's suspicions concerning her mother's death may have greater consequences than anyone expected.
Oriana is sent home as an ambassador, and her new husband, Duilio, is forced to behave as is appropriate on the very matriarchal sereia islands. But Oriana's suspicions concerning her mother's death may have greater consequences than anyone expected.
August 6, 2015
I received an ARC from the author in a giveaway listed on Goodreads.
Although I didn't read the other books in the series, I feel like this could be a standalone book. The plot and general concept behind this book were sublime and unique. It read very nicely, and the author has an interesting writing style that encourages you to read on until you finished in one sitting.
Thank you, J. Kathleen Cheney!
Although I didn't read the other books in the series, I feel like this could be a standalone book. The plot and general concept behind this book were sublime and unique. It read very nicely, and the author has an interesting writing style that encourages you to read on until you finished in one sitting.
Thank you, J. Kathleen Cheney!
March 19, 2016
This was a good series ender. It was nice to read about life on the siren home islands, since they are mentioned so much in the previous two books. I wish the story had focused more on Oriana and Duilio, but Joaquim and Marina held my interest too. Everything came together at the end, which always makes me happy.
I would certainly recommend this series. People who like historical fantasy will enjoy this.
I would certainly recommend this series. People who like historical fantasy will enjoy this.
October 14, 2020
A great ending to a fabulous series. I was a little unsure about this one when it started as it focuses more on Marina and Jaoquim. And unfortunately they weren't my favorite characters from the previous books. But in this installment, they were fleshed out and put into great situations (not great for them, of course, but great to read) and I found my self truly engrossed in their story before the book was even too far along.
Highly recommended series!
Highly recommended series!
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