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The Lost Ancients #2
The Obsidian Chimera
Archeology and anarchy? Magic and mayhem? Relics and havoc?
All of the above, and Taryn St. Giles just keeps digging.
After the destruction caused by the discovery of the glass gargoyle, the last thing archeologist Taryn St. Giles needs is another elven artifact capable of obliterating the world. But her eccentric new patroness seems hell bent on finding exactly that. An unholy companion piece to the glass gargoyle, the obsidian chimera may be far worse, and it may be more than just an artifact. It also could prove deadly to anyone who finds it.
Struggling to unearth the connection between her overzealous patroness, an outbreak of zombie trolls, and an infestation of flying snakes, Taryn also stumbles upon proof that the elves are still alive. She’ll need all the help she can get from old friends and an old adversary who might be more than a friend, because the elves have changed in the thousand years they’ve been missing. Unfortunately, their murderous spells are not a thing of myth. They want the obsidian chimera back. And they won’t let anything, or anyone, stop them from reclaiming it—and the rest of Taryn’s world.
All of the above, and Taryn St. Giles just keeps digging.
After the destruction caused by the discovery of the glass gargoyle, the last thing archeologist Taryn St. Giles needs is another elven artifact capable of obliterating the world. But her eccentric new patroness seems hell bent on finding exactly that. An unholy companion piece to the glass gargoyle, the obsidian chimera may be far worse, and it may be more than just an artifact. It also could prove deadly to anyone who finds it.
Struggling to unearth the connection between her overzealous patroness, an outbreak of zombie trolls, and an infestation of flying snakes, Taryn also stumbles upon proof that the elves are still alive. She’ll need all the help she can get from old friends and an old adversary who might be more than a friend, because the elves have changed in the thousand years they’ve been missing. Unfortunately, their murderous spells are not a thing of myth. They want the obsidian chimera back. And they won’t let anything, or anyone, stop them from reclaiming it—and the rest of Taryn’s world.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2015
132 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Marie Andreas
51 books251 followersMarie is a fantasy and science fiction reader with a serious writing addiction, and a few awards to go with it. If she wasn't writing about all the people in her head, she'd be lurking about coffee shops annoying total strangers with her stories. So really, writing is a way of saving the masses. Her fantasy series, The Lost Ancients, starts with The Glass Gargoyle. The entire six book, Lost Ancient series is complete for binge time!
There is also a completed space opera trilogy, with Warrior Wench, Victorious Dead, and Defiant Ruin. Vas and her crew of mercs launched a new series with Traitor's Folly which is also now complete.
A Curious Invasion-- a steampunk-is out and has two more books out as well. Vampires, mermaids, pharaohs, and TEA!
Essence of Chaos is the first book in a completed epic fantasy trilogy.
The Girl with the Iron Wing is a thriller/Urban Fantasy, and the first book in the Broken Veils series. The trilogy is now completed.
A trio of sisters is represented facing their biggest challenges in the Magic & Sorcery Chronicles--a clean romantasy trilogy.
A new paranormal cozy mystery fantasy series launches with Mischief in a Bottle.
More new books, series, and adventures coming in 2026!
When not saving the masses from coffee shop shenanigans, Marie likes to visit the UK and keeps hoping someone will give her a nice summer home in the Forest of Dean or northern Wales.
To find out more about the books, and future series, please visit her website at www.marieandreas.com--especially if you happen to have a small cottage to give her.
There is also a completed space opera trilogy, with Warrior Wench, Victorious Dead, and Defiant Ruin. Vas and her crew of mercs launched a new series with Traitor's Folly which is also now complete.
A Curious Invasion-- a steampunk-is out and has two more books out as well. Vampires, mermaids, pharaohs, and TEA!
Essence of Chaos is the first book in a completed epic fantasy trilogy.
The Girl with the Iron Wing is a thriller/Urban Fantasy, and the first book in the Broken Veils series. The trilogy is now completed.
A trio of sisters is represented facing their biggest challenges in the Magic & Sorcery Chronicles--a clean romantasy trilogy.
A new paranormal cozy mystery fantasy series launches with Mischief in a Bottle.
More new books, series, and adventures coming in 2026!
When not saving the masses from coffee shop shenanigans, Marie likes to visit the UK and keeps hoping someone will give her a nice summer home in the Forest of Dean or northern Wales.
To find out more about the books, and future series, please visit her website at www.marieandreas.com--especially if you happen to have a small cottage to give her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 15, 2024
This is a fun read. There is lots of action, great characters and character interactions, multiple types of beings and some hilarious fairies.
There is a new love interest as well as the old. A few of the minor characters from the first book have larger roles.
After saving the town from the Glass Gargoyle the newest artifact that needs finding is the Glass Chimera and Taryn is the go-to archeologist of choice. Of course, nothing is that simple.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.
There is a new love interest as well as the old. A few of the minor characters from the first book have larger roles.
After saving the town from the Glass Gargoyle the newest artifact that needs finding is the Glass Chimera and Taryn is the go-to archeologist of choice. Of course, nothing is that simple.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.
June 5, 2020
I really enjoyed The Glass Gargoyle; it was great fun and had some interesting world building that I was hoping would be built on in future novels in the series. I wasn’t disappointed. As a whole, this also feels far more polished than the first book, with far tighter pacing, more even character development and denser world building. On top of that, it is still a fantastically entertaining read and our rampaging drunken fairies still have a part to play. This would have been a five star read, but we do still have our protagonist spending far too much time mooning after any pretty face that comes her way and I saw the shock reveal coming from a way off.
Ignoring Taryn’s minor obsession with her sex life, or lack thereof despite mooning after two leading males, I felt that this novel built well on the foundations laid previously. There is far more exploration of the Elven and Ancient cultures and other races are tied into this well. Some of the missing backstory of crucial characters is filled in, not least because some of the mysteries surrounding Alric are unravelled. There are still some questions left unanswered but the majority of loose ends are tied up by the final chapters. Most importantly, the extra insight allows for a deeper understanding of characters who were overlooked before.
All in all, I enjoyed this even more than the first novel in the series. It manages to keep the humour and the wit whilst vastly building on existing characters and civilisations. I particularly enjoyed the interactions with the fairies... who have moved on to bigger and better things than waging war with the local squirrels. They are somehow cute, hilarious and terrifying all in one very tiny bundle. The wit and humour is still here, so this is still a hugely entertaining read but is it s also a far deeper read that will suck you into the world and not let go til you’ve turned the last page.
Ignoring Taryn’s minor obsession with her sex life, or lack thereof despite mooning after two leading males, I felt that this novel built well on the foundations laid previously. There is far more exploration of the Elven and Ancient cultures and other races are tied into this well. Some of the missing backstory of crucial characters is filled in, not least because some of the mysteries surrounding Alric are unravelled. There are still some questions left unanswered but the majority of loose ends are tied up by the final chapters. Most importantly, the extra insight allows for a deeper understanding of characters who were overlooked before.
All in all, I enjoyed this even more than the first novel in the series. It manages to keep the humour and the wit whilst vastly building on existing characters and civilisations. I particularly enjoyed the interactions with the fairies... who have moved on to bigger and better things than waging war with the local squirrels. They are somehow cute, hilarious and terrifying all in one very tiny bundle. The wit and humour is still here, so this is still a hugely entertaining read but is it s also a far deeper read that will suck you into the world and not let go til you’ve turned the last page.
November 19, 2015
The second book in the series was as much fun as the first. Good pacing and those drunken fairies are quite fun. I am enjoying following Taryn along her journey in and out of trouble. Really looking forward to the next book!
June 8, 2017
Alric's back!
After the destruction caused by the battle over the glass gargoyle, Taryn and friends are recuperating in various ways. Nobody believes Taryn when she says Alric is still alive. They think she's lost it. Then in a fight with a troll at her favorite pub, a stinky old man whispers that he is Alric just before he is tossed out by the pub's bouncer, a half giant woman. Days later, that stinky old man (Alric in disguise) turns up on her couch, beaten and unconscious. Someone has stolen all Alric's magic and Taryn is in for a surprise when she sees what Alric has been hiding under all his disguises. Read the book to find out what. Same great supporting cast of characters as the first book, including her crazy drunken fairies. New bad guys on the hunt for the Obsidian Chimera. New interesting developments that aren't resolved at the end of book 2. On to book 3!
After the destruction caused by the battle over the glass gargoyle, Taryn and friends are recuperating in various ways. Nobody believes Taryn when she says Alric is still alive. They think she's lost it. Then in a fight with a troll at her favorite pub, a stinky old man whispers that he is Alric just before he is tossed out by the pub's bouncer, a half giant woman. Days later, that stinky old man (Alric in disguise) turns up on her couch, beaten and unconscious. Someone has stolen all Alric's magic and Taryn is in for a surprise when she sees what Alric has been hiding under all his disguises. Read the book to find out what. Same great supporting cast of characters as the first book, including her crazy drunken fairies. New bad guys on the hunt for the Obsidian Chimera. New interesting developments that aren't resolved at the end of book 2. On to book 3!
September 14, 2017
When I made it nearly halfway through this installment and decided I needed sleep, one of my last thoughts was that this series vaguely reminds me of a lighter version of Kim Harrison's the Hollows series. It's fast-paced, witty, has a strong heroine who may have bad tastes in men but it's certainly not a focus at all, and I absolutely *LOVE* that it is her own world with its own creatures and lore. Definitely recommend this series!
December 7, 2015
I loved the first one so much I bought this one and started reading it right away. The three little rabble rouser fairies get even funnier in this one. Looking forward to the next book.
May 14, 2017
The Obsidian Chimera
Taryn needs to believe far more in herself rather than grabbing the next pretty man to catch her fancy. I will keep reading this series in hopes of her waking.
Taryn needs to believe far more in herself rather than grabbing the next pretty man to catch her fancy. I will keep reading this series in hopes of her waking.
September 9, 2021
And the story takes off!
I loved the first book but it was clearly an introduction to the series: too many questions left unanswered.
Now we have some of those answers! And more questions too!
The story revolves around Taryn as usual and since she doesn't understand what's going on the majority of the time, so doesn't the reader.
There are many things I loved in this book. The fairies are always at the top of my favorites list because really... They just are. Aside from them being comical (I mean, cat racing?) there are also a few revelations about them that I wasn't expecting. I still want more. I know more is coming! Like, for example, I'm wondering if they have something like a hive mind. There is a mention of something like "they couldn't understand why their thoughts weren't in her mind too". Like, they are not explaining things because they already know them, so if the "things" are clear on their mind why doesn't Taryn have the same thoughts? I'm probably reaching but it would be fascinating!
Alric is back! I was happy when some of the mystery regarding him was revealed even though I knew some of it. Not all though! I could do with less pathological lying, as Taryn put it. I understand the need to be cautious but it was frustrating! And if he leaves this time, I'm going after him with a whip!
About the story there are some things I'll whine a liiiiittle bit about. First, what's with Taryn and her falling for every pretty face under the sun? I don't mean falling in love but she meets attractive guys and bam, she starts dreaming.
Second, she's terrible at putting the pieces together: the evidence is there, glaring at her and basically shouting "see me!" and, either she doesn't or she chooses to ignore it or not saying anything about it until the last possible moment.
Third, chaotic is fine, but she's maybe a little too chaotic.
There, I said it. Rant over.
Taryn is a fascinating character with a mysterious background. We finally learn some of that in this book and it had my internal alarm go off like crazy even before that little bit at the end. I need more!
There is more world building too with some details and expansion on what we already knew. It appears there is a whole new faction (or three) to consider!
Some threads and characters are left hanging as it's expected from the second book in a series. And of course this just means I want the third one. I want more Taryn, more Alric, more fairies, more background, more revelations! And I really hope on more engaging villains because I really liked the ones from this first two books. Granted, I saw them coming from the beginning but I don't think I wasn't meant to. It made for a more entertaining reading!
I loved the first book but it was clearly an introduction to the series: too many questions left unanswered.
Now we have some of those answers! And more questions too!
The story revolves around Taryn as usual and since she doesn't understand what's going on the majority of the time, so doesn't the reader.
There are many things I loved in this book. The fairies are always at the top of my favorites list because really... They just are. Aside from them being comical (I mean, cat racing?) there are also a few revelations about them that I wasn't expecting. I still want more. I know more is coming! Like, for example, I'm wondering if they have something like a hive mind. There is a mention of something like "they couldn't understand why their thoughts weren't in her mind too". Like, they are not explaining things because they already know them, so if the "things" are clear on their mind why doesn't Taryn have the same thoughts? I'm probably reaching but it would be fascinating!
Alric is back! I was happy when some of the mystery regarding him was revealed even though I knew some of it. Not all though! I could do with less pathological lying, as Taryn put it. I understand the need to be cautious but it was frustrating! And if he leaves this time, I'm going after him with a whip!
About the story there are some things I'll whine a liiiiittle bit about. First, what's with Taryn and her falling for every pretty face under the sun? I don't mean falling in love but she meets attractive guys and bam, she starts dreaming.
Second, she's terrible at putting the pieces together: the evidence is there, glaring at her and basically shouting "see me!" and, either she doesn't or she chooses to ignore it or not saying anything about it until the last possible moment.
Third, chaotic is fine, but she's maybe a little too chaotic.
There, I said it. Rant over.
Taryn is a fascinating character with a mysterious background. We finally learn some of that in this book and it had my internal alarm go off like crazy even before that little bit at the end. I need more!
There is more world building too with some details and expansion on what we already knew. It appears there is a whole new faction (or three) to consider!
Some threads and characters are left hanging as it's expected from the second book in a series. And of course this just means I want the third one. I want more Taryn, more Alric, more fairies, more background, more revelations! And I really hope on more engaging villains because I really liked the ones from this first two books. Granted, I saw them coming from the beginning but I don't think I wasn't meant to. It made for a more entertaining reading!
January 10, 2023
This picks up 3 months after The Glass Gargoyle. It would help to have read that book to understand the background for this one. Just like the last book, there is a lot in this one. Alric disappeared for 3 months, but now he’s back and someone stole his magic. Taryn doesn’t trust him because he kissed and ran, and took the glass gargoyle from her, at the end of the last book. Taryn is sometimes a little frustrating, because she is so suspicious of Alric, albeit with good reason, but she doesn’t hold any other possible love interest to the same standard. Again in this book, there is a good-looking, smooth-talking guy who seems too good to be true, and I feel like Taryn should be smarter than that. It’s not hard to figure out who the bad guys are, and since the reader sees everything from Taryn’s point of view, it seems like she couldn’t possibly be that naive. Just like in the last book, they’re in a race to find another relic -this time an obsidian chimera - that could cause world destruction,. There are a lot of characters with a full plot, but the story is interesting, even if sometimes is seems like there might too much going on. Some more hints are given that Taryn is much more than she knows; her past isn’t clear to her and she has some abilities that she shouldn’t. This book’s story is complete, but some unanswered questions, especially revolving around Taryn, remain at the end of the novel to make you want to continue reading the series.
September 20, 2019
I haave to say, this second book is just as good as the first one!
Some secrets are revealled and some new mysteries are added. Perfecly balanced to keep the reader engaged in the story and get entertained.
The only thing that keeps me from giving 5 stars are how Taryn get really dump every time she see a handsome face. She forgets all the wierd coincidences juste because she wants to lure him in her bedroom or a relationship. She sounds so desesperate it's annoying.
I can't wait to start the next one!
For the end
Some secrets are revealled and some new mysteries are added. Perfecly balanced to keep the reader engaged in the story and get entertained.
The only thing that keeps me from giving 5 stars are how Taryn get really dump every time she see a handsome face. She forgets all the wierd coincidences juste because she wants to lure him in her bedroom or a relationship. She sounds so desesperate it's annoying.
I can't wait to start the next one!
For the end
June 20, 2022
I'm a little on the fence about this series. I really want to know what Taryn is and I'll keep reading the series, but I am finding they drag out and I'm not super engaged in the world of the books. Alric was a little more understandable in this book than the last, still an occasional jerk, but normally with some clear reasoning behind the behaviour.
My favourite part about the series is the bad guys. This book had a freaky necromancer whose life sucking evilness was creepy as heck. The Chimera also sounded horrifying, but there were a few cute and redeeming characters in the story that helped balance out the evilness.
My favourite part about the series is the bad guys. This book had a freaky necromancer whose life sucking evilness was creepy as heck. The Chimera also sounded horrifying, but there were a few cute and redeeming characters in the story that helped balance out the evilness.
January 14, 2022
Loads of fun to read!
Trouble seems to follow Taryn around. Oh, and her bad taste in men! Hilarious.
There seems to be a lot about her life she didn’t question until meeting Alric and it seems there’s a lot more going on with her than she thought.
So many twists, turns, magic and adventure. I really like the archaeological side and how those ancient mysteries have bearing on Taryn personally.
I can’t wait to read the next thrilling adventure – especially with her cat racing, sugar addicted, perpetually drunk, faery wards whizzing around.
Trouble seems to follow Taryn around. Oh, and her bad taste in men! Hilarious.
There seems to be a lot about her life she didn’t question until meeting Alric and it seems there’s a lot more going on with her than she thought.
So many twists, turns, magic and adventure. I really like the archaeological side and how those ancient mysteries have bearing on Taryn personally.
I can’t wait to read the next thrilling adventure – especially with her cat racing, sugar addicted, perpetually drunk, faery wards whizzing around.
May 18, 2019
I have given this book a 4 star, but I wish I could give it slightly less than 4, as it wasn't quite as good as the one before. There was nothing really wrong with it, but, while the first one was fresh and unique, this one felt a bit like the first one. I'm getting nervous about the thought of 4 more books in the series, as I can imagine being bored with it all by then. Do I stop now or keep ploughing through? Tough decision...
June 30, 2025
This book was just as much fun as the first! I love the humor, the characters, and the creatures in this world. I do wish there was more spice, but I enjoy Taryn and her chaotic life. The world building is good here, but I was left with more questions, albeit new ones, than I got answered. I can't wait for the next book!
I recommend to fantasy fans, but start with the first book, it's set's things up really well.
I recommend to fantasy fans, but start with the first book, it's set's things up really well.
April 1, 2019
As with the first book in the series, amusing and well crafted urban-ish fantasy. But another book of the protagonist having no idea what's going on is beginning to grate a little, and this isn't a complete plot arc in and of itself. More than good enough to want to read the next one, but I want a bit of widening of the narrative scope and tightening of the plotting in book 3.
September 17, 2024
Taryn is starting to annoy me with her pick of men, her lack of knowing anything, and how she refuses to figure out what in the hell is going on with her. If she displayed only one of these things, or maybe even two, I would be okay. I really need to love the character and that just isn't happening.
August 14, 2017
This is a fun series to read, in part because of the fairies and Taryn's sense of humor and reactions to things. There are several returning characters and several new ones that aim to keep things interesting. If you liked the first book of the series you will enjoy this one as well.
February 12, 2019
Drunk fairies, elves, good and black magic, what's not to love.
This sequel keeps you guessing, what's going to happen next, who are the good guys, who are bad and who are the dupes? Is Beccia in petrol again?
This sequel keeps you guessing, what's going to happen next, who are the good guys, who are bad and who are the dupes? Is Beccia in petrol again?
March 13, 2019
Fast moving and at times confusing due to sudden and chaotic events. A great story. Needs stronger editing, better punctuation and work on structure. At times I felt the plot barely hung together. Nevertheless, I look forward to the next book in the series
May 14, 2017
Great read
Good fun plots and great characters. Lots of unexpected twists to the storyline to keep you guessing. Cant wait for the next book.
Good fun plots and great characters. Lots of unexpected twists to the storyline to keep you guessing. Cant wait for the next book.
May 15, 2017
I liked it a lot. I really like all the characters. I have to say the fairies are wonderful. It is the same as first one in that it is well written and fun
May 23, 2017
Drop back
Same old, same old. Quite disappointed as this adds nothing new to the story. The ending indicates the next book will be the same thing.
Same old, same old. Quite disappointed as this adds nothing new to the story. The ending indicates the next book will be the same thing.
June 2, 2017
Book 2 - Captivating mystery/must save the world story set in a fantasy world.
June 15, 2017
Excellent
This book is as good as the first one. Who are the Ancients? What are the evil ones up too? Great mysteries and suspense! If you like fantasy books this series is for you.
This book is as good as the first one. Who are the Ancients? What are the evil ones up too? Great mysteries and suspense! If you like fantasy books this series is for you.
July 9, 2017
Over Too Soon
Great book, enthralling story. Over before I had my questions answered, which means on to book three. What is Taryn??
Great book, enthralling story. Over before I had my questions answered, which means on to book three. What is Taryn??
July 14, 2017
There are very few series that I can Inge read, and this is one of them. I could not get enough of the story. And the fact that it has a bit of romance worked in it makes it better.
August 31, 2017
Even better than the first book! Now on to The Emerald Dragon!
January 24, 2019
Very enjoyable.
June 27, 2019
Good follow up
Easy fun to read sequel!
I liked that it expanded what it started from the first book and gave clues about how it all might come together.
Easy fun to read sequel!
I liked that it expanded what it started from the first book and gave clues about how it all might come together.
January 4, 2021
I got bored around 30%, gave up and found something more interesting to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews