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The Lost Ancients #3
The Emerald Dragon
All shook up and nowhere to go.After surviving two previous encounters with ancient relics of mayhem and destruction plus saving her friends and her whole damn city, archaeologist Taryn St. Giles thinks she deserves a beer and a break.Then her world starts to tear itself apart, literally.Earthquakes are unheard of in quiet, sleepy Beccia, but sadly, doomsdays are not, and Taryn is getting uncomfortably familiar with both when she discovers the existence of more pieces of the dangerous relics. With old friends and even older enemies -- and friends who might be enemies after all -- Taryn races against bloodthirsty relic hunters and nightmarish monsters to find a legendary creature carved from a single, giant gemstone.The upheaval rattles her team, tears apart her city, and unleashes a creature that should have stayed dead and buried. And that wants Taryn's blood. Now she'll unearth her biggest adventure yet.Assuming she survives... THE EMERALD DRAGON.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2016
92 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Marie Andreas
50 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 34 reviews
July 16, 2024
After Taryn, Alric and their friends defeated Glorinal in the last book, thinks seemed be looking up for all. But of course, they weren’t. Alric disappears, Taryn’s magic is iffy, and there are artifact thieves around.
Being forced to travel to a new town there are many things happening. A fair amount of action, again a bit of mystery. New and old characters.
The fairies are going strong, not as drunk but still fearsome and funny.
A cliffhanger ending means I’ll be reading the next book right away.
So far this is an enjoyable series.
Being forced to travel to a new town there are many things happening. A fair amount of action, again a bit of mystery. New and old characters.
The fairies are going strong, not as drunk but still fearsome and funny.
A cliffhanger ending means I’ll be reading the next book right away.
So far this is an enjoyable series.
June 10, 2020
This is one of those novels that I'm rather conflicted by; on the one hand, I enjoyed it - the characters are strong and whilst I'd have loved to see rather more of our little faerie friends, I liked how the action took place outside of the usual haunting grounds of the Beccia elven ruins. Also on the plus side, Taryn's moping around after various male figures is somewhat reduced throughout much of this novel, although oh boy does it come back in spades towards the end. That's a pity in and of itself, as Taryn was just starting to be built up as a strong female character in and of herself, without needing to hang on every word of a handsome man, which was a welcome and needed change. Then you get that sudden reversal and she's back to the 'I love him, I love him not' game, which was tiresome in primary school.
Where this novel fell down more though was on the narrative side, as whilst the last book certainly had a really strong overall narrative to carry it through, this felt more like the characters were bumbling along from one near miss to another until something went seriously wrong. The Emerald Dragon of the title plays very little part really until the last third of the novel, and the events throughout the book seem to be a build up for the final action filled sequence and sudden cliffhanger. And whilst much of the action occurs outside of Beccia, we didn't really get to see a whole lot of the outside world. I enjoyed it, but it didn't grip me in the way I would have wanted.
The climax of the novel is perhaps the strongest part here, to the point that I can't help but wonder if much of the prior travelling and build up could have been cut down to make way for more detail here and perhaps less of a cliffhanger finish. There is a whole new town to be explored and yet you see precious little of it or its inhabitants before the big showdown finale. I am certainly interested in where this is going next, as both Taryn and Alric may have found themselves in deeper trouble than they can get out of this time. It's perhaps rather mean of me to hope that only one of them comes out of it alive, but it would resolve the love me-love me not issues in an admittedly brutal fashion once and for all.
Where this novel fell down more though was on the narrative side, as whilst the last book certainly had a really strong overall narrative to carry it through, this felt more like the characters were bumbling along from one near miss to another until something went seriously wrong. The Emerald Dragon of the title plays very little part really until the last third of the novel, and the events throughout the book seem to be a build up for the final action filled sequence and sudden cliffhanger. And whilst much of the action occurs outside of Beccia, we didn't really get to see a whole lot of the outside world. I enjoyed it, but it didn't grip me in the way I would have wanted.
The climax of the novel is perhaps the strongest part here, to the point that I can't help but wonder if much of the prior travelling and build up could have been cut down to make way for more detail here and perhaps less of a cliffhanger finish. There is a whole new town to be explored and yet you see precious little of it or its inhabitants before the big showdown finale. I am certainly interested in where this is going next, as both Taryn and Alric may have found themselves in deeper trouble than they can get out of this time. It's perhaps rather mean of me to hope that only one of them comes out of it alive, but it would resolve the love me-love me not issues in an admittedly brutal fashion once and for all.
October 2, 2016
I've enjoyed the romp less and less.
This addition was packed full of silliness. I don't enjoy new, mythical, impossible events/races just appearing. The plot was convoluted and the heroine didn't grow like I wish she would. Maybe I've just binged too much on this series or wasn't in the mood for the bumbling along into heroes humor.
The cliffhanger ending will get me to read the next one though.
This addition was packed full of silliness. I don't enjoy new, mythical, impossible events/races just appearing. The plot was convoluted and the heroine didn't grow like I wish she would. Maybe I've just binged too much on this series or wasn't in the mood for the bumbling along into heroes humor.
The cliffhanger ending will get me to read the next one though.
June 17, 2017
Great book
This is the third in a series of four books. It was just as good if not better than the other two. I'm hooked on this series and this author! Definitely a series worth reading. You will love these books!
This is the third in a series of four books. It was just as good if not better than the other two. I'm hooked on this series and this author! Definitely a series worth reading. You will love these books!
July 12, 2017
Goodness
Goodness as is so good but also, oh my goodness. That ending was crazy awesome and dang it, what is Tayrn? Driving me crazy but keeping me captivated.
Goodness as is so good but also, oh my goodness. That ending was crazy awesome and dang it, what is Tayrn? Driving me crazy but keeping me captivated.
January 10, 2023
Following the showdown with Glorinal in the last book, Taryn hopes that the evil elf she used to date was killed in the mine collapse. Explosions are rocking the town though, and she and her friends are embroiled in another mystery, because it looks like maybe Glorinal got away, rescued by beings as awful as he was. Then Alric, the elf who has been her love interest or adversary (Taryn can’t decide which) since the beginning of the series, goes missing. Taryn, her friends, and the fairies wind up on a trek with some thieves. The thieves are looking for artifacts; Taryn’s group is trying to unravel the mysterious happenings and find Alric. Add in a new elf, this one female, some new creatures, and travel away from their town, and this book departs a bit from the formula of the first two. I wish the books had some more description of the characters. Descriptions are shallow. I think I know better what one of the new creatures looks like than Taryn or her best friend. I was disappointed that this book ends in a cliffhanger, since the other two did not. I will keep reading the series, but I hope it’s not how the rest of the books in the series will end. In all, this is an interesting fantasy world and I’m looking forward to some answers, especially about Taryn, since this book didn’t really move forward on the story of her past.
September 22, 2021
This book succeeded in making me dislike Alric. I understand his reasons and I understand that he's a member of a very secluded race, he's a scout and a thief, he worked alone for forever and his focus is on protecting his people. But he's a serial liar, he's too secretive, he doesn't care if he uses people to further his agenda and he doesn't care if he breaks their heart. Or rather, he cares but he does it anyway and thinks "l will make up for it later".
Up to this point Taryn is alone in her feelings for him or, at least, I don't see Alric reciprocate on the page. So I was happy to have Taryn alone for most of the book even though I felt she went around and around without really accomplishing anything.
The big mystery is who and what she is (although I have a good guess on that) and the author is keeping that under wrap.
The ending was worth all the book as it opened the way for further development. I just hope Alric will get a bit more depth now that he's with his kind so that I can like him again!
Up to this point Taryn is alone in her feelings for him or, at least, I don't see Alric reciprocate on the page. So I was happy to have Taryn alone for most of the book even though I felt she went around and around without really accomplishing anything.
The big mystery is who and what she is (although I have a good guess on that) and the author is keeping that under wrap.
The ending was worth all the book as it opened the way for further development. I just hope Alric will get a bit more depth now that he's with his kind so that I can like him again!
September 21, 2019
It's funny how, when I read the first volume I found little things annoying and in the second volume those things where gone. New annoying things were added thought, but in the third, they were gone too!
It seems Marie Andreas was able to make her stories better and better every time! This time it was perfect. I enjoyed the story and how she made the characters go on a adventure organically. I am happy to see more of the world. I was getting tired of Beccia and how the artefacts were always around Tyran. Now it feels more genuine and interesting. I can't wait to start on the 4th book!
It seems Marie Andreas was able to make her stories better and better every time! This time it was perfect. I enjoyed the story and how she made the characters go on a adventure organically. I am happy to see more of the world. I was getting tired of Beccia and how the artefacts were always around Tyran. Now it feels more genuine and interesting. I can't wait to start on the 4th book!
May 25, 2017
Finally they got out of the eleven ruins and had a really good adventure
Story was fast paced and lots of action, like that there is now an eleven female, please up her fighting game, too passive and scares to easily. Alaric needs to stop with all the secrecy and hidden agendas. Do you really need Harlan and convey, they don't really seem necessary. Can hardly wait for the next adventure.
Story was fast paced and lots of action, like that there is now an eleven female, please up her fighting game, too passive and scares to easily. Alaric needs to stop with all the secrecy and hidden agendas. Do you really need Harlan and convey, they don't really seem necessary. Can hardly wait for the next adventure.
August 17, 2017
Taryn...meh
I dislike Taryn the more I read about her, to the point where I doubt I'll read the next book. All of the angsty introspection about Alric, the feeble protests that she's finished with him, right before she makes excuses for him and says she loves him..... sound familiar? Classic victim behaviour. I was looking forward to a truly strong female character, but I'm left with an abuse victim who actively pursues even worse treatment under the guise of "love ".
I dislike Taryn the more I read about her, to the point where I doubt I'll read the next book. All of the angsty introspection about Alric, the feeble protests that she's finished with him, right before she makes excuses for him and says she loves him..... sound familiar? Classic victim behaviour. I was looking forward to a truly strong female character, but I'm left with an abuse victim who actively pursues even worse treatment under the guise of "love ".
January 17, 2022
So much fun to read!
Taryn can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Perhaps that’s why she has her own faeries. LOL.
The mystery of her powers, who is after the artefacts, who is trying to kill Alric (except everyone he meets), and the Elves and Ancients deepen even more.
And now even tea makes the faeries hyperactive…!
I can’t wait to read what happens next.
Taryn can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Perhaps that’s why she has her own faeries. LOL.
The mystery of her powers, who is after the artefacts, who is trying to kill Alric (except everyone he meets), and the Elves and Ancients deepen even more.
And now even tea makes the faeries hyperactive…!
I can’t wait to read what happens next.
July 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this, same humor and great characters. The story itself is full of interesting magical creatures and quite a bit of lore. I am looking forward to a change of scenery, and make some progress on the larger story, I'm ready for Taryn or Alric to own this and work together.
I'm looking forward to other books in this series, but I recommend starting at the beginning.
I'm looking forward to other books in this series, but I recommend starting at the beginning.
April 28, 2021
Things are never easy or peaceful for Taryn and they just seem to get progressively worse. There are new characters, evil renditions of one, and a few imposters. The action is non-stop. It ends on a cliffhanger so I am off to download the next one.
January 6, 2017
This is the third installment in the The Lost Ancients series, a planned six-book series. In this book, we pick up just a few weeks after the second book ended, and we find ourselves faced with a whole new set of baddies and more mysteries.
I enjoyed this book far more than the second, although I still have far more questions than answers. We're now halfway through the series and I would have thought that some of these mysteries might be resolved a little bit, but we just keep piling more on. The main plot line is somewhat resolved (although it's a little unclear), but I'd really like some answers at this point.
What the hell is Taryn?!?
What does she even look like?
What is this mysterious background of hers?
What did Glorian and Jovan mean when they said what they did about her? Master? Concubine?
What happened to the Darks?
What happened to the Ancients?
What happened to the Elves?
What is going on with the fairies and these BOOMS?
Why are the BOOMS happening?
Where did the additional constructs come from?
Why are all these freaking elves popping up all of a sudden?
Who are the ancients?
What the heck is going on in Kenithworth?
Why the heck is Taryn not exploring her abilities every freaking second of every day like a normal person?!?!
***and so many more that I can't say because of spoilers***
There's plenty of action, adventure and comedic entertainment (particularly in the form of fairies) to make this book a terrific addition to the series. I would have loved to have gotten to some answers to some questions that were raised back in the first two books though (nevermind the new questions formed in this one).
The endless supply of questions is enough to make me insane. It's just... too much. I don't know who the bad guys are... or even if they're defined. It changes in every book, but there's too much ambiguity. The author's writing is wonderful and the characters fun and memorable, but I'm starting to think that these books are in serious need of a content editor and a really tight outline to close out some of these open plot lines.
Overall, I'd recommend the series simply because I find the fairies entertaining, but at this point... I wish I would have waited until the series was finished before picking it up. No matter what though... seriously beautiful covers. I had to go Google the artist because I liked them that much.
This review was originally posted on The Novel Lady.
I enjoyed this book far more than the second, although I still have far more questions than answers. We're now halfway through the series and I would have thought that some of these mysteries might be resolved a little bit, but we just keep piling more on. The main plot line is somewhat resolved (although it's a little unclear), but I'd really like some answers at this point.
What the hell is Taryn?!?
What does she even look like?
What is this mysterious background of hers?
What did Glorian and Jovan mean when they said what they did about her? Master? Concubine?
What happened to the Darks?
What happened to the Ancients?
What happened to the Elves?
What is going on with the fairies and these BOOMS?
Why are the BOOMS happening?
Where did the additional constructs come from?
Why are all these freaking elves popping up all of a sudden?
Who are the ancients?
What the heck is going on in Kenithworth?
Why the heck is Taryn not exploring her abilities every freaking second of every day like a normal person?!?!
***and so many more that I can't say because of spoilers***
There's plenty of action, adventure and comedic entertainment (particularly in the form of fairies) to make this book a terrific addition to the series. I would have loved to have gotten to some answers to some questions that were raised back in the first two books though (nevermind the new questions formed in this one).
The endless supply of questions is enough to make me insane. It's just... too much. I don't know who the bad guys are... or even if they're defined. It changes in every book, but there's too much ambiguity. The author's writing is wonderful and the characters fun and memorable, but I'm starting to think that these books are in serious need of a content editor and a really tight outline to close out some of these open plot lines.
Overall, I'd recommend the series simply because I find the fairies entertaining, but at this point... I wish I would have waited until the series was finished before picking it up. No matter what though... seriously beautiful covers. I had to go Google the artist because I liked them that much.
This review was originally posted on The Novel Lady.
July 4, 2017
I still like the series but I'm unfortunately finding each progressive book a little less fascinating than the previous one.
August 31, 2017
I'm well and truly hooked :-)
September 15, 2017
Each installment gets more and more exciting! I love reading how the mystery continues to unfold and expand and how each character continues to develop! Can't wait to start the next!
October 28, 2017
This series never ceases to amaze me. I enjoyed it immensely! I have no words to describe how much I enjoyed it. 😊
April 7, 2018
Loved it
A great continuation to a great series. The characters and storyline are developing nicely and the action is keeping pace.
A great continuation to a great series. The characters and storyline are developing nicely and the action is keeping pace.
March 15, 2019
Getting really interesting and more fantastical. Can’t wait to read the Sapphire Manticore
May 6, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters, immediately looked for and read more from this great author!
July 6, 2023
Wow, what a great addition to the series.
The characters are fantastic. The world building is superb. The plot is twisty. I can't wait to read the next book.
The characters are fantastic. The world building is superb. The plot is twisty. I can't wait to read the next book.
July 11, 2024
A partial change of location but otherwise more of the same. New races, same style of danger, less digging things up this time.
.
.
September 18, 2024
2.5 stars
I actually got bored and for a moment forgot what was going on.
I actually got bored and for a moment forgot what was going on.
July 26, 2025
Another good read
Yet again another well spun story of elves, fairies, magic and archaeology. I look forward to reading more. I hope book 4 is as good.
Yet again another well spun story of elves, fairies, magic and archaeology. I look forward to reading more. I hope book 4 is as good.
April 20, 2020
I am really enjoying this series and this entry is funny, scary and well written to boot. I adore her three faeries and their antics and ability to save the day (or hour). Read on I say!!!!!!!!
I'm now in volume 5 and am suitably inpressed by the whole series.
I'm now in volume 5 and am suitably inpressed by the whole series.
November 11, 2016
Up all night reader
This was a fascinating story . It will keep you on your toes so pay attention . The lead girl has quite a busy life and her man is funny . I would recommend this book to all who love constant who done it and action . Loved this series and hope it continues .
This was a fascinating story . It will keep you on your toes so pay attention . The lead girl has quite a busy life and her man is funny . I would recommend this book to all who love constant who done it and action . Loved this series and hope it continues .
December 27, 2016
Even more fairy antics
The fairies are hilarious, worth reading just for them. You probably should read these books in order. The trouble Taryn finds herself in just keeps going from bad to worse. Can't wait for the next one.
The fairies are hilarious, worth reading just for them. You probably should read these books in order. The trouble Taryn finds herself in just keeps going from bad to worse. Can't wait for the next one.
January 8, 2017
Series keeps geting better
I think this volume worked so well because there were fewer subplots and the action is more focused. Do be aware, that like the previous books, there is a sort of closure and then a cliffhanger. I hope the next volume won't be too long.
I think this volume worked so well because there were fewer subplots and the action is more focused. Do be aware, that like the previous books, there is a sort of closure and then a cliffhanger. I hope the next volume won't be too long.
August 25, 2016
Sorry, I still want to slap Taryn. The faeries, Harlan, and Covey continue to be awesome. Although KU permitted me to read the book now, I plan to buy it in the future. I really, really need book #4.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews