What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lost Ancients #4
The Sapphire Manticore
Winner of the RT Book Reviewers' Choice- Fantasy AdventureMurderous magic, vanished races, killer relics, and drunken faeries--who knew the end of the world would look like this? Taryn St. Giles thought she knew all about elves. She dreamed of the long-vanished elves as a child and has spent the past fifteen years digging through their abandoned ruins in Beccia. Six months ago, Taryn found out everything she thought she knew about the elves was wrong.Two weeks ago she found out how very wrong she'd been.Taryn and Alric have been captured to answer for crimes against a long-lost people. Crimes that could bring down an entire kingdom and revolve around a small, glass gargoyle. Part of a weapon that destroyed an extremely powerful race, now only known as the Ancients, it, and its fellow pieces are deadly to any who have them. Knowledge of the relics found by Taryn and Alric have spread far. Dangerous bands of long dead creatures, ghosts, and nightmares out of myths are waking up and hunting for the relics.And Taryn.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2017
97 people are currently reading
110 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 18, 2024
Taryn and friends are travelling to Alrik’s home as he is arrested for treason with Taryn being brought along as a person of interest.
There is danger in every step, making it an exciting journey. And things don’t get any easier as they get closer to their goal.
There is a lot of action, new and old friends, new and old danger, more mystery about Taryn’s abilities and lots of drunken fairies.
This series gets better as it goes along. Looking forward to the next book
There is danger in every step, making it an exciting journey. And things don’t get any easier as they get closer to their goal.
There is a lot of action, new and old friends, new and old danger, more mystery about Taryn’s abilities and lots of drunken fairies.
This series gets better as it goes along. Looking forward to the next book
September 15, 2017
Each book is better than the last! I really am interested in what Taryn really is and who the last descendant(s) of the Elven line they thought was gone is! I have been loving how each relic adds another piece of the puzzle into the weapon's capabilities and meeting all of the new characters. Can't wait to see how all of the given groups' tasks turn out in the next book!
Read
January 10, 2023Taryn and Alric find themselves on their way to the elven enclave, Alric (charged with treason) as a prisoner of the elven knights and Taryn as a “guest.” Danger follows, and they are soon joined by their allies, including the faeries. The newest relic that needs to be discovered is a sapphire manticore. There are adventures on the way to the elves, and the intrigue doesn’t end when they reach the enclave. It’s hard for Taryn to know who to trust. As an archaeologist, she’s fascinated to see in person things that she only saw in old dig sites, but the elves are not quite what she expected. There is a lot more history of the elves that is divulged in this installment. Although there are too many people around for there to be much private interaction between Taryn and Alric, sometimes actions speak louder than words and it’s clear how much she means to him, even though her trust is often shaken. More is revealed about the “bad guys” behind the bad things that have been happening in this series. It seems that Taryn isn’t the one that is part of the prophecies in the scrolls, but it is clear that there is more to Taryn than just being a common digger, even if she is not sure what that is. Thankfully, this book doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, but everything is set up for the next adventure. I think this book has been the best of the series so far. My only complaint is that there is so much action that the characters don’t have much downtime to have many interpersonal interactions. If you haven’t read the first three books in the series, I would recommend doing so. There’s so much backstory and so many different species of beings, I think it would help make this book more enjoyable than just picking up the series at this point.
September 28, 2021
Definitely my favorite, along with the first book.
The change from Beccia to *that* other city was good, the story was full of action, mysteries, new characters, new friends, new foes.
Of course Taryn still remains a mystery, why can she do some things? Who is she? What is she?
The one thing I'm not sold on, is the romance between Taryn and Alric. I don't know... the author writes about it, but I just can't feel it. It's too on the surface, not deep enough for me. Let's see if I change my mind with the last two books!
The change from Beccia to *that* other city was good, the story was full of action, mysteries, new characters, new friends, new foes.
Of course Taryn still remains a mystery, why can she do some things? Who is she? What is she?
The one thing I'm not sold on, is the romance between Taryn and Alric. I don't know... the author writes about it, but I just can't feel it. It's too on the surface, not deep enough for me. Let's see if I change my mind with the last two books!
June 25, 2017
Great Series
Dang, but Marie Andreas writes a good story. Have now worked my way through one series and started the other, and am waiting for the next volume in each. Fast action, a charming and self- deprecating heroine, drunken faeries and a disappearing sword. I love these novels and wish she would write faster! And don't miss Warrior Wench while you wait for the Golden Basilisk.
Dang, but Marie Andreas writes a good story. Have now worked my way through one series and started the other, and am waiting for the next volume in each. Fast action, a charming and self- deprecating heroine, drunken faeries and a disappearing sword. I love these novels and wish she would write faster! And don't miss Warrior Wench while you wait for the Golden Basilisk.
September 23, 2019
Well, I will make this review short and sweet.
Since you are here, it means you already read the 3 firsts and you know this series is worth your time. This 4th book will show you even more aventure while exploring Alric' enclave.
Yes this series has a beautiful world and fascinating creature to discover. It has it's strong point and some flaws, but they are not impairing the story.
Since you read so far, I think you should continue on! Don't forget the mischiefing flying little drunkard!
Since you are here, it means you already read the 3 firsts and you know this series is worth your time. This 4th book will show you even more aventure while exploring Alric' enclave.
Yes this series has a beautiful world and fascinating creature to discover. It has it's strong point and some flaws, but they are not impairing the story.
Since you read so far, I think you should continue on! Don't forget the mischiefing flying little drunkard!
September 22, 2025
I enjoyed this! The fresh story, new characters, and new scenery were all welcome changes of pace. A lot of backstory was revealed, and slowly things are coming together. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. My only real complaint is I wish Taryn was more capable..and I'd like to see more spice.
I recommend to fans of the series, as well as fans of fantasy - particular those that prefer humor with limited spice.
I recommend to fans of the series, as well as fans of fantasy - particular those that prefer humor with limited spice.
June 17, 2017
Great book!
Another awesome book in this series. This author, Marie Andreas is now among my favorites! This is a very exciting, suspenseful fantasy story. I recommend this series as one of the best fantasy series I've read! I'm sure you will love this series as much as I do. I can't wait for the fifth book that's coming out at the end of 2017.
Another awesome book in this series. This author, Marie Andreas is now among my favorites! This is a very exciting, suspenseful fantasy story. I recommend this series as one of the best fantasy series I've read! I'm sure you will love this series as much as I do. I can't wait for the fifth book that's coming out at the end of 2017.
January 17, 2022
Conspiracies, assassinations, explosions, secret passageways, and secrets revealed – awesome!
So much fun to read.
Taryn’s magic becomes stronger even as that of the faeries do. Prophecies and myths clash and some come to pass.
A thrilling adventure. And the faeries stay my favourite.
Can’t wait to read the next book.
So much fun to read.
Taryn’s magic becomes stronger even as that of the faeries do. Prophecies and myths clash and some come to pass.
A thrilling adventure. And the faeries stay my favourite.
Can’t wait to read the next book.
December 1, 2023
Enjoyable story
I admit that when I first started reading this series that it was a bit overwhelming with a lot of various fantasy creatures popping up. This book brought a lot of things together and answered questions that had been left unanswered in the previous books. Now I am glad that I kept reading and can't wait to read the next in the series.
I admit that when I first started reading this series that it was a bit overwhelming with a lot of various fantasy creatures popping up. This book brought a lot of things together and answered questions that had been left unanswered in the previous books. Now I am glad that I kept reading and can't wait to read the next in the series.
June 1, 2017
Engaging fantasy
The Lost Ancients series is a ton of fun with lots of action. The fairies are delightful as well as the main characters. Each book kept my attention throughout. Looking forward to the 5th book!
The Lost Ancients series is a ton of fun with lots of action. The fairies are delightful as well as the main characters. Each book kept my attention throughout. Looking forward to the 5th book!
July 17, 2017
Great series...
So far I've loved these books. I'm still wondering what Taryn is. For some reason I think she may be the last living Ancient as she can not remember her past. Looking forward to the next book.
So far I've loved these books. I'm still wondering what Taryn is. For some reason I think she may be the last living Ancient as she can not remember her past. Looking forward to the next book.
August 7, 2017
A conspiracy is revealed
This is a wonderful world most like Robin hood days if you add in some fairies and elves hidden from humans but known about and thought dead. Evil is lurking trying to take over the world after failing last time. Can't wait for next book to be released.
This is a wonderful world most like Robin hood days if you add in some fairies and elves hidden from humans but known about and thought dead. Evil is lurking trying to take over the world after failing last time. Can't wait for next book to be released.
October 28, 2017
Talk about not being able to put down a book. Taryn and Alric are such a cool couple. And who is really the bad guy? Why do I have to wait so long for the next one to be released?!?! Please Ms Andreas, HURRY!!
July 29, 2025
I definitely love fairies
Book 4 was as good as the previous three and the storyline is definitely growing stronger with the characters growing into themselves. I look forward to seeing how book 5 pans out.
Book 4 was as good as the previous three and the storyline is definitely growing stronger with the characters growing into themselves. I look forward to seeing how book 5 pans out.
May 18, 2017
The Sapphire Manticore
This wonderful fourth book has allied more people's and equalized the genders and non-genders with lots of action and a bit of romance.
This wonderful fourth book has allied more people's and equalized the genders and non-genders with lots of action and a bit of romance.
June 18, 2017
The fairies antics are hilarious
Taryn finally gets to meet the elves, and they are gorgeous jerks. It's pretty funny. Well worth staying up late to read.
Taryn finally gets to meet the elves, and they are gorgeous jerks. It's pretty funny. Well worth staying up late to read.
July 19, 2017
Very good fantasy series. Gets better with each installment.
July 8, 2017
I'm so invested in these characters. I want the next book out soon.
July 13, 2017
So much crazy
Wow, this one really have so many good visuals. Also, filled with magic, action, and betrayal. Yet, what the poo is Taryn, I mean really?
Wow, this one really have so many good visuals. Also, filled with magic, action, and betrayal. Yet, what the poo is Taryn, I mean really?
July 24, 2017
DNF @ ~75%
Loved the first book but lost all interest by the end of the series. I was nearly at the end of the book but I just couldn't rustle up the interest in finishing the last few chapters.
Loved the first book but lost all interest by the end of the series. I was nearly at the end of the book but I just couldn't rustle up the interest in finishing the last few chapters.
September 2, 2017
Spellbinding
Loved this book. It kept me entertained. I found this book hard to put down. Can hardly wait for the next book.
Loved this book. It kept me entertained. I found this book hard to put down. Can hardly wait for the next book.
October 26, 2017
Axfun read
Since I am up at 1 am finishing this adventure when I should be asleep, you know this is well written and you have been warned!
Since I am up at 1 am finishing this adventure when I should be asleep, you know this is well written and you have been warned!
April 12, 2018
The action and adventure continue
The group has finally reached the elves kingdom. They find new friends, old friends, treachery and betrayal. No one will walk away unchanged.
The group has finally reached the elves kingdom. They find new friends, old friends, treachery and betrayal. No one will walk away unchanged.
April 13, 2018
Great story
Love this series! Can’t wait for the next book so hurry up and release the next one. Love the fairies, Bunky and the gargoyle.
Love this series! Can’t wait for the next book so hurry up and release the next one. Love the fairies, Bunky and the gargoyle.
July 8, 2021
Fun engrossing read
I sampled volume one and was hooked. Endearing characters, action packed plot ,a few quick kisses ..fun read that has cost me sleep.
I sampled volume one and was hooked. Endearing characters, action packed plot ,a few quick kisses ..fun read that has cost me sleep.
September 17, 2022
entertaining and fast paced
I really have enjoyed the interaction between the characters and the twists. the fairies are delightful and a major part of my like for the books.
I really have enjoyed the interaction between the characters and the twists. the fairies are delightful and a major part of my like for the books.
October 22, 2022
This is a really fun series of books to read. At times, it is kind of slow moving, but still very enjoyable. I have now moved on to book #5 and will most likely finish the series before the end of the month. I would highly recommend this series for entertainment reading.
July 7, 2023
Another fine addition to the series.
The characters are fantastic. The plot is twisty and convoluted. The world building is wonderful. I can't wait to read the next book!
The characters are fantastic. The plot is twisty and convoluted. The world building is wonderful. I can't wait to read the next book!
April 20, 2020
Aaaaahh. The saga continues. Getting better all the time, these books are. I wondered a bit in the beginning of the first novel but now I can't wait to finish the series, although that means the series is over and it looks like there won't be more. Great story with believable characters which keep me turning pages well into the night!!! READ!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews