Nia and Loren return for another action-packed adventure... this time in Camelot, with King Arthur and his knights of the round table!
When an ancient relic of Camelot goes missing, who do Arthur and his knights call? Nia Rivers, ancient immortal and archaeologist extraordinaire, of course.
Nia jumps at the chance to go to Camelot, especially since she's been banned in the past. Thankfully, Arthur is willing to let Nia's past breaches of his castle, theft attempts, and a certain debacle with his sword be bygones if she'll help him recover the Holy Grail. But as Nia strives to keep her fingers to herself, enemies from the past resurface in a race to acquire the ancient holy relic.
As Nia and the knights head on a quest to get to the treasure, Nia gets a revelation about her heritage which could spell doom for those of her kind. She’ll need to find the grail before it falls into enemy hands and a prophecy comes true... a prophecy where the immortal life of someone she loves may very well come to an untimely end.
What I most enjoy in this series is the integration of some very well researched historical or cultural knowledge, to which the authors then add a twist to match their universe. While the first two books dealt with China and Greece, this one takes up the Arthurian Legends and the Knight Templars and therefore also some things from the Bible. This mix between fact and fantasy is fascinating to read.
I also found the authors‘ vision of what a culture caught between the past and the future could be like interesting. Every woman wants her man to be chivalrous, but that refers to him for example opening a car door so that we can gracefully emerge instead of struggle out (maybe in a too tight space thus forcing us to squeeze out a very tight space) and not being grounded for our protection more or less all of our lives.
The book also deals with religious fanaticism and how a single person can rile up entire nations for his own end. Equally fascinating to read, though it was cut a little short at the end, but I think it will leak into later parts of the series.
Aside from the Arthurian Legends this book also delves a little deeper into the mystery of the 12. As in former books this is mostly limited to obscure references. Book 1 mentioned the Nephilim, while this one states that they were exiled from the Garden. As in other series this is the overall plot binding the books together, which probably won’t be resolved until the end of the series. Still, while I find it engaging, it progresses rather slowly.
Of the three books published until now, I liked this one the best as my main problem thus far has been me not particularly liking Nia Rivers as a main character. However, while e.g. Book 2 had me practically frothing at the mouth with anger at her, she is way less annoying in this one.
The much hated love triangle aside, a woman with a private treasure trove on a private island spouting at every opportunity how someone else’s artifacts should be in a museum for posterity is a hypocrite. The witches lament that the overprotective knights lock them up for their own safety, yet Nia repeatedly asks Loren to stay behind for her protection. She may not enforce it, but it is the same thing. How about her keeping Loren at a distance when she starts to fear losing her to her new family. Or when she assumes that every single guy seeking her counsel like Lancelot and Arthur is hitting on her. I probably will never warm up to her, but in this volume her antics were reduced to minor nuisance allowing be to enjoy the rest of the book.
And based on the wonderful cliffhanger I am definitely going to read the next one.
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from the author*
I've become emotionally invested in Nia Rivers because of how much she maintains her status of personal strength. I like her near no-nonsense attitude that can be playful at the same time, and the fact that despite being an immortal, she still enjoys the little things (like archaeology) that help the bigger picture (assuring people aren't forgotten). I think it's very cool. Loren has a special place in my heart, though, cause there's just something about her that is amazingly bright. I'm glad Nia has a partner in her when they go on adventures. Their newest one with King Arthur and the Templar Knights was pretty interesting. I dislike history but Nia makes it fun. Their mission in this third installment was to locate the Holy Grail before the bad guys did, and it was this whole treasure hunt through historical places, which again, was pretty cool.
I liked it, overall. The beginning was a little slow for me but once people started talking more, I quickly got into the story flow and the rest of the monologue/action. King Arthur was a very interesting man, kinda sexy despite there not being anything sexual between him and Nia. I absolutely thought their little town was just great. The whole system and culture with the witches really made things more fascinating. Again, I don't like history, so there were a few moments when the reading did slow down, and it was hard to want to continue reading when it felt like the book was more centered on Loren or Nia's personal things instead of the main adventure, which I don't mind, but when the personal seems more important than the mission, and we still get more 'mission' than 'personal', it begins to feel a little discombobulated. Just a little.
So I seesawed between a 3 and a 4 but the 4 won out because of how much I overall found this satisfying. And seriously, any book that can make me want to read about history is a book worth looking at.
Book three in the Nia Rivers Adventures has been the best of the three so far and while I wish I could give it more of a 4.5+ of stars, it wasn't my favorite of all of her books. Nia and Loren in their newest adventure have been sent to visit Camelot and meet with the Arthur and others of the lineage of Camelot. While the bases for the story was fantastic and as a historian I liked the draw of using the Holy Grail, as all Arthur stories come back to the Knights of the Round Table being the protectors of Christendom, I thought I was interesting how the tying of all religions were brought together and said that they were meant to create peace together. In a time like now where there is so much strife that message can't be said enough. The characters were extremely well thought out, thought Nia is still afraid to stand alone in my opinion and the world needs more Tres, or maybe it is just me. Loren is finally given the chance to shine and step out from behind Nia and prove that she is more than just a sidekick (her words not mine) and it is a great character development. I hope to see more of the Camelot characters as I would love to know what happens with Morgan as she was one of my favorite characters and her development would be amazing even as a stand alone book. As always Jasmine and Ines Johnson have done a great job of researching and blending fantasy with a mix of history. Looking forward to Book 4.
I generously received a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nia is back with her trusty sidekick Loren as they travel to Camelot. That's right, Camelot which is alive and thriving just of the coast of the U.K. and protected by magic so unless you have magic in your blood, it would be hard to find it.
Nia finds herself being drawn into a quest to search for the Holy Grail though mainly as a translator of ancient scrolls that could lead to where this ancient artifact is hidden. It has been several centuries since Nia last visited so a lot has changed but other things haven't, such as Arthur's gruffness and several other people who Nia has known for a long time. Arthur is actually the third Arthur named after Arthur Pendragon and his fellow knights have also had their ancestor's name passed down to them.
She soon learns that there are witches being killed that once resided in Camelot and she's determined to get to the bottom of things. There's an unseen enemy that won't be revealed until near the end of the story and will cause quite the shock to those who knew this person most of their lives.
Full of adventure, humor, mystery, a healthy dose of magic and a twist that only Nia can bring to the story, it was such a wonderful read. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming and the ending had me in tears!
I can't wait to see what next Nia will be up against and if she'll learn more about her mysterious origins!
I really like this series, and, quite frankly, I thought this was the last one for some reason. However, after reading this one, it isn’t the last one, and I’m so glad. Anyway, Nia is travelling to see The Arthur because he needs help with the Holy Grail. While there, Nia and Loren learn some interesting things about themselves, and run up against the Knights of the Templar who want the Holy Grail for themselves. Will they find it before the Knights or will they die trying? I just love the relationship between Loren and Nia. After what happens at the end of this one, I hope that Loren will continue to be around (can’t say too much as I don’t want to give away spoilers). I am still on the fence as far as Nia’s love interest; I think she needs to just find a new one because I feel the two she has aren’t good enough for her. This book was just as well-written as the previous two, if not quite as action-packed. However, I still loved it, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for all the characters. Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Books 2 and 3 in the Ria stories take us even further into the realm of myth and folk-lore. It seems that Ria is or at least has been, friends with the Greek Gods of Mount Olympus and King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table (which is now situated in Wales just so you know). The advantage for the author of this series is that she can get Ria chasing after many mythical objects with many mythical characters from all of the world's folklore. The disadvantage for the reader is that the storyline is now basically the same - Ria meets some old friends she has largely forgotten, they need to hunt for a object, they go n a hunt, they encounter lots of problems with baddies, but in the end they find the object. The same story with different characters. Formulaic. Such a pity. I downgraded the books after reading both to just about a 3. But this is the end of this series for me.
I loved the first two books in this series and this is no exception! I've always enjoyed the legend of King Arthur and have read many, many different retellings of it and this one managed to be delightfully unique. King Arthur and his court as magicians! And the Sir Galahad, Sir Lancelot, King Arthur etc positions being a title rather than a name. It's just about readable as a standalone - not that you'd want to deprive yourself of the other wonderful stories in this series. Plenty of magic and some more adult part to the stories. It was very easy to sink into the tale and some surprising revelations to do with our leading ladies families. Looking forward to hearing more tellings from the immortals too!
I am loving the Nia Rivers stories! We've gone from ancient civilizations to Greek gods and now the world of Camelot and the knights templar and of the round table. I've had to get past the false biblical references, but the story is so engrossing that I can deal with anything for the super characters and excitement found within these books. Looking forward to book 4. Lot left hanging in this book so a lot to resolve in the next. There is an evil one on the loose with the spear of destiny and an interesting but frightening prophecy left hanging. What will happen with Nia in her next book? Only Jasmine knows and I can't wait to find out. Thanks again for another great read!
Jasmine Walt is one of my favorite new authors - she has the ability & talent to give us well-developed characters that engage & make her readers want to know more.
Nia Rivers is a complex being - immortal, intelligent & strong, yet vulnerable & sometimes fragile. Because of her lifelong quest for knowledge and the protector of ancient relics, she has pushed aside old memories to the point where she has forgotten her origins, relationships, family & friends. The series is about her journey to understand her own past and remember.
Templar Scrolls is an engaging part of Nia's quest that gives a different perspective on Camelot, the Templar Knights & the Holy Grail. A very good tale that kept me up into the wee hours to get in 'Just one more chapter...'
Wow, I think this is the best book yet in the Nia Rivers Adventure series. It has knights, castles, battles, witches, danger, adventure, magic, relics, caves, magic swords, murder, knights Templer and Excalibur! Nia is in Camelot with none other than Arthur, his knights and of course the round table. Arthur has asked Nia for her help finding the Holy Grail and the adventure begins. The descriptions in this book had me easily forming pictures in my mind as I read along. I loved the non-stop action in this book that had me turning pages until the end. This is a book you 'll not want to miss!
Another FANTASTIC addition to the Nia Rivers books! I absolutely love what Jasmine and Ines have done with this series so far. The way they have taken ancient lore, culture, and religion/spirituality and carved out such an intricate storyline is astounding. You can't help but fall in love with the banter between Nia and Loren! I love their friendship so much. This is another great story of their adventures and once again you are taken on a thrilling ride. You absolutely won't be disappointed in this series . Highly recommended!
Book 3 of the Nia River's Adventures series is another wonderfully well written addition to the storyline. I adore adventure stories that include archeology and strong female leads such as Nia and Loren. The story includes King Arthur, Knights, the Holy Grail, Immortals, love interests, action, mystery, and lots of snark for entertainment. Personally, I wish the story included a bit more action but I still liked the book.
Even better than the last book. A fantastic thrill seeking adventure nail biting ride that takes the story of King Arthur to a whole new level. The writing and the story development is fascinating and you won't be disappointed. I think this is Nia's best adventure yet, its book 3 and the series gets stronger and better each time.
If I'd known it involved Arthur and the Knights of the round Table, I would have read it as soon as I downloaded it. As with all of the Arthurian Legends, this one had some very interesting variations that made it fun to read. I love all the Nia Rivers books. In fact, I have loved everything Jasmine Walt has written.
The girls are on the way to Camelot and life will never be the same once they get there. Their journey takes them from the shores of a Welsh countryside through France to war torn Iraq. On the way there are several encounters with witches, Knight's Templar and other Immortals.
This series would be a great one....once Nia makes up her mind who the f*** she really loves. It's very confusing for me to decide which guy she really wants, and it's distracting me from enjoying the amazing adventure she goes on. P.S. I'll probably continue reading this series, only for the sake of knowing the ending.
This was a fantastic read. I can't wait for the next book to come out. This had a fantastic story line with Camelot, knights of the round table, and even the knights templar all in a way never told before and in a way you will never forget. Just plain awesomeness galore. This is a must read.
Honestly, not as solid and gripping for me as the prior two books. Maybe due to the subject matter, as I feel that Arthurian legends are a bit played out, but really cool in how Loren gets her magical groove (since I knew that had to be a thing). The set up was good for the fourth novel tho, so we shall see!
Obscenely good addition to this series. The first two books are great, but this one blows them out of the water. Freakin Arthur is amazing and the action is fantastic! Can not wait to get the next book.
When I first started reading the series I thought it was a mix of Laura Croft tomb raider and Highlanders immortals. However, it was so much more! This series adds some sass to that mix with a touch of human vulnerability and magic.
Magic, blood, and time. The magical characters in this book are right out of history and my favorite books from my school years. The blend was fascinating and I can't wait to see what they run into, and who, in the next book or two.
Another fantastic tale in the The Nia Rivers Adventures! As Nia and Loren come to Camelot, they are caught up in a race for the Holy Grail. You'll be thrilled with how this one turns out. I loved the plot and the characters. I can hardly wait for the next adventure! 💗
absolutely loved it. Nia and Loren are on another quest. Finding action along with a few other surprises. Very well written and did not disappoint, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Good book. Great story and exciting plots. Cannot wait for the next installment. Surprising Surprising Surprising Surprising Surprising Surprising Surprising