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Tower of Winds #1
Isle of Blood and Stone
Ulises asked, "How can I look at these maps, see this riddle, and do nothing? They are my brothers."
Elias reached across the table and flicked aside two shells with a fingertip. The map curled into itself. "It's bound to be a goose chase. You knowthat?"
"Or a treasure hunt," Ulises countered, "and you've always been good at those."
Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of delMar's oldest friend. Soon he will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, an expedition past the Strait of Cain and into uncharted waters.Nothing stands in his way...until a long-ago tragedy creeps back intothe light, threatening all he holds dear.
The people of St. Johndel Mar have never recovered from the loss of their boy princes,kidnapped eighteen years ago, both presumed dead. But when two mapssurface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear tobe drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias's father, who vanished on that samefateful day? With the king's beautiful cousin by his side--whether hewants her there or not--Elias will race to solve the riddle of theprinces. He will have to use his wits and guard his back. Because sometruths are better left buried...and an unknown enemy stalks his everyturn.
Elias reached across the table and flicked aside two shells with a fingertip. The map curled into itself. "It's bound to be a goose chase. You knowthat?"
"Or a treasure hunt," Ulises countered, "and you've always been good at those."
Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of delMar's oldest friend. Soon he will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, an expedition past the Strait of Cain and into uncharted waters.Nothing stands in his way...until a long-ago tragedy creeps back intothe light, threatening all he holds dear.
The people of St. Johndel Mar have never recovered from the loss of their boy princes,kidnapped eighteen years ago, both presumed dead. But when two mapssurface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear tobe drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias's father, who vanished on that samefateful day? With the king's beautiful cousin by his side--whether hewants her there or not--Elias will race to solve the riddle of theprinces. He will have to use his wits and guard his back. Because sometruths are better left buried...and an unknown enemy stalks his everyturn.
416 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2018
179 people are currently reading
12174 people want to read
About the author
Makiia Lucier
5 books826 followersMakiia Lucier is the author of Year of the Reaper, the Isle of Blood and Stone duology, and A Death-Struck Year. Her stories are inspired by history and mythology and have been called “brilliant” (Booklist), “moving,” (New York Times), “masterful” (Horn Book), and “breathtaking” (School Library Journal). They can be found on many notable lists, including the Kids’ Indie Next and the American Library Association’s ‘Best Fiction for Young Adults.’
Makiia grew up on the Pacific island of Guam, not too far from the equator, and holds degrees in journalism and library science.
She lives with her family in Portland, Oregon.
Makiia grew up on the Pacific island of Guam, not too far from the equator, and holds degrees in journalism and library science.
She lives with her family in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 476 reviews
April 11, 2018
3.5 stars
After reading the first few chapters of this, I was really sure that it would end up to be your “average”, meh fantasy, with nothing horrible but nothing outstanding either. But I was surprised to find that it was actually even better than I thought!
Let me be real here: This has a lot of flaws. It is definitely not a perfect book. But the thing is:
IT WAS SO ENTERTAINING.
At first it was slow and kind of boring, and I couldn’t really connect to the characters. But then something changed and I was so much more invested—for at least half of the book, I could feel my adrenaline pumping and I was ALWAYS on edge.
Isle of Blood and Stone follows the story of a young man named Elias, whose friends discover maps that could have possible clues as to how two princes and his father disappeared from the kingdom of del Mar eighteen years ago.
Elias is an interesting character. To be quite honest, he was kind of bland?? And forgettable??? I’d say that the side characters have more depth and personality to them, and HE’S the main character. Regardless, I still enjoyed reading from his perspective and seeing where the story would go.
Speaking of the side characters: I LOVE THEM. Mercedes (Elias’s love interest) is portrayed as a strong character, and she’s really independent in a way that doesn’t rub on me wrong, like it often does with other “strong” YA heroines. Reyna, a young nine-year-old girl who is involved a lot in their story, is my favorite character out of the book; she’s so sweet and curious and stands strong in her beliefs!
My other biggest problem was that the story started out really slow and almost boring in the first 100 pages. And those were not fun 100 pages. But then suddenly, the stakes were raised and there was a whole new atmosphere?? I was genuinely excited and nervous to see where it would all go.
Literally for the whole last half of the book, I was always on edge and could feel my heart pounding, just so ANXIOUS about what would happen next. (I mean it was also 2 in the morning and I was paranoid.) But it was just so engaging after those first 100 pages. And besides one that I guessed, there were so many reveals of different kinds that made it so much more mysterious and shocking.
This book also involves a LOT of maps. Unfortunately for me, my ARC didn’t have a map so I was a little confused with all the place names at first, but I got the hang of it. I think that the worldbuliding was pretty well done! My biggest issue with fantasy novels is that there is just SO. MUCH. INFO DUMPING. about the world, and this book had just the right balance between too much info and too little.
This story is, honestly? a “whodunit” kind of murder mystery, but mixed with fantasy elements and also BIG EMPHASIS on family and found family. And I thought that whole mix made for a really and really entertaining book, despite it falling a little short in character development and pacing!
After reading the first few chapters of this, I was really sure that it would end up to be your “average”, meh fantasy, with nothing horrible but nothing outstanding either. But I was surprised to find that it was actually even better than I thought!
Let me be real here: This has a lot of flaws. It is definitely not a perfect book. But the thing is:
IT WAS SO ENTERTAINING.
At first it was slow and kind of boring, and I couldn’t really connect to the characters. But then something changed and I was so much more invested—for at least half of the book, I could feel my adrenaline pumping and I was ALWAYS on edge.
Isle of Blood and Stone follows the story of a young man named Elias, whose friends discover maps that could have possible clues as to how two princes and his father disappeared from the kingdom of del Mar eighteen years ago.
Elias is an interesting character. To be quite honest, he was kind of bland?? And forgettable??? I’d say that the side characters have more depth and personality to them, and HE’S the main character. Regardless, I still enjoyed reading from his perspective and seeing where the story would go.
Speaking of the side characters: I LOVE THEM. Mercedes (Elias’s love interest) is portrayed as a strong character, and she’s really independent in a way that doesn’t rub on me wrong, like it often does with other “strong” YA heroines. Reyna, a young nine-year-old girl who is involved a lot in their story, is my favorite character out of the book; she’s so sweet and curious and stands strong in her beliefs!
I also am VERY suspicious about the fact that this book… doesn’t seem diverse?? I don’t remember any sort of description that would’ve shown that there were people of color in the main cast—or in anyone they met at all tbh—and definitely not anything that pointed to people being queer, neurodivergent, disabled, or from any other minority group. Of course, it may be changed in the final publication / I may have missed something, but… that was suspicious.
My other biggest problem was that the story started out really slow and almost boring in the first 100 pages. And those were not fun 100 pages. But then suddenly, the stakes were raised and there was a whole new atmosphere?? I was genuinely excited and nervous to see where it would all go.
Literally for the whole last half of the book, I was always on edge and could feel my heart pounding, just so ANXIOUS about what would happen next. (I mean it was also 2 in the morning and I was paranoid.) But it was just so engaging after those first 100 pages. And besides one that I guessed, there were so many reveals of different kinds that made it so much more mysterious and shocking.
This book also involves a LOT of maps. Unfortunately for me, my ARC didn’t have a map so I was a little confused with all the place names at first, but I got the hang of it. I think that the worldbuliding was pretty well done! My biggest issue with fantasy novels is that there is just SO. MUCH. INFO DUMPING. about the world, and this book had just the right balance between too much info and too little.
This story is, honestly? a “whodunit” kind of murder mystery, but mixed with fantasy elements and also BIG EMPHASIS on family and found family. And I thought that whole mix made for a really and really entertaining book, despite it falling a little short in character development and pacing!
Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the review copy in exchange for an honest review! This did not affect my opinions in any way.
January 24, 2022
9 out of 10
Finally! Finally a good YA fantasy with a hint of a romance, a lot of adventures, mysteries, and nice pacing. People, just wait. I think you would love it too.
July 21, 2018
that was the MOST satisfying epilogue ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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April 8, 2018
Update 4/8/2018: After loving Makiia Lucier's A Death-Struck Year, I knew I would have to read any future books by her. And how fortunate for me, and what a wonderful surprise, when I picked up an ARC of this book at Yallfest and realized it was by the same insta-fave author who had me falling for Edmund in A Death-Struck Year. (It was clearly fate.) She has such an easy way with words, creating a world and characters rife with life I want more of. Just like in her debut novel, Isle of Blood and Stone immediately entranced me and refused to let loose my attention--seriously, I had sat down with the intent to read for forty-five minutes when I first opened it and....whoops, two and a half hours passed.
This story is about Elias, a young talented cartographer and explorer whose life, as well as the lives of his close friends Ulises and Mercedes (who are cousins), are constantly defined by one tragic moment that happened long ago: Ulises' older brothers, the two elder princes of their nation, and Elias' father, a famous and much praised cartographer and explorer, were kidnapped from an outing--everyone else who came perished, and no one knows what happened to the stolen boys and man. This brought forth so many massive changes to their world: it spurred a war with another nation that ends in that nation's total destruction and a prejudice against its people; Ulises, an infant at the time of the tragic incident, goes from third in line of ascendancy to the direct heir to the crown, his entire life course changed to one of staunch duty to his nation; Mercedes, of mixed heritage that includes the conquered nation blamed for the kidnapping, deals with daily prejudice in a land that is her home but her skin causes discrimination despite her connection to King Ulises; and Elias, our protagonist, lives in the shadow of his father's greatness and deals with reminders from others of a man he never knew. And, most importantly lest I forget my brain, the mystery that persists from that devastating outing long ago, a mystery that isn't as clear-cut as it is made out to be.
I don't normally do this, but I want to start with what I didn't like. My reasoning for switching it up? There is hardly anything I didn't like. I'm not joking . My only complaint is that there are a few questions left unanswered regarding backstory of secondary characters, but seeing as this is a duology, the next book from young Reyna's perspective, I am forgiving of these few unanswered questions. Not to mention, this book so thoroughly tickled my fantasy fancy that those unanswered question hardly register. A little unsolved mystery never killed anybody! (Channeling my Gatsby twist a la the DiCaprio version's soundtrack. :) )
What most impressed me was the brilliant simplicity of the mystery and the factors that led to the disappearance of Ulises' brothers and Elias' father. For years it is assumed their tragic disappearance was a kidnapping executed by a neighboring kingdom. Everything known by the public points that direction, but things aren't adding up. Thus ensues one o the most interesting YA fantasy mysteries I've ever read, because Elias, Ulises, and Mercedes being to unravel the years' long mystery after realizing it was a story wrought with many holes. Going off on a related tangent, the mystery's reveal reminded me of the one in Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas, but Lucier's is much more effective and makes you realized just how twisted the true antagonist is in Isle of Blood and Stone. This won't make sense until you have read the book, but it is cleverly titled and I find it brilliant after the fact. That isn't a spoiler, I swear it.
Another aspect of this book I cannot emphasize enough is the positive step-family relationships. In real life and fiction, too often the step-family is treated as a negative, a point of contention or evil, a trope. In Isle of Blood and Stone, there is a bit of tension created by Elias' stepfather, but not of the predictable trope variety. Oh no, I cannot reveal specifics, but I want you to know it is an understandable tension, but it doesn't lead to dislike or hate. Though not related by blood, Elias and his step-father care deeply for each other, choosing to be a family and embrace their father/son roles. This positive representation of a normally negative trope warmed my heart. It wasn't even something I realized was lacking from books (in general) until I read this book.
I also found the budding romance between Elias and Mercedes a joy to witness. From the beginning you see its bud, but to watch it fully bloom over the course of a couple hundred pages, and in such a natural, non-overpowering manner...I swooned a lot at the slow burn. They are relationship goals.
All around, without a doubt, a 5 out of 5 bitchin' stars from me.
***
Y'ALL BEST BE PRE-ORDERING THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW. I WILL BUG YOU UNTIL YOU DO SO.
HOLY HELL, OH MY GOODNESS, I AM SLAIN. SOMEONE COME PROP ME UP. I WANT THE SEQUEL.
MAKIIA, HAVE PITY ON ME. BEFRIEND ME. SHARE THE SECOND BOOK WITH ME. OH MY GOD.
This story is about Elias, a young talented cartographer and explorer whose life, as well as the lives of his close friends Ulises and Mercedes (who are cousins), are constantly defined by one tragic moment that happened long ago: Ulises' older brothers, the two elder princes of their nation, and Elias' father, a famous and much praised cartographer and explorer, were kidnapped from an outing--everyone else who came perished, and no one knows what happened to the stolen boys and man. This brought forth so many massive changes to their world: it spurred a war with another nation that ends in that nation's total destruction and a prejudice against its people; Ulises, an infant at the time of the tragic incident, goes from third in line of ascendancy to the direct heir to the crown, his entire life course changed to one of staunch duty to his nation; Mercedes, of mixed heritage that includes the conquered nation blamed for the kidnapping, deals with daily prejudice in a land that is her home but her skin causes discrimination despite her connection to King Ulises; and Elias, our protagonist, lives in the shadow of his father's greatness and deals with reminders from others of a man he never knew. And, most importantly lest I forget my brain, the mystery that persists from that devastating outing long ago, a mystery that isn't as clear-cut as it is made out to be.
I don't normally do this, but I want to start with what I didn't like. My reasoning for switching it up? There is hardly anything I didn't like. I'm not joking . My only complaint is that there are a few questions left unanswered regarding backstory of secondary characters, but seeing as this is a duology, the next book from young Reyna's perspective, I am forgiving of these few unanswered questions. Not to mention, this book so thoroughly tickled my fantasy fancy that those unanswered question hardly register. A little unsolved mystery never killed anybody! (Channeling my Gatsby twist a la the DiCaprio version's soundtrack. :) )
What most impressed me was the brilliant simplicity of the mystery and the factors that led to the disappearance of Ulises' brothers and Elias' father. For years it is assumed their tragic disappearance was a kidnapping executed by a neighboring kingdom. Everything known by the public points that direction, but things aren't adding up. Thus ensues one o the most interesting YA fantasy mysteries I've ever read, because Elias, Ulises, and Mercedes being to unravel the years' long mystery after realizing it was a story wrought with many holes. Going off on a related tangent, the mystery's reveal reminded me of the one in Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas, but Lucier's is much more effective and makes you realized just how twisted the true antagonist is in Isle of Blood and Stone. This won't make sense until you have read the book, but it is cleverly titled and I find it brilliant after the fact. That isn't a spoiler, I swear it.
Another aspect of this book I cannot emphasize enough is the positive step-family relationships. In real life and fiction, too often the step-family is treated as a negative, a point of contention or evil, a trope. In Isle of Blood and Stone, there is a bit of tension created by Elias' stepfather, but not of the predictable trope variety. Oh no, I cannot reveal specifics, but I want you to know it is an understandable tension, but it doesn't lead to dislike or hate. Though not related by blood, Elias and his step-father care deeply for each other, choosing to be a family and embrace their father/son roles. This positive representation of a normally negative trope warmed my heart. It wasn't even something I realized was lacking from books (in general) until I read this book.
I also found the budding romance between Elias and Mercedes a joy to witness. From the beginning you see its bud, but to watch it fully bloom over the course of a couple hundred pages, and in such a natural, non-overpowering manner...I swooned a lot at the slow burn. They are relationship goals.
All around, without a doubt, a 5 out of 5 bitchin' stars from me.
***
Y'ALL BEST BE PRE-ORDERING THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW. I WILL BUG YOU UNTIL YOU DO SO.
HOLY HELL, OH MY GOODNESS, I AM SLAIN. SOMEONE COME PROP ME UP. I WANT THE SEQUEL.
MAKIIA, HAVE PITY ON ME. BEFRIEND ME. SHARE THE SECOND BOOK WITH ME. OH MY GOD.
September 19, 2024
Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier is the first book in the Isle of Blood and Stone duology. This series is a young adult historical fantasy with a touch of romance involved.
The story starts with the royal navigator Lord Antoni out on and excursion with a group including two of the young princes. As everyone in the group is setting down to eat and rest Antoni is gathering supplies to show the boys how to make a compass. After the wine is passed around however everyone in the group begins getting sick and the sounds of someone approaching can be heard.
Fast forward the story eighteen years where a young girl, Reyna, who is studying to be a map maker herself has come across maps that look like the work of Lord Antoni. The problem with this discovery is that it looks as if the maps were made after the horrific massacre eighteen years ago.
Little Reyna takes her discovery to King Ulises who approaches his friend Elias who has just become a master mapmaker himself with the discovery. When a hidden clue is found Elias and Ulises’s cousin, Mercedes take on the quest to uncover the mystery of just what happened that day eighteen years before.
Isle of Blood and Stone is a slow building story that felt very heavy on the historical and lighter on the fantasy side. It takes a reader back to the time of Kings, courts, politics, spies and intrigue. It becomes known that after the poisoning where everyone out that day was thought to have died that someone confessed to the crime which started a war with a neighboring kingdom but now the question comes up as to whether or not they were even involved.
As it jumped the eighteen years it was a tad confusing to join in on new characters as it slowly established who everyone was and slowly came back to what had happened at the beginning of the story. It was a tad slow for my own taste as I’m always looking for more action but despite that I still enjoyed what the author created and will certainly be curious as to how it all turns out in the next book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The story starts with the royal navigator Lord Antoni out on and excursion with a group including two of the young princes. As everyone in the group is setting down to eat and rest Antoni is gathering supplies to show the boys how to make a compass. After the wine is passed around however everyone in the group begins getting sick and the sounds of someone approaching can be heard.
Fast forward the story eighteen years where a young girl, Reyna, who is studying to be a map maker herself has come across maps that look like the work of Lord Antoni. The problem with this discovery is that it looks as if the maps were made after the horrific massacre eighteen years ago.
Little Reyna takes her discovery to King Ulises who approaches his friend Elias who has just become a master mapmaker himself with the discovery. When a hidden clue is found Elias and Ulises’s cousin, Mercedes take on the quest to uncover the mystery of just what happened that day eighteen years before.
Isle of Blood and Stone is a slow building story that felt very heavy on the historical and lighter on the fantasy side. It takes a reader back to the time of Kings, courts, politics, spies and intrigue. It becomes known that after the poisoning where everyone out that day was thought to have died that someone confessed to the crime which started a war with a neighboring kingdom but now the question comes up as to whether or not they were even involved.
As it jumped the eighteen years it was a tad confusing to join in on new characters as it slowly established who everyone was and slowly came back to what had happened at the beginning of the story. It was a tad slow for my own taste as I’m always looking for more action but despite that I still enjoyed what the author created and will certainly be curious as to how it all turns out in the next book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 11, 2019
Ahoy there me mateys! So a recent theme for “Top Ten Tuesday” was “Books I LOVED with Fewer than 2,000 Ratings on Goodreads.” I don’t tend to do memes here in me log but I love readin’ the posts by me crew. Especially when they be fun topics which lead me to unexpected treasures. One such gem was this delightful book recommended by Breanna @ paws&paperbacks. In her post she says:
"I hadn’t read this yet when I wrote my post on the least hyped books that released last year, but I’m glad I included it because I can now say after reading this, that it deserves so much more recognition than what it gets. This was an excellently executed fantasy: the perfect blend of adventure, mystery, a hint of romance, great writing, and dynamic characters. I’m so excited to read the companion novel set to release later this year!"
The premise is that the two child princes of St. John del Mar were kidnapped 18 years ago. Several adults also disappeared with no trace. One of them was the Royal Navigator. Elias, the Royal Navigator’s son, has followed in his missing father’s footsteps. He is set to go on his next grand adventure when a map turns up. This map is in his father’s hand and appears to hold the answers to the missing princes. Elias has to solve the riddle for the kingdom and his own satisfaction. This novel only has 857 ratings on Goodreads. I am happy to be adding one more. Seriously this book was excellent fun for the following reasons:
- Maps! I absolutely loved the culture of exploration and the sea. I loved how important maps are to the society. Plus the main map in this tale be part of a mystery. Arrr!
- The main character – I really enjoyed Elias. He be smart, conscientious, and interesting. Getting both his world-view and his reactions to the unfolding mystery were wonderful.
- The other characters – I particularly liked the king, his cousin, young Reyna, and the Brother. I thought it was wonderful that people made mistakes, didn’t always act as expected, and reacted realistically to the occurring events.
- The tone – This book is marketed as a young adult but doesn’t feel like one. Not that I dislike YA but the author didn’t tone down the story. For example, Elias is 19 and is considered an adult. He acts like one. I think older readers can find plenty to love about this book.
- The plot – While I did guess the bad guy and thought his justifications were rather lame, I did respect how the author did not take the story on a predictable path in terms of resolution. There were plenty of plot twists that I did not see coming and yet they were logical in retrospect. I thought it had a super strong ending in particular.
- The romance – I actually liked the romance in this. It was based in friendship and mutual admiration. Watching it unfold was sweet. No real angst was involved so that be a breath of fresh air.
I will certainly be reading the companion novel when it comes out later this year! Now Matey Breanna’s list included lots of other cool sounding books besides this one so make sure ye check them out!. Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
"I hadn’t read this yet when I wrote my post on the least hyped books that released last year, but I’m glad I included it because I can now say after reading this, that it deserves so much more recognition than what it gets. This was an excellently executed fantasy: the perfect blend of adventure, mystery, a hint of romance, great writing, and dynamic characters. I’m so excited to read the companion novel set to release later this year!"
The premise is that the two child princes of St. John del Mar were kidnapped 18 years ago. Several adults also disappeared with no trace. One of them was the Royal Navigator. Elias, the Royal Navigator’s son, has followed in his missing father’s footsteps. He is set to go on his next grand adventure when a map turns up. This map is in his father’s hand and appears to hold the answers to the missing princes. Elias has to solve the riddle for the kingdom and his own satisfaction. This novel only has 857 ratings on Goodreads. I am happy to be adding one more. Seriously this book was excellent fun for the following reasons:
- Maps! I absolutely loved the culture of exploration and the sea. I loved how important maps are to the society. Plus the main map in this tale be part of a mystery. Arrr!
- The main character – I really enjoyed Elias. He be smart, conscientious, and interesting. Getting both his world-view and his reactions to the unfolding mystery were wonderful.
- The other characters – I particularly liked the king, his cousin, young Reyna, and the Brother. I thought it was wonderful that people made mistakes, didn’t always act as expected, and reacted realistically to the occurring events.
- The tone – This book is marketed as a young adult but doesn’t feel like one. Not that I dislike YA but the author didn’t tone down the story. For example, Elias is 19 and is considered an adult. He acts like one. I think older readers can find plenty to love about this book.
- The plot – While I did guess the bad guy and thought his justifications were rather lame, I did respect how the author did not take the story on a predictable path in terms of resolution. There were plenty of plot twists that I did not see coming and yet they were logical in retrospect. I thought it had a super strong ending in particular.
- The romance – I actually liked the romance in this. It was based in friendship and mutual admiration. Watching it unfold was sweet. No real angst was involved so that be a breath of fresh air.
I will certainly be reading the companion novel when it comes out later this year! Now Matey Breanna’s list included lots of other cool sounding books besides this one so make sure ye check them out!. Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
February 19, 2018
*I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
"How can I look at these maps, see this riddle, and do nothing? They are my brothers."
DNF @32%
The beginning was promising, it was intriguing and it made me want to keep reading to find out what happened to the brothers. But, as soon as I got to the now part, I was so confused that I found myself reading the same sentence more than once or twice.
Why did I get so confused? Well, the author was trying to add some world building by just telling and not showing and the more I kept reading the more I was like where the hell are the protagonists right now?? There were just too many names and characters that the protagonists already know and that we're introduced to without a single explanation.
At least the protagonist - Elias - isn't bad. He's a traveler and his scenes with his family were adorable, I loved his relationship with his stepfather and stepbrothers. Actually, I think that the scenes where he was interacting with his family were the only ones I enjoyed.
So all in all, Isle of blood and stone isn't a bad book, it's just a bit boring and incredibly confusing and I don't want to waste time to read something I'm not enjoying.
"How can I look at these maps, see this riddle, and do nothing? They are my brothers."
DNF @32%
The beginning was promising, it was intriguing and it made me want to keep reading to find out what happened to the brothers. But, as soon as I got to the now part, I was so confused that I found myself reading the same sentence more than once or twice.
Why did I get so confused? Well, the author was trying to add some world building by just telling and not showing and the more I kept reading the more I was like where the hell are the protagonists right now?? There were just too many names and characters that the protagonists already know and that we're introduced to without a single explanation.
At least the protagonist - Elias - isn't bad. He's a traveler and his scenes with his family were adorable, I loved his relationship with his stepfather and stepbrothers. Actually, I think that the scenes where he was interacting with his family were the only ones I enjoyed.
So all in all, Isle of blood and stone isn't a bad book, it's just a bit boring and incredibly confusing and I don't want to waste time to read something I'm not enjoying.
April 18, 2024
This is the second book by Makiia Lucier I have read and I was absolutely hooked from the very first page. Lucier is a master storyteller and writer, and her ability to capture the reader's attention is remarkable.
In this book, we are transported to a kingdom that suffered a tragedy many years ago. The king, his best friend, and his cousin were mere infants at the time, but now they must solve a dangerous riddle that could have devastating consequences for everyone involved.
I found myself completely immersed in this world, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Lucier's writing is so captivating that I simply couldn't put the book down. Her attention to detail and character development made me feel as if I was right there with the characters, experiencing their struggles and victories.
It was a satisfying conclusion that left me feeling both fulfilled and a little sad that the journey had come to an end.
In this book, we are transported to a kingdom that suffered a tragedy many years ago. The king, his best friend, and his cousin were mere infants at the time, but now they must solve a dangerous riddle that could have devastating consequences for everyone involved.
I found myself completely immersed in this world, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Lucier's writing is so captivating that I simply couldn't put the book down. Her attention to detail and character development made me feel as if I was right there with the characters, experiencing their struggles and victories.
It was a satisfying conclusion that left me feeling both fulfilled and a little sad that the journey had come to an end.
June 12, 2021
It's difficult to articulate exactly why this book was so perfect for me.
Yes, there's the fact that it's the first story I've encountered to remind me so strongly of my own WIP, which gives me that beautiful feeling of camaraderie that comes from knowing that someone else out there is trying to say some of the same things you are. Yes, there's the fact that it's simply a finely written story, however you slice it -- full of quiet, steadfast friendship, international political intrigue, and some truly Impeccable (TM) Mediterranean coastal town vibes.
But it was more than that, for me. It was a plethora of little details that made something about St. John del Mar feel organic and right and homelike. It was Elias holding his baby brother against his shoulder and walking him up and down his stepfather's kitchen one night. It was Reyna being a conscientious and precocious little protege, drawing the protagonists and their mentors around her like an epicenter. It was Mercedes being amazing at her job but also a little distracted because, you know, Elias is back and Elias might get himself in trouble and Elias probably will get himself in trouble and dang it, if Elias isn't over there getting himself in trouble and I've gotta go, bye. It was Ulises being a very young and very honorable king, bent over his scrolls and determined to do right by his people. It was tile mosaics and white shell gravel, orange trees and shoreline cliffs, map-making and late-night sleuthing, chapel bells and flashes of lemon.
I loved it. There were a few things that I wish had been done differently (*cough* ✨animal cruelty✨ *cough*), but I loved it. I can't wait to read it again, and I can only hope that the few loose ends left hanging for this group of characters at the end of this book are tied up in the companion novel.
So thank you for writing and publishing this, Ms. Lucier. You made a fellow story lover feel at home. 🤍
(Oh, and you gave me a book hangover, too, so thank you so very much for that.)
Yes, there's the fact that it's the first story I've encountered to remind me so strongly of my own WIP, which gives me that beautiful feeling of camaraderie that comes from knowing that someone else out there is trying to say some of the same things you are. Yes, there's the fact that it's simply a finely written story, however you slice it -- full of quiet, steadfast friendship, international political intrigue, and some truly Impeccable (TM) Mediterranean coastal town vibes.
But it was more than that, for me. It was a plethora of little details that made something about St. John del Mar feel organic and right and homelike. It was Elias holding his baby brother against his shoulder and walking him up and down his stepfather's kitchen one night. It was Reyna being a conscientious and precocious little protege, drawing the protagonists and their mentors around her like an epicenter. It was Mercedes being amazing at her job but also a little distracted because, you know, Elias is back and Elias might get himself in trouble and Elias probably will get himself in trouble and dang it, if Elias isn't over there getting himself in trouble and I've gotta go, bye. It was Ulises being a very young and very honorable king, bent over his scrolls and determined to do right by his people. It was tile mosaics and white shell gravel, orange trees and shoreline cliffs, map-making and late-night sleuthing, chapel bells and flashes of lemon.
I loved it. There were a few things that I wish had been done differently (*cough* ✨animal cruelty✨ *cough*), but I loved it. I can't wait to read it again, and I can only hope that the few loose ends left hanging for this group of characters at the end of this book are tied up in the companion novel.
So thank you for writing and publishing this, Ms. Lucier. You made a fellow story lover feel at home. 🤍
(Oh, and you gave me a book hangover, too, so thank you so very much for that.)
April 11, 2018
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
I know I usually start with the positives of a book, but today, I am starting with the negative. The reason is, there really only was one negative: I really just didn't feel a ton about this book either way. Objectively, it was good and the plot was pretty interesting. But it didn't leave any kind of huge impression on me, and I feel like that's probably an important thing.
But I did like some stuff! I enjoyed the characters, and thought that they were well-written. I loved the romance aspect of the story, too. The plot is a bit of a slower paced one, and isn't full of action, but is more the characters trying to figure out certain things about their world and their loved ones. I don't dislike that sort of plot, so it was fine with me, but something to be aware of.
Bottom Line: I feel like I should have more to say, but I simply don't. It's one of "those" reviews, sorry to say. While nothing really stuck out as negative, neither did I have overwhelmingly positive feelings. It was a fine book, but not particularly memorable for me.
I know I usually start with the positives of a book, but today, I am starting with the negative. The reason is, there really only was one negative: I really just didn't feel a ton about this book either way. Objectively, it was good and the plot was pretty interesting. But it didn't leave any kind of huge impression on me, and I feel like that's probably an important thing.
But I did like some stuff! I enjoyed the characters, and thought that they were well-written. I loved the romance aspect of the story, too. The plot is a bit of a slower paced one, and isn't full of action, but is more the characters trying to figure out certain things about their world and their loved ones. I don't dislike that sort of plot, so it was fine with me, but something to be aware of.
Bottom Line: I feel like I should have more to say, but I simply don't. It's one of "those" reviews, sorry to say. While nothing really stuck out as negative, neither did I have overwhelmingly positive feelings. It was a fine book, but not particularly memorable for me.
May 20, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! I am also really happy that buddy wasn't mad at me for being so slow for starting this book with her. Thank you so much Andrea for making me buddy read books with you! I love your little updates and how you make me laugh.. even if the book we are reading is terrible and making you mad. Luckily for us, this book was really good! I feel like we zoomed right through it.
Isle of Blood and Stone was so freaking good! I loved it! Even though the pacing in the prologue kind of made me sleepy.. I feel like the rest of the book was a blur because I breezed right through it. Mercedes and Elias were adorable together. The entire time I was shipping them and I feel like I'm still missing something about their "relationship" even after finishing the book. I can't wait for the next one to come out next year because I desperately need these two to be a couple!
Elias was completely likable. I honestly fell in love with him at the very beginning of the book. His friendship with Mercedes was everything to me. Even when there were hints that there was something more for them. Again, I need my ship to sail people!
Elias and Mercedes would do anything for each other. Heck, Mercedes is such a bad ass character who is wicked with a bow and arrow. She saves his life plenty of times.. and I LOVED IT. Every single second these two were together, Sigh!
Swoon worthy moments.
Besides me shipping the heck out of these two, this book delivers a really good and interesting mystery. Who planned all of these "deaths" that happened years ago? Of course all of the suspects are people who are in higher positions of power since every had untimely deaths. Elias and Mercedes were practically babies when this all happened so they were completely innocent.
For the mystery though, I had no idea who actually committed the crime. I was highly intrigued though and couldn't put the book down until everything was solved. There were a bunch of twists and turns that had my sitting on the edge of my seat, tapping my toes, waiting to figure out who it was.
Overall, I definitely loved this book. I feel like I've mentioned that a lot in this review but oh well! I seriously recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy and mystery books.
Isle of Blood and Stone was so freaking good! I loved it! Even though the pacing in the prologue kind of made me sleepy.. I feel like the rest of the book was a blur because I breezed right through it. Mercedes and Elias were adorable together. The entire time I was shipping them and I feel like I'm still missing something about their "relationship" even after finishing the book. I can't wait for the next one to come out next year because I desperately need these two to be a couple!
Elias was completely likable. I honestly fell in love with him at the very beginning of the book. His friendship with Mercedes was everything to me. Even when there were hints that there was something more for them. Again, I need my ship to sail people!
Elias and Mercedes would do anything for each other. Heck, Mercedes is such a bad ass character who is wicked with a bow and arrow. She saves his life plenty of times.. and I LOVED IT. Every single second these two were together, Sigh!
Swoon worthy moments.
Besides me shipping the heck out of these two, this book delivers a really good and interesting mystery. Who planned all of these "deaths" that happened years ago? Of course all of the suspects are people who are in higher positions of power since every had untimely deaths. Elias and Mercedes were practically babies when this all happened so they were completely innocent.
For the mystery though, I had no idea who actually committed the crime. I was highly intrigued though and couldn't put the book down until everything was solved. There were a bunch of twists and turns that had my sitting on the edge of my seat, tapping my toes, waiting to figure out who it was.
Overall, I definitely loved this book. I feel like I've mentioned that a lot in this review but oh well! I seriously recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy and mystery books.
September 13, 2022
I took longer than usual to be "grabbed" by this book, about a quarter of the way in. It's a sound adventure with an enjoyable and thought-provoking family dynamic at its heart. Good-hearted cartographer Elias is a pleasant main character, but he sings when he interacts with Mercedes, the controlled and sharp-minded biracial princess who solves a generation-old kidnapping with him.
What makes it most special to me is that Lucier wrote so vividly and beautifully about her fictional island of Del Mar that I know what it smells, sounds, and tastes like to be there. I know what its plants and animals look like, what snacks its people eat, and what their songs sound like. This setting is partly based on medieval Europe (especially Portugal and Spain), but the more powerful influence is the island of Guam. Lucier is a native Guamanian, and although I have never been, I would have known the Javelin Forest could be nowhere else on Earth than the jungle of Guam, because the sensory details she wrote of are so like those in stories of my own grandmother's childhood there.
This is not a book that spells out for the reader that This Is Fantasy Guam, and in my case, it clearly wasn't necessary. If you already know something about the real island, or are interested in it, I think you'll also find it to be a real treat--from brown tree snakes to sea monsters!
What makes it most special to me is that Lucier wrote so vividly and beautifully about her fictional island of Del Mar that I know what it smells, sounds, and tastes like to be there. I know what its plants and animals look like, what snacks its people eat, and what their songs sound like. This setting is partly based on medieval Europe (especially Portugal and Spain), but the more powerful influence is the island of Guam. Lucier is a native Guamanian, and although I have never been, I would have known the Javelin Forest could be nowhere else on Earth than the jungle of Guam, because the sensory details she wrote of are so like those in stories of my own grandmother's childhood there.
This is not a book that spells out for the reader that This Is Fantasy Guam, and in my case, it clearly wasn't necessary. If you already know something about the real island, or are interested in it, I think you'll also find it to be a real treat--from brown tree snakes to sea monsters!
May 31, 2023
So good. I adore this book.
4.5 stars || full review to come!
4.5 stars || full review to come!
July 4, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange of an honest review*
Full review originally posted on my blog: Word Wonders
TW: Death, gore, xenophobia, street harrassement, epidemic disease.
To be absolutely honest, when I first requested this book I hadn’t heard much about it (and I still don’t which is weird because I think it’s 10/10 worth the read) but the synopsis intrigued me, dead princes? Maps? A trio of friends? A treasure hunt type plotline? SIGN ME IN!!! And all in all, this was a very enjoyable read, super fast and really entertaining.
The writing suits the book perfectly, it’s easy to read even if at first glance it might seem like it could be heavy. But not at all. I found myself turning pages quickly and enjoying my reading experience even when at first, for 100 pages or so, well… Nothing much was happening. Don’t get me wrong the author used those pages to set up her world and the relationships between her characters which benefited them because they read authentic and strong so I didn’t find myself bored as much as I found myself wishing for a little more… does that even make sense? The point is, I didn’t mind and still flew through those pages in one sitting.
Once those 100 pages, the pace picked up, the mystery went up a few notches and I found myself unable to stop reading, so much that I read the 200+ remaining pages in one other sitting, which isn’t something that happens to me often as I tend to get distracted easily *side eyes social media*. But this book had me so immersed that I only realized how much I actually read until I had around 40 pages left. And thanks to those first hundred pages, I never found myself confused as to what was happening, who was who, and how everything was connected. The background story took a while but it was worth it for the rest of the story.
Now hear me out, Isle of Blood and Stone isn’t some kind of unique fantasy world that’s never heard of but, BUT, the author gets you to care about her characters and that’s what made it different for me. The fact that I was rooting for the characters and that I just wanted them to be okay and happy. It also has this sneaky creepy vibe about it that clings to you around a third through the book and doesn’t let go of you until the end. Now the ending. It was a little underwhelming. I didn’t expect it AT ALL but the pacing of it was off (I don’t know how else to explain it), there was so much build up and the way it was so quickly and easily wrapped up made it a bit anticlimactic.
Onto the characters, which *clenches fist* I LOVE SO MUCH, they were all like a small family that looked out for each other and it was so heartwarming because even when they argue and bicker, they Always have each other’s backs. I also loved the emphasis on the friendship between the trio and the romance between Elias and Mercedes never empowered that, I also really appreciated how even with all their responsibilities they have these treasured carefree moments where they can just be themselves.
First we have Elias who’s the king’s best friend and also an explorer, which means that he spends a lot of his time on royal ships figuring out geography to later on draw maps. He’s so gentle and softhearted, but also ill tempered sometimes and quick to anger, which, in my opinion, is the best mix, because he also doesn’t stay mad for long. Next we have Mercedes who is my personal favourite, she’s the king’s cousin and kind of his right hand. What I loved most about her is that the author wrote her to be strong and tough without rejecting feminine traits, she cares so much about the people around her and her kingdom. She’s also biracial, being from both Del Mar and its enemy kingdom so she gets a rough time from everyone based on her being from there (xenophobia if you will).
Then we have the King, Ulises, we don’t see much of him because he doesn’t a POV and the other characters are often away from him but what we see shows him as a fair ruler who wants to do the right thing and has his people’s interest at heart. But him being so kind sometimes works at his disadvantage. Little shout out to Reyna who’s a nine year old little girl I love to pieces and who just wants the same chances as the boys to get to be a royal explorer. She’s brave and stubborn and like a little sister to all of them.
All in all, this was a really fast and entertaining read, I found myself enjoying every bit of it, even the ones that I normally wouldn’t just because of how engaging it is! I can’t wait to see what these character will be up to in the next installment.
*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange of an honest review*
Full review originally posted on my blog: Word Wonders
TW: Death, gore, xenophobia, street harrassement, epidemic disease.
To be absolutely honest, when I first requested this book I hadn’t heard much about it (and I still don’t which is weird because I think it’s 10/10 worth the read) but the synopsis intrigued me, dead princes? Maps? A trio of friends? A treasure hunt type plotline? SIGN ME IN!!! And all in all, this was a very enjoyable read, super fast and really entertaining.
The writing suits the book perfectly, it’s easy to read even if at first glance it might seem like it could be heavy. But not at all. I found myself turning pages quickly and enjoying my reading experience even when at first, for 100 pages or so, well… Nothing much was happening. Don’t get me wrong the author used those pages to set up her world and the relationships between her characters which benefited them because they read authentic and strong so I didn’t find myself bored as much as I found myself wishing for a little more… does that even make sense? The point is, I didn’t mind and still flew through those pages in one sitting.
Once those 100 pages, the pace picked up, the mystery went up a few notches and I found myself unable to stop reading, so much that I read the 200+ remaining pages in one other sitting, which isn’t something that happens to me often as I tend to get distracted easily *side eyes social media*. But this book had me so immersed that I only realized how much I actually read until I had around 40 pages left. And thanks to those first hundred pages, I never found myself confused as to what was happening, who was who, and how everything was connected. The background story took a while but it was worth it for the rest of the story.
Now hear me out, Isle of Blood and Stone isn’t some kind of unique fantasy world that’s never heard of but, BUT, the author gets you to care about her characters and that’s what made it different for me. The fact that I was rooting for the characters and that I just wanted them to be okay and happy. It also has this sneaky creepy vibe about it that clings to you around a third through the book and doesn’t let go of you until the end. Now the ending. It was a little underwhelming. I didn’t expect it AT ALL but the pacing of it was off (I don’t know how else to explain it), there was so much build up and the way it was so quickly and easily wrapped up made it a bit anticlimactic.
Onto the characters, which *clenches fist* I LOVE SO MUCH, they were all like a small family that looked out for each other and it was so heartwarming because even when they argue and bicker, they Always have each other’s backs. I also loved the emphasis on the friendship between the trio and the romance between Elias and Mercedes never empowered that, I also really appreciated how even with all their responsibilities they have these treasured carefree moments where they can just be themselves.
First we have Elias who’s the king’s best friend and also an explorer, which means that he spends a lot of his time on royal ships figuring out geography to later on draw maps. He’s so gentle and softhearted, but also ill tempered sometimes and quick to anger, which, in my opinion, is the best mix, because he also doesn’t stay mad for long. Next we have Mercedes who is my personal favourite, she’s the king’s cousin and kind of his right hand. What I loved most about her is that the author wrote her to be strong and tough without rejecting feminine traits, she cares so much about the people around her and her kingdom. She’s also biracial, being from both Del Mar and its enemy kingdom so she gets a rough time from everyone based on her being from there (xenophobia if you will).
Then we have the King, Ulises, we don’t see much of him because he doesn’t a POV and the other characters are often away from him but what we see shows him as a fair ruler who wants to do the right thing and has his people’s interest at heart. But him being so kind sometimes works at his disadvantage. Little shout out to Reyna who’s a nine year old little girl I love to pieces and who just wants the same chances as the boys to get to be a royal explorer. She’s brave and stubborn and like a little sister to all of them.
All in all, this was a really fast and entertaining read, I found myself enjoying every bit of it, even the ones that I normally wouldn’t just because of how engaging it is! I can’t wait to see what these character will be up to in the next installment.
July 14, 2019
*3.25
One could fill an entire world with all the things we did not know.
I still have no idea what the "isle of blood and stone" was.
Full RTC
One could fill an entire world with all the things we did not know.
I still have no idea what the "isle of blood and stone" was.
Full RTC
May 31, 2019
"We are responsible for no one's conduct but our own," (380).
At first Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier felt like a meh book, nothing special, but boy did it surprise me when it reached a point in which I could not put it down!
It starts off with a mass murder of the royal family and their servants at a picnic. Eighteen years later, a map shows up. A map that can only have been made by Elias's father. A father who was supposedly killed at the picnic that day.
With current king Ulises, and lady friend Mercedes, Elias believes his father is still alive out there and that there is much more to the massacre than anyone could have comprehended. The appearance of the map is the only clue the trio have to go off of. Upon closer inspection, something about the tiny drawing of the children on the map calls them to visit the Javelin Forest.
After meeting some vengeful spirits of deceased orphans in the forest, Elias and company come across someone they thought to have died at the picnic all those years ago. From her, more questions than answers are found. While the picnic was set up to look like Mondrago had done this to the del Marians, the one witness they have says otherwise. The men were not Mondragon, but del Marian. This means the massacre of the royal family and their servants came from within but was blamed without.
After returning to the capital, Elias tries to figure out the next step using clues from the map. He questions his own path: does he keep trying to find his father and the lost princes, who just might be alive, or is it a pointless feat?
My favorite character: Reyna. A nine-year-old girl who wants to be a cartographer, like Elias. But she's a girl! Who would ever take a girl on as an apprentice in such a trade? Reyna is head-strong and determined, and also a good swimmer. More about her later...
The element of mystery in this book, the sort of "Who Done It" aspect, is what really made this book pick up, brought the pacing to be upbeat and just right. I thought the names were a bit basic because a lot of them are Spanish names that are common to many places in contemporary society today, but I also found the slight mysticism to be a nice element to this fantasy world. Spirits, sea serpents, and royal dilemmas brought this fantasy up a notch, but not in a way that makes it unrealistic. This story felt very real, which was a nice touch. I wish there was a bit more to the map; it feels small and makes the world of the book feel small as well, though with the potential to discover more.
One of the other things I really liked about this book was the fact that it's a good stand-alone. Once again, the potential for more, but a satisfying end in itself. On that note, I highly recommend to lovers of fantasy and adventure with minimal romance. And the potential for more? There is a companion book called Song of the Abyss that features a character from Isle of Blood and Stone: Reyna. Age nine in the original book, she is now a seventeen-year-old girl who has finally made it as an explorer. Who says a girl can't survive a voyage and explore the world?
At first Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier felt like a meh book, nothing special, but boy did it surprise me when it reached a point in which I could not put it down!
It starts off with a mass murder of the royal family and their servants at a picnic. Eighteen years later, a map shows up. A map that can only have been made by Elias's father. A father who was supposedly killed at the picnic that day.
With current king Ulises, and lady friend Mercedes, Elias believes his father is still alive out there and that there is much more to the massacre than anyone could have comprehended. The appearance of the map is the only clue the trio have to go off of. Upon closer inspection, something about the tiny drawing of the children on the map calls them to visit the Javelin Forest.
After meeting some vengeful spirits of deceased orphans in the forest, Elias and company come across someone they thought to have died at the picnic all those years ago. From her, more questions than answers are found. While the picnic was set up to look like Mondrago had done this to the del Marians, the one witness they have says otherwise. The men were not Mondragon, but del Marian. This means the massacre of the royal family and their servants came from within but was blamed without.
After returning to the capital, Elias tries to figure out the next step using clues from the map. He questions his own path: does he keep trying to find his father and the lost princes, who just might be alive, or is it a pointless feat?
My favorite character: Reyna. A nine-year-old girl who wants to be a cartographer, like Elias. But she's a girl! Who would ever take a girl on as an apprentice in such a trade? Reyna is head-strong and determined, and also a good swimmer. More about her later...
The element of mystery in this book, the sort of "Who Done It" aspect, is what really made this book pick up, brought the pacing to be upbeat and just right. I thought the names were a bit basic because a lot of them are Spanish names that are common to many places in contemporary society today, but I also found the slight mysticism to be a nice element to this fantasy world. Spirits, sea serpents, and royal dilemmas brought this fantasy up a notch, but not in a way that makes it unrealistic. This story felt very real, which was a nice touch. I wish there was a bit more to the map; it feels small and makes the world of the book feel small as well, though with the potential to discover more.
One of the other things I really liked about this book was the fact that it's a good stand-alone. Once again, the potential for more, but a satisfying end in itself. On that note, I highly recommend to lovers of fantasy and adventure with minimal romance. And the potential for more? There is a companion book called Song of the Abyss that features a character from Isle of Blood and Stone: Reyna. Age nine in the original book, she is now a seventeen-year-old girl who has finally made it as an explorer. Who says a girl can't survive a voyage and explore the world?
March 26, 2018
“Adventurer, two princes lost but not gone. Follow the path of the ancient mariners, Tramontana to Ostro. Look not to what is there, but to what is not.”
Yeah, I didn’t love this as much as I wanted which really seems to be the story of my life lately. I just know this is going to be a completely forgettable read for me. For so much of this story I just didn’t care, and I feel like a lot of it was because I wasn’t invested in the world. I feel like I didn’t know enough about the setting or the characters. While I did enjoy the family and friendship moments with Elias, Mercedes, Ulises and some of the others, they weren’t enough to pull me in. It felt like someone was telling me a story without giving me all the background. I just didn’t get the motivations for the villain, or know enough about the worldbuilding or politics. I just didn’t care and was underwhelmed.
I received a copy of the book from HMH via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2019
"one could fill an entire world with all the things we did not know."
This was really good. The pace was rather slow, which I enjoyed immensly to be honest. Everyone is always raving about books with lots of action and a fast pace but this book was just as good. There were so many plot twists and revelations I never felt bored in the slightest, I was kept on the edge of my seat for the last 100 pages and I couldn't be happier about how everything came to a close.
I don't know what else to say because my heart is bleeding on my rug and I just want to curl up under a blanket with a cup of my favourite tea. I rarely come across books like this one, that stay with me and in my thoughts for a couple of days, a book that makes me want to linger a little while longer in its beautiful world.
Want to read
January 11, 2018The cover is a huge bore, but the synopsis sounds fantastic and I love me a good mystery adventure so let's hope this is a good one!
February 7, 2018
4.5!! To rate up or down? I don't know!
But still—WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK. Gosh I love it. Review to come!!!
But still—WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK. Gosh I love it. Review to come!!!
April 23, 2018
Originally posted on The Nerd Daily | Review by Holly Angus
A story filled with betrayal, suspense and lies, Isle of Blood and Stone is a new release you cannot pass up. This new young adult fantasy novel is set on the island of del Mar, where 18 years ago two young princes destined for the throne and many royal servants were killed in the forest of Javelin. A neighbouring island, Mondrago, was blamed for the murders, their king killed and their homes turned to dust all for revenge. Even 18 years after, the divide between Mondragans and del Marian’s is still at an all-time high, revealing prejudice throughout the novel.
Isle of Blood and Stone Makiia LucierIn present day, Ulises is the newly crowned king and has the entire kingdom on his shoulders. Ulises knows he is a ruler of chance, that this opportunity would not be his if his family did not die 18 years ago. Not only is he a young king trying to figure out how to rule a kingdom, he has to juggle the still feuding rivalry between Mondrago and del Mar.
Then there’s Elias, a 19-year-old map maker, just returned from an adventure abroad. Elias’s father was one of the royal staff to be killed with Ulises’s brothers all those years ago.
Ulises and his best friend Elias, find two mysterious maps that could possibly prove that what happened in Javelin could all be a lie. But if it’s a lie, what actually happened? Why isn’t anyone talking about it? And who wanted to cover up the murders in the first place? Ulises, Elias and their friend Mercedes set off on an adventure to find out the truth about their families’ demise.
The setting gives off old Greek island vibes, making every reader wish they were alongside the characters exploring the isles and solving mysteries. However, it is not as fun as it seems with bandits, robbers and dangerous animals found within the borders, waiting for any opportunity to strike. Del Mar is an isle surrounded by other rivalry states and killer sea serpents, making the adventures of the main characters difficult to achieve without an abundance of danger surrounding them with every step.
Each character has been raised on del Mar, knowing the violent history and every royal subject that roam the halls. However, given the two maps and the lies they have been told, no one in the castle can be trusted.
The characters are courageous and don’t make any stupid decisions that land them in inevitable situations unlike the stereotypical YA tropes. Ulises is a mature character who loves his friends as if they are family, and depend on them because he has no one left, which makes him a selfless ruler who will stop at nothing to keep Elias and Mercedes safe. Elias is a map maker who explores the islands for a living, following in his late father’s footsteps. He is the Captain Jack Sparrow of YA, only dreamier and not as stupid! Mercedes never plays the damsel in distress role, she is a kick ass royal and doesn’t let either of the boys try to protect her, she can hold her own ground and does it gracefully and admirably. All three of these characters make this story incredibly enjoyable! The reader never knows who to trust and eventually starts questioning all the main characters’ intentions as well.
I could not find one thing wrong with this book. It has fast paced writing that keeps the reader engaged at every turn, plot twists that the reader won’t see coming, and adventure that brings out your inner explorer. Makiia Lucier can do no wrong, this is one series to be on the lookout for.
At the time of this article, there will be at least one more novel due to be released in 2019!
A story filled with betrayal, suspense and lies, Isle of Blood and Stone is a new release you cannot pass up. This new young adult fantasy novel is set on the island of del Mar, where 18 years ago two young princes destined for the throne and many royal servants were killed in the forest of Javelin. A neighbouring island, Mondrago, was blamed for the murders, their king killed and their homes turned to dust all for revenge. Even 18 years after, the divide between Mondragans and del Marian’s is still at an all-time high, revealing prejudice throughout the novel.
Isle of Blood and Stone Makiia LucierIn present day, Ulises is the newly crowned king and has the entire kingdom on his shoulders. Ulises knows he is a ruler of chance, that this opportunity would not be his if his family did not die 18 years ago. Not only is he a young king trying to figure out how to rule a kingdom, he has to juggle the still feuding rivalry between Mondrago and del Mar.
Then there’s Elias, a 19-year-old map maker, just returned from an adventure abroad. Elias’s father was one of the royal staff to be killed with Ulises’s brothers all those years ago.
Ulises and his best friend Elias, find two mysterious maps that could possibly prove that what happened in Javelin could all be a lie. But if it’s a lie, what actually happened? Why isn’t anyone talking about it? And who wanted to cover up the murders in the first place? Ulises, Elias and their friend Mercedes set off on an adventure to find out the truth about their families’ demise.
The setting gives off old Greek island vibes, making every reader wish they were alongside the characters exploring the isles and solving mysteries. However, it is not as fun as it seems with bandits, robbers and dangerous animals found within the borders, waiting for any opportunity to strike. Del Mar is an isle surrounded by other rivalry states and killer sea serpents, making the adventures of the main characters difficult to achieve without an abundance of danger surrounding them with every step.
Each character has been raised on del Mar, knowing the violent history and every royal subject that roam the halls. However, given the two maps and the lies they have been told, no one in the castle can be trusted.
The characters are courageous and don’t make any stupid decisions that land them in inevitable situations unlike the stereotypical YA tropes. Ulises is a mature character who loves his friends as if they are family, and depend on them because he has no one left, which makes him a selfless ruler who will stop at nothing to keep Elias and Mercedes safe. Elias is a map maker who explores the islands for a living, following in his late father’s footsteps. He is the Captain Jack Sparrow of YA, only dreamier and not as stupid! Mercedes never plays the damsel in distress role, she is a kick ass royal and doesn’t let either of the boys try to protect her, she can hold her own ground and does it gracefully and admirably. All three of these characters make this story incredibly enjoyable! The reader never knows who to trust and eventually starts questioning all the main characters’ intentions as well.
I could not find one thing wrong with this book. It has fast paced writing that keeps the reader engaged at every turn, plot twists that the reader won’t see coming, and adventure that brings out your inner explorer. Makiia Lucier can do no wrong, this is one series to be on the lookout for.
At the time of this article, there will be at least one more novel due to be released in 2019!
February 27, 2018
You can find more of my reviews at Forever 17 Books.
I love anything with maps, exploring and adventure! It really brings me back to my childhood and everything I loved as a kid. The promise of those such things in the blurb for Isle of Blood and Stone grabbed my attention and I can honestly say I had a lot of fun reading this one!
The story revolves around the events that happened 18 years ago when there was an attack on a party of people that included two young princes, the Royal Navigator Antoni, and so many others. Most everyone that day was poisoned and those who weren’t disappeared and were believed dead, murdered by another kingdom and then subsequently started a war. That is until maps are found made with a skill and likeness of a certain presumed dead navigator that could only have been made more recently than the previous tragic event. Determined to find answers, King Ulises, Elias, and Mercedes embark on a secret mission to find out what happened to the family they lost that day.
As these three discovered clues hidden in the map, they find themselves on a adventure through spooky woods haunted with spirits, dangerous waters infested with sea serpents, and more! The more answers they uncovered the more they realized the real dangers lurked much closer than they could have expected. I loved uncovering all the little secrets and clues along the way and even though I tried to piece together everything myself, there was quite a bit that surprised me!
I really enjoyed the characters and the relationships they had with each other. They were all so selfless and compassionate. I especially enjoyed Mercedes as a strong and smart heroine. There is a touch of romance that brews between her and Elias in that perfect slow burn I love. There is also the spunky Reyna, a 9 year old future mapmaker and explorer who doesn’t let being a girl stop her from her dreams, despite what others may say. She was my very own hidden gem of the story and probably my favorite of them all.
All in all, I found myself completely swept away by this story! It’s not particularly fast paced or filled with action like I thought it might be but I found myself completely okay with that. It kept my attention with all of its mysteries to unravel and was never boring. I had a lot of fun reading this book and I think many others will also find a great adventure to partake in!
I love anything with maps, exploring and adventure! It really brings me back to my childhood and everything I loved as a kid. The promise of those such things in the blurb for Isle of Blood and Stone grabbed my attention and I can honestly say I had a lot of fun reading this one!
The story revolves around the events that happened 18 years ago when there was an attack on a party of people that included two young princes, the Royal Navigator Antoni, and so many others. Most everyone that day was poisoned and those who weren’t disappeared and were believed dead, murdered by another kingdom and then subsequently started a war. That is until maps are found made with a skill and likeness of a certain presumed dead navigator that could only have been made more recently than the previous tragic event. Determined to find answers, King Ulises, Elias, and Mercedes embark on a secret mission to find out what happened to the family they lost that day.
As these three discovered clues hidden in the map, they find themselves on a adventure through spooky woods haunted with spirits, dangerous waters infested with sea serpents, and more! The more answers they uncovered the more they realized the real dangers lurked much closer than they could have expected. I loved uncovering all the little secrets and clues along the way and even though I tried to piece together everything myself, there was quite a bit that surprised me!
I really enjoyed the characters and the relationships they had with each other. They were all so selfless and compassionate. I especially enjoyed Mercedes as a strong and smart heroine. There is a touch of romance that brews between her and Elias in that perfect slow burn I love. There is also the spunky Reyna, a 9 year old future mapmaker and explorer who doesn’t let being a girl stop her from her dreams, despite what others may say. She was my very own hidden gem of the story and probably my favorite of them all.
All in all, I found myself completely swept away by this story! It’s not particularly fast paced or filled with action like I thought it might be but I found myself completely okay with that. It kept my attention with all of its mysteries to unravel and was never boring. I had a lot of fun reading this book and I think many others will also find a great adventure to partake in!
December 18, 2019
"Bad men are capable of generous acts. It's a rare person who is completely evil."
December 2019 Review
Why haven't more people read this? If you're one of those who hasn't please go and read it! This was my second time reading and I liked it even more this time. The writing is beautiful, the characters are lovely, there's a nice mix of a fantasy world and a mystery. There are maps and navigators and ships and a touch of romance. It has it all.
Young adult novels have been more difficult for me to get into over the last few years, but this is one that has grabbed me both times and I have read it extremely quickly. Highly recommended.
I'm also boosting my rating from a four to a five star, because it's that good.
Original Review, June 2019
I picked this book up at the library just after finishing the companion novel Song of the Abyss and I devoured it. I'm falling in love with this world and these characters. Why haven't more people read these books?
This one is similar to a detective story as our main characters solve a riddle, one that ties them closely together, one that broke their families to pieces when they were only babies. All of the investigative stuff was interesting and so well put together. The clues they found, the heartache that was caused, and the final revelations. It was all wonderful.
Not everything in this story is happy and rosy. People don't get the endings they deserve in all cases, which makes it realistic.
There was some romance. I liked the way this aspect of the story was handled. There was actually a relationship developed and not just instant attraction. And there was a minimal amount of drama.
This is a great book. If you're a reader of YA fantasy, go read this!
May 20, 2018
I had my problems with this book, but I also really enjoyed it. I liked the characters and the plot/mystery pulled me in. AND THE MAPS!! I love maps!!!
Elias was a pretty easy character to like, yeah he has a temper, but it wasn't horrible. I think the main thing that annoyed me about him was his need to "protect" Mercedes and Reyna. Especially Mercedes, who is basically a spy master! SHE DOESN'T NEED TO BE CODDLED ARGH. I love fantasy books so much, but it really frustrates me that a lot of them are so sexist and misogynistic!
This book centered on a riddle left on a map, which was so cool. Also, Elias is a geographer so exploring and map making are like his thing. I liked that there was a lot of details about the Navigation school and map making itself. I could clearly imagine it and I loved every second where anyone talked about maps. Also, there are sea serpents!! Like so many different kinds, I need another book to tell me about all of the sea serpents by this island.
I did guess some of the plot, but I was okay with that since it was still intriguing. I'm really looking forward to what will happen in book 2 since the mystery from book 1 was wrapped up.
Elias was a pretty easy character to like, yeah he has a temper, but it wasn't horrible. I think the main thing that annoyed me about him was his need to "protect" Mercedes and Reyna. Especially Mercedes, who is basically a spy master! SHE DOESN'T NEED TO BE CODDLED ARGH. I love fantasy books so much, but it really frustrates me that a lot of them are so sexist and misogynistic!
This book centered on a riddle left on a map, which was so cool. Also, Elias is a geographer so exploring and map making are like his thing. I liked that there was a lot of details about the Navigation school and map making itself. I could clearly imagine it and I loved every second where anyone talked about maps. Also, there are sea serpents!! Like so many different kinds, I need another book to tell me about all of the sea serpents by this island.
I did guess some of the plot, but I was okay with that since it was still intriguing. I'm really looking forward to what will happen in book 2 since the mystery from book 1 was wrapped up.
August 23, 2019
This book was easy to read and I think it will appeal to a more diverse audience, (people who like the fantasy, adventure, romance genre) . You get caught up in the adventure and you can't help but try to solve the puzzle with the main characters.
May 11, 2020
This book is just what I needed.
I know I've mentioned I've had a pretty ehh fantasy year so far and Ace of Shades was one of the first books to pull me out of that slump. But this is a book that's actually similar to all those books I've been trying (princes and mapmakers and all sorts of mystery) that is slaying!
Besides just loving the writing style--it's simple yet descriptive and makes everything clear in third person--I found it to just be really enjoyable in general to read.
The story has a very nice balance, in the different plots and in the characters. Elias is nice enough that you actually like him, but he does have some flaws and not too much of a tortured past--just enough of one to keep you intrigued. He is a little more heroic and less tortured, although it was refreshing than all those dominating males because he was courteous and nice and we need more of that.
What I really loved about the character dynamics with Elias is how he had such a great relationship with is family. He and his stepfather interact in such a cute way and I love how Elias has managed to form this heathy stepfather bond and is actively concerned about his family's well-being without it being the entire motivator of the plot. Even throughout the whole story, he respects both his actual father (that is, if he finds him) and his step father, and this was something that just came off as really cool in a fantasy novel.
I also really liked how Lucier showed how he was a nice person and didn't just tell it *cough*Everless*cough*. He's considerate and an enjoyable male main character that we honestly need more of in books narrated by MMCs.
I enjoyed some of the historical part of this fantasy novel as Lucier references different places but also twists some things to let her add more diversity and potential with the story. There's definitely some twisting of history as there's a huge emphasis on the importance of maps, but I like the references to places like the Pyrenees.
The whole thing was very entertaining to read and engrossing--I wanted to see what's going to happen next and I was invested in the story and the riddles and the maps and the world. Nothing is super slow or boring and there's all sorts of cool things like sea serpents and a whole ton of mystery.
There's definitely a little conspiracy going on and although the issue isn't the most complicated plot ever, I definitely found it enjoyable. Where I took off the half star really rested in how I felt like if Lucier tried, she could have turned this into more books with more intrigue and issues and I actually think I would have wanted to read all of them (aka my problem was that I wish there were more books). But it's also always nice to see fantasy standalones which are kind of a breath of fresh air in this series clogged world.
The only other thing I wanted to touch on was the transitions in the story. I'm pretty sure in the actual book (when I see a physical, I'll check inside to confirm) there are line breaks or something to indicate a shift in the third person POV, but in the DRC I read there weren't any and it immediately went to another point of view in the next paragraph and was very disconcerting. I'm pretty sure this was a formatting issue, but it's always good to check.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this novel and found it to be a refreshing fantasy read! I'd definitely recommend to someone looking for something similar to popular fantasy novels topic-wise, but without some of the more aggravating points to it.
I know I've mentioned I've had a pretty ehh fantasy year so far and Ace of Shades was one of the first books to pull me out of that slump. But this is a book that's actually similar to all those books I've been trying (princes and mapmakers and all sorts of mystery) that is slaying!
Besides just loving the writing style--it's simple yet descriptive and makes everything clear in third person--I found it to just be really enjoyable in general to read.
The story has a very nice balance, in the different plots and in the characters. Elias is nice enough that you actually like him, but he does have some flaws and not too much of a tortured past--just enough of one to keep you intrigued. He is a little more heroic and less tortured, although it was refreshing than all those dominating males because he was courteous and nice and we need more of that.
What I really loved about the character dynamics with Elias is how he had such a great relationship with is family. He and his stepfather interact in such a cute way and I love how Elias has managed to form this heathy stepfather bond and is actively concerned about his family's well-being without it being the entire motivator of the plot. Even throughout the whole story, he respects both his actual father (that is, if he finds him) and his step father, and this was something that just came off as really cool in a fantasy novel.
I also really liked how Lucier showed how he was a nice person and didn't just tell it *cough*Everless*cough*. He's considerate and an enjoyable male main character that we honestly need more of in books narrated by MMCs.
I enjoyed some of the historical part of this fantasy novel as Lucier references different places but also twists some things to let her add more diversity and potential with the story. There's definitely some twisting of history as there's a huge emphasis on the importance of maps, but I like the references to places like the Pyrenees.
The whole thing was very entertaining to read and engrossing--I wanted to see what's going to happen next and I was invested in the story and the riddles and the maps and the world. Nothing is super slow or boring and there's all sorts of cool things like sea serpents and a whole ton of mystery.
There's definitely a little conspiracy going on and although the issue isn't the most complicated plot ever, I definitely found it enjoyable. Where I took off the half star really rested in how I felt like if Lucier tried, she could have turned this into more books with more intrigue and issues and I actually think I would have wanted to read all of them (aka my problem was that I wish there were more books). But it's also always nice to see fantasy standalones which are kind of a breath of fresh air in this series clogged world.
The only other thing I wanted to touch on was the transitions in the story. I'm pretty sure in the actual book (when I see a physical, I'll check inside to confirm) there are line breaks or something to indicate a shift in the third person POV, but in the DRC I read there weren't any and it immediately went to another point of view in the next paragraph and was very disconcerting. I'm pretty sure this was a formatting issue, but it's always good to check.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this novel and found it to be a refreshing fantasy read! I'd definitely recommend to someone looking for something similar to popular fantasy novels topic-wise, but without some of the more aggravating points to it.
December 30, 2021
4.5
"It is not down on any map; true places never are." -Herman Melville
First off: what a beautiful opening quotation 😍. Second: maps. MAPS! Need I say more? This book is full of maps and mapmakers and I'm dying for more! The storyline had twists I didn't see coming and it was set in a unique world which I loved. Always could use a fresh story and this book hit the mark. And yes, the characters are amazing. Especially Reyna (gotta be the #1 nine year old), Mercedes (a mix of badie woman warrior and calm negotiator), and Elias (seriously tho he's like always injured 😂).
**
OVERVIEW
"Ulises asked, "How can I look at these maps, see this riddle, and do nothing? They are my brothers."
Elias reached across the table and flicked aside two shells with a fingertip. The map curled into itself. "It's bound to be a goose chase. You know that?"
"Or a treasure hunt," Ulises countered, "and you've always been good at those."
Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of del Mar's oldest friend. Soon he will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, an expedition past the Strait of Cain and into uncharted waters. Nothing stands in his way...until a long-ago tragedy creeps back into the light, threatening all he holds dear.
The people of St. John del Mar have never recovered from the loss of their boy princes, kidnapped eighteen years ago, both presumed dead. But when two maps surface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear to be drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias's father, who vanished on that same fateful day? With the king's beautiful cousin by his side—whether he wants her there or not—Elias will race to solve the riddle of the princes. He will have to use his wits and guard his back. Because some truths are better left buried...and an unknown enemy stalks his every turn."
POSITIVE ELEMENTS
The characters care and watch out for each other. Elias has an amazing family❤️
SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
Mentions of prayers and monks. There are temples/churches. God mentioned.
VIOLENCE
Fighting described. Mercedes kills an animal with a bow. Sword fights. A boy jumps from a cliff (not suicidal). Someone is injured by a sea serpent. People are poisoned. Descriptions of dead bodies and blood. A mention of a woman being beaten to death. A man's tongue is cut out. Descriptions of injuries and pain (semi-detailed).
SEXUAL CONTENT
Attraction between a boy and a girl. A few kisses (not detailed).
LANGUAGE
"D--n" and "h--l" said a few times. "Bastard" used int the literal sense. A person is described as a horses "a--".
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
Mention of drunks. Wine is drunk. Poison is used to kill people.
OTHER NOTES
There is a pretty big discrimination against one of the characters and her people. She is spat at and one of her people are punched. There is also some descriptions of people with leprosy which may disturb younger readers. Prolly best for 12+.
**
Wonderful book to pick up!
~Happy Reading~
"It is not down on any map; true places never are." -Herman Melville
First off: what a beautiful opening quotation 😍. Second: maps. MAPS! Need I say more? This book is full of maps and mapmakers and I'm dying for more! The storyline had twists I didn't see coming and it was set in a unique world which I loved. Always could use a fresh story and this book hit the mark. And yes, the characters are amazing. Especially Reyna (gotta be the #1 nine year old), Mercedes (a mix of badie woman warrior and calm negotiator), and Elias (seriously tho he's like always injured 😂).
**
OVERVIEW
"Ulises asked, "How can I look at these maps, see this riddle, and do nothing? They are my brothers."
Elias reached across the table and flicked aside two shells with a fingertip. The map curled into itself. "It's bound to be a goose chase. You know that?"
"Or a treasure hunt," Ulises countered, "and you've always been good at those."
Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of del Mar's oldest friend. Soon he will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, an expedition past the Strait of Cain and into uncharted waters. Nothing stands in his way...until a long-ago tragedy creeps back into the light, threatening all he holds dear.
The people of St. John del Mar have never recovered from the loss of their boy princes, kidnapped eighteen years ago, both presumed dead. But when two maps surface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear to be drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias's father, who vanished on that same fateful day? With the king's beautiful cousin by his side—whether he wants her there or not—Elias will race to solve the riddle of the princes. He will have to use his wits and guard his back. Because some truths are better left buried...and an unknown enemy stalks his every turn."
POSITIVE ELEMENTS
The characters care and watch out for each other. Elias has an amazing family❤️
SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
Mentions of prayers and monks. There are temples/churches. God mentioned.
VIOLENCE
Fighting described. Mercedes kills an animal with a bow. Sword fights. A boy jumps from a cliff (not suicidal). Someone is injured by a sea serpent. People are poisoned. Descriptions of dead bodies and blood. A mention of a woman being beaten to death. A man's tongue is cut out. Descriptions of injuries and pain (semi-detailed).
SEXUAL CONTENT
Attraction between a boy and a girl. A few kisses (not detailed).
LANGUAGE
"D--n" and "h--l" said a few times. "Bastard" used int the literal sense. A person is described as a horses "a--".
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
Mention of drunks. Wine is drunk. Poison is used to kill people.
OTHER NOTES
There is a pretty big discrimination against one of the characters and her people. She is spat at and one of her people are punched. There is also some descriptions of people with leprosy which may disturb younger readers. Prolly best for 12+.
**
Wonderful book to pick up!
~Happy Reading~
February 4, 2018
3.5 stars
Isle of Blood and Stone comes off to me as one of those quieter YA fantasies that are hidden gems. It’s not fast-paced, nor does it have tons of thrilling action. But the characterizations fuel the story as we follow on an 18-year old mystery that needs to be solved. Despite the sedate pace, I enjoyed the emphasis in the story on maps and following the political intrigue within St. John del Mar. There’s a marked focus on character relationships and heading into danger, as well as fantastical elements that add flavor to the story. I’d recommend Isle of Blood and Stone to fantasy readers who don’t mind less action in favor of characterization and solving mysteries. It’s for sure a deviation from the princes and princesses route that YA fantasies like to take.
Review to come!
Isle of Blood and Stone comes off to me as one of those quieter YA fantasies that are hidden gems. It’s not fast-paced, nor does it have tons of thrilling action. But the characterizations fuel the story as we follow on an 18-year old mystery that needs to be solved. Despite the sedate pace, I enjoyed the emphasis in the story on maps and following the political intrigue within St. John del Mar. There’s a marked focus on character relationships and heading into danger, as well as fantastical elements that add flavor to the story. I’d recommend Isle of Blood and Stone to fantasy readers who don’t mind less action in favor of characterization and solving mysteries. It’s for sure a deviation from the princes and princesses route that YA fantasies like to take.
Review to come!
November 23, 2024
cw: mentions of a past suicide, torture
honestly I think this book is still my favorite of hers…the plot, the intrigue, the betrayals, the loyalty, whatever elias and mercedes have going on…
god. I'm crying this was so good😭
honestly I think this book is still my favorite of hers…the plot, the intrigue, the betrayals, the loyalty, whatever elias and mercedes have going on…
original review:
god. I'm crying this was so good😭
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