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The Relics Adventures #2
The Golden Lantern
The second installment in the Relics Adventure Series has Ivan
returning to the mystical forest, when his brother, Peter, doesn't
come home.
Between the ratlings, the vaguers and the trolls, his troubles are
just beginning. Sebastian, the spirit in the Long Dark Cloak, has his
healing powers working overtime, just to keep up.
Ivan has his hands full, struggling with sarcastic cats, flying
horses, and a goddess that has his heart all aflutter. Throw in a
dejected dragon and a witch accused of murder, and his journey is
fraught with danger, mystery, and the knowledge that someone is
hell-bent to destroy him.
returning to the mystical forest, when his brother, Peter, doesn't
come home.
Between the ratlings, the vaguers and the trolls, his troubles are
just beginning. Sebastian, the spirit in the Long Dark Cloak, has his
healing powers working overtime, just to keep up.
Ivan has his hands full, struggling with sarcastic cats, flying
horses, and a goddess that has his heart all aflutter. Throw in a
dejected dragon and a witch accused of murder, and his journey is
fraught with danger, mystery, and the knowledge that someone is
hell-bent to destroy him.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 27, 2019
A 399 page Young Adult fantasy novel. Second book of the Relics series.
This is a well written novel dealing with a young man living alone on a farm outside a forest. His brother has not returned home as expected and the young boy (Ivan) sets out to find him by entering the dangerous forest.
The story flows smoothly which results in a relaxing easy read. There is plenty of adventure, drama and intensity to keep the reader turning pages. The missing brother is not the only undertaking Ivan is saddled with. There are missing relics (Hence, the series name) that he needs to locate and return to the Sanctuary of Truth located inside a Giant Oak.
Essence seeking Vaguers, ravenous ratlings and evil tempered trolls cause Ivan and his forest friends all types of trouble as they attempt to locate Ivan’s brother, the missing relic and any evidence they can find that might help free a witch accused of murder. A cantankerous dragon, flying horses and crabby cat are also in the mix.
This is a good read, as was “The Long Dark Cloak”.
This is a well written novel dealing with a young man living alone on a farm outside a forest. His brother has not returned home as expected and the young boy (Ivan) sets out to find him by entering the dangerous forest.
The story flows smoothly which results in a relaxing easy read. There is plenty of adventure, drama and intensity to keep the reader turning pages. The missing brother is not the only undertaking Ivan is saddled with. There are missing relics (Hence, the series name) that he needs to locate and return to the Sanctuary of Truth located inside a Giant Oak.
Essence seeking Vaguers, ravenous ratlings and evil tempered trolls cause Ivan and his forest friends all types of trouble as they attempt to locate Ivan’s brother, the missing relic and any evidence they can find that might help free a witch accused of murder. A cantankerous dragon, flying horses and crabby cat are also in the mix.
This is a good read, as was “The Long Dark Cloak”.
February 15, 2026
The Golden Lantern by Vicki D. Thomas
This story follows Ivan, a 15-year-old boy who goes looking for Peter after he promises to come home but never does. His search turns into a big adventure filled with danger, magic, and strange creatures.
Along the way, Ivan meets a witch he believes is innocent and a healing spirit named Sebastian who is told to protect him. His two loyal beagles also stay by his side and help keep him safe. Ivan later meets Lord Graydon, who says Peter already went home, leaving Ivan unsure if Peter was ever trustworthy.
When a dragon steals the Golden Lantern, Ivan even rides a winged horse to get it back. He also helps fight the Vaguers, who harm people by stealing their souls.
By the end, Ivan’s journey helps him grow and learn about “friendship, wisdom, and maturity.” It’s a fun adventure about courage and growing up.
This story follows Ivan, a 15-year-old boy who goes looking for Peter after he promises to come home but never does. His search turns into a big adventure filled with danger, magic, and strange creatures.
Along the way, Ivan meets a witch he believes is innocent and a healing spirit named Sebastian who is told to protect him. His two loyal beagles also stay by his side and help keep him safe. Ivan later meets Lord Graydon, who says Peter already went home, leaving Ivan unsure if Peter was ever trustworthy.
When a dragon steals the Golden Lantern, Ivan even rides a winged horse to get it back. He also helps fight the Vaguers, who harm people by stealing their souls.
By the end, Ivan’s journey helps him grow and learn about “friendship, wisdom, and maturity.” It’s a fun adventure about courage and growing up.
July 3, 2023
I've read a lot of books written for this age group, and most times they fall short.
Why? Because kids' brains are sponges. What better way to, within the context of a forward-moving adventure story, impart some of life's lessons, teach about how people should treat each other, and stress the importance of trusting family relationships?
This series is all that and more. I was drawn in the most with the well-drawn, and sometimes conflicting characters, each with their own set of goals. The plot is solid. The setting inventive. Vicki Thomas does an amazing job of making it all work!
Why? Because kids' brains are sponges. What better way to, within the context of a forward-moving adventure story, impart some of life's lessons, teach about how people should treat each other, and stress the importance of trusting family relationships?
This series is all that and more. I was drawn in the most with the well-drawn, and sometimes conflicting characters, each with their own set of goals. The plot is solid. The setting inventive. Vicki Thomas does an amazing job of making it all work!
September 5, 2019
Author Vicki Thomas writes a delightful book filled with adventure. Ivan, a young boy, sets out to find his brother by entering the dangerous forest. If you enjoy fantasy, you will not be able to put the book down as you meet a variety of magical characters. Some will befriend Ivan, while others become threats to our would be hero’s desperate need to save those in need. You won’t want to miss this second book in the Relic Series.
March 4, 2026
This is book 2 in The Relics Adventures, but they can be read as standalones because I read this one and had no issues following the story. I really enjoyed this one! This author was new to me and I liked the way she wove the backstory and world building into the story! Sometimes I get bored when the world building takes up too much of the beginning of the book - this was not the case with this story so I was able to jump right in and follow along, staying hooked til the end.
January 28, 2026
I'm sometimes a little hesitant when it comes to YA Fantasy books, but this series has been nothing but spectacular. It's magical, adventurous, and so much more. The story flows nicely, the characters are great, and the way the story is told makes the reader envision that they are there as well. This is one series you won't want to miss
February 7, 2026
worth the read
July 5, 2020
What a delightful journey! I can hardly wait for the the third book in the series. I was hooked in book one, but now I can hardly wait for Ivan to return to the forest as he gets more involved with the incredible cast of magical characters. I am loving this adventure. Good for all ages.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews