What do you think?
Rate this book
Hidden Treasure
According to legend, five hundred years ago the country of Connmeera sent an exceptional gift to the country of Ormslea, but the ship was overtaken and the treasure lost. Now proof of the treasure has been found in the vast, daunting country of Jarvoct, and Connmeera and Ormslea mount a joint venture to recover the treasure. Ormslea sends Jaxom Archeron, the son of a noble family, an elite soldier known for his dedication to duty. But the Queen of Connmeera chooses Lord Dorian Pelias, a poor relation who could benefit even if the mission is unsuccessful. While the two men at first have nothing in common, as they travel, Dorian’s intelligence, optimism, and kindness work their way past the wall of resolve Jaxom long ago constructed around his heart. When a Jarv prince attempts to enslave Dorian for his own purposes, Jaxom comes to his rescue, shaken by how much Dorian has come to mean to him. Recovering the treasure isn’t the only challenge they will face as they search for common ground and a life in disparate countries that may not be so pleased to welcome them home.
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
V.B. Kildaire
5 books34 followersV.B. Kildaire is a Canadian prairie girl from Manitoba who has worked at a national park, a radio station, and a family-owned store. She has an unhealthy obsession with mad monarchs and unexplained history. She is also servant to a very spoiled cat.
Visit her blog at http://vbkildaire.livejournal.com/.
Visit her blog at http://vbkildaire.livejournal.com/.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 26, 2012
Good adventure plot, but somehow disappointing emotionally
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- Kildaire is good at concise characterization: after a single chapter from each protagonist’s point of view, I had a good idea of his personality. I immediately wanted a happy ending for Dorian in particular. His personality is lovely: he’s sweet and a curious mixture of upbeat and fatalistic, but not in a way that I found annoying. I also love that it’s Dorian’s personality, and not his looks, that is so attractive to Jaxom.
- The characters do a lot of traveling, but although I was warned by another reader that I might find the plot boring, I didn’t. For me, there was just enough variety in their surroundings and the things that happen to the characters to keep the plot from seeming tedious.
- There’s a decent amount of angst in the story, but it’s not all-encompassing. Dorian has a pretty low opinion of himself, so he thinks it impossible that Jaxom could be attracted to him. Still, he’s not overly despairing about it; he simply accepts it, quietly and with nothing more than an occasional wistful glance.
- The amount of buildup to the first sexual encounter is long enough to create a nice amount of sexual tension, and after that first scene, there are several more sex scenes. I didn’t feel that they intruded upon the story, though, and they’re not at all graphic compared to others I’ve read in this genre.
CONS:
- The main characters feel strongly for each other--and Dorian even realizes that he’s fallen in love with Jaxom--but neither of them ever voices or displays his feelings in a way that the other man knows that the feelings are mutual. Jaxom, for example, recognizes his own tender feelings for Dorian but never really reveals them, nor does he know how deeply Dorian feels for him in return because Dorian never says anything, either.
- Parts of the story are confusing and/or dense, especially at the beginning. Just on the first page, there are numerous references to people/places/events unique to the story which I found disorienting: “the Foundering,” “Vanduuns,” “Jarvoct,” “Connmeera,” etc. In addition, there are conversations throughout the book that are in italics and contain no exposition and no tags, so it’s difficult even to determine who the speakers are in those scenes.
Overall comments: This book reads like the first in a series: quite a few plot points are left unresolved, and it has an open (and in my opinion, disappointing) ending. The plot was entertaining for me, although I didn’t have a good understanding of the PURPOSE for the quest the two main characters go on: they’re searching for the Treasure, sure, but why? Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I wanted much more on the emotional/romantic front.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- Kildaire is good at concise characterization: after a single chapter from each protagonist’s point of view, I had a good idea of his personality. I immediately wanted a happy ending for Dorian in particular. His personality is lovely: he’s sweet and a curious mixture of upbeat and fatalistic, but not in a way that I found annoying. I also love that it’s Dorian’s personality, and not his looks, that is so attractive to Jaxom.
- The characters do a lot of traveling, but although I was warned by another reader that I might find the plot boring, I didn’t. For me, there was just enough variety in their surroundings and the things that happen to the characters to keep the plot from seeming tedious.
- There’s a decent amount of angst in the story, but it’s not all-encompassing. Dorian has a pretty low opinion of himself, so he thinks it impossible that Jaxom could be attracted to him. Still, he’s not overly despairing about it; he simply accepts it, quietly and with nothing more than an occasional wistful glance.
- The amount of buildup to the first sexual encounter is long enough to create a nice amount of sexual tension, and after that first scene, there are several more sex scenes. I didn’t feel that they intruded upon the story, though, and they’re not at all graphic compared to others I’ve read in this genre.
CONS:
- The main characters feel strongly for each other--and Dorian even realizes that he’s fallen in love with Jaxom--but neither of them ever voices or displays his feelings in a way that the other man knows that the feelings are mutual. Jaxom, for example, recognizes his own tender feelings for Dorian but never really reveals them, nor does he know how deeply Dorian feels for him in return because Dorian never says anything, either.
- Parts of the story are confusing and/or dense, especially at the beginning. Just on the first page, there are numerous references to people/places/events unique to the story which I found disorienting: “the Foundering,” “Vanduuns,” “Jarvoct,” “Connmeera,” etc. In addition, there are conversations throughout the book that are in italics and contain no exposition and no tags, so it’s difficult even to determine who the speakers are in those scenes.
Overall comments: This book reads like the first in a series: quite a few plot points are left unresolved, and it has an open (and in my opinion, disappointing) ending. The plot was entertaining for me, although I didn’t have a good understanding of the PURPOSE for the quest the two main characters go on: they’re searching for the Treasure, sure, but why? Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I wanted much more on the emotional/romantic front.
May 4, 2015
This was a great adventure story but misses out on a 5 star due to the lack of ending.
I was easily transported into this world. Going along on Jaxom and Dorians quest was both entertaining and sweet. Watching them come together as a couple hit all my likes. The mysteries, action and adventures they encountered gave me plenty to get my teeth into.
But I have a major issue with the ending. This was another very enjoyable read that seemed to just stop. I was left floundering without even an epilogue to fill in the blanks. Very disappointing.
I was easily transported into this world. Going along on Jaxom and Dorians quest was both entertaining and sweet. Watching them come together as a couple hit all my likes. The mysteries, action and adventures they encountered gave me plenty to get my teeth into.
But I have a major issue with the ending. This was another very enjoyable read that seemed to just stop. I was left floundering without even an epilogue to fill in the blanks. Very disappointing.
July 21, 2015
Oh my, started so good, ended so bad.
Basically, this started off as a good low fantasy adventure romance. You know, two guys head off for an adventure and fall in love? I liked both characters, the confident but stoic soldier and the misunderstood but kindhearted scholar. So far so good.
I liked how the two hooked up. The sex scenes weren't much to write home about, but they were adequate.
Then something happens (of course) and the stoic soldier does the formulaic "generic relationship challenge #204" and pulls away for the other guy's own good. Only he is really pretty cruel about it and causes some significant pain in the process. And the other guy isn't confident and takes it very personally.
And how is this resolved? It isn't. The sweet guy grovels until they end up in bed again and that is it. And then some more things happen and the book is over. They never talk about it, there is never an apology, and you're left with the idea that pretty much soldier boy would do the exact same thing again given the opportunity.
They never discuss their relationship or where it is going. The book just ends. And there is no resolution of even the adventure they were on. I guess there will be a sequel, I don't know, but it was so abrupt!
Overall a waste of a lot of potential :-(
Basically, this started off as a good low fantasy adventure romance. You know, two guys head off for an adventure and fall in love? I liked both characters, the confident but stoic soldier and the misunderstood but kindhearted scholar. So far so good.
I liked how the two hooked up. The sex scenes weren't much to write home about, but they were adequate.
Then something happens (of course) and the stoic soldier does the formulaic "generic relationship challenge #204" and pulls away for the other guy's own good. Only he is really pretty cruel about it and causes some significant pain in the process. And the other guy isn't confident and takes it very personally.
And how is this resolved? It isn't. The sweet guy grovels until they end up in bed again and that is it. And then some more things happen and the book is over. They never talk about it, there is never an apology, and you're left with the idea that pretty much soldier boy would do the exact same thing again given the opportunity.
They never discuss their relationship or where it is going. The book just ends. And there is no resolution of even the adventure they were on. I guess there will be a sequel, I don't know, but it was so abrupt!
Overall a waste of a lot of potential :-(
September 29, 2019
When I started to read m/m books I found preferred them set in Regency or Victorian periods, and when I discovered this author I read her two other books and loved them. This one I delayed, it didn’t appeal as much, never been into fantasy or imaginary lands, but it was V.B.’s book and so I thought I’d give it a try. Am I glad I did! What an amazing story, and two of the most enjoyable characters. The only bad part is that I’ve now read all her books, keep writing V.B., please keep writing.
March 24, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and how the writer really fleshed them out. Also I'm a sucker for the shy, reserved optimist type character. I really wish there were more characters like Dorian in mm romance books. I also really enjoy quest/adventure type stories. So this book was really my cup of tea.
The thing I didn't like so much was that the book seemed unresolved. As if it was planned to be part of a series? Some things weren't cleared up or discussed in detail so I assumed they were planned to be left for another book. This book also ends in a hfn (which I wasn't too thrilled with).
That said, this was such a beautiful, sweet story and I would recommend this book to lovers of mm fantasy romances, and people who like romances featuring a calm, easy-going, yet somewhat shy optimist type character, and a serious, stoic, strong type of character.
The thing I didn't like so much was that the book seemed unresolved. As if it was planned to be part of a series? Some things weren't cleared up or discussed in detail so I assumed they were planned to be left for another book. This book also ends in a hfn (which I wasn't too thrilled with).
That said, this was such a beautiful, sweet story and I would recommend this book to lovers of mm fantasy romances, and people who like romances featuring a calm, easy-going, yet somewhat shy optimist type character, and a serious, stoic, strong type of character.
January 25, 2018
Took a star off because of the end; it felt like a cliffhanger, like there still was more of the story to tell - specially about the main characters relatioship - but it just ended. Maybe some sort of epilogue could have added a bit more resolution.
May 2, 2013
The official plot description for this book sounds a bit dry, perhaps, but I found it to be a most enjoyable tale. The two protagonists are very different in many ways, but they gradually become familiar with one another’s idiosyncrasies as they embark on their months-long journey to find the mysterious treasure (no one now living has any idea of what this treasure actually was, and many doubt it even existed in the first place). Each finds in the other traits and qualities that are quite admirable, and in time a mutual attraction asserts itself.
This is the sort of relationship I most enjoy in this type of story---the slow burn. No declarations of undying love right off the bat, and no premature physical intimacy either. The characters really get to KNOW one another as they---almost against their will---fall in love.
So, in my view---here we have the portrayal of a most satisfactory relationship, and in the second half of the book there are some intimate scenes as well, for those who enjoy that sort of thing.
While I have a few quibbles about the book, they are minor enough that they didn’t have any serious impact on my enjoyment of the story. I perhaps would have liked to have a little more world-building worked into the plot; a more detailed exploration of the differences between the two countries that each man came from, as well as the country through which they were traveling. And a map would have been most helpful, even a rudimentary one, in giving the layout of this fantasy world. I simply couldn’t quite picture where the various countries were in relation to one another, and I really wanted to have a better sense of place as I followed these two on their journey.
Also, when I had finished and got to thinking about the story, I had a few “Hey, wait a minute...” questions regarding the logistics of the treasure. But---I can’t say exactly what I was thinking for fear of spoilers, so...
Oh, and I wouldn’t have minded just a little more at the end! I liked the finish of the tale, but really wanted to know what happened next.
V.B. Kildaire has only written two books, one a fantasy and one a Regency, and I’ve enjoyed them both. I had heard that she had some other works in the pipeline---another Regency, and a sequel to this story---and that made me very happy. But a quick check on-line shows that she hasn’t had any sort of web presence since this book was released three years ago. That’s a little worrying---I can’t help but wonder if everything is okay with her (yep, I’m always the pessimist). So, I don’t know if she’ll be publishing again, but if she does, I’ll be waiting in line to buy her next book.
Happily recommended.
This is the sort of relationship I most enjoy in this type of story---the slow burn. No declarations of undying love right off the bat, and no premature physical intimacy either. The characters really get to KNOW one another as they---almost against their will---fall in love.
So, in my view---here we have the portrayal of a most satisfactory relationship, and in the second half of the book there are some intimate scenes as well, for those who enjoy that sort of thing.
While I have a few quibbles about the book, they are minor enough that they didn’t have any serious impact on my enjoyment of the story. I perhaps would have liked to have a little more world-building worked into the plot; a more detailed exploration of the differences between the two countries that each man came from, as well as the country through which they were traveling. And a map would have been most helpful, even a rudimentary one, in giving the layout of this fantasy world. I simply couldn’t quite picture where the various countries were in relation to one another, and I really wanted to have a better sense of place as I followed these two on their journey.
Also, when I had finished and got to thinking about the story, I had a few “Hey, wait a minute...” questions regarding the logistics of the treasure. But---I can’t say exactly what I was thinking for fear of spoilers, so...
Oh, and I wouldn’t have minded just a little more at the end! I liked the finish of the tale, but really wanted to know what happened next.
V.B. Kildaire has only written two books, one a fantasy and one a Regency, and I’ve enjoyed them both. I had heard that she had some other works in the pipeline---another Regency, and a sequel to this story---and that made me very happy. But a quick check on-line shows that she hasn’t had any sort of web presence since this book was released three years ago. That’s a little worrying---I can’t help but wonder if everything is okay with her (yep, I’m always the pessimist). So, I don’t know if she’ll be publishing again, but if she does, I’ll be waiting in line to buy her next book.
Happily recommended.
May 1, 2016
What a delightful journey.
Jax - in the beginning he is sooo happy - his companion is plain, so no danger of feeling attracted, no complication on that front and a relaxed trip seems to be ahead with an interesting conversational partner - or so he thought, the experienced soldier, but how wrong he was. With his sweet and kind nature Dorian captures him and has him wrapped around his little finger without him even noticing anything until it is much to late. He i already in love, even if he is still unaware of it and in denial... Dorian slip his radar, silently sneaking into Jax heart, earning his regard and affection.
It's not a story of true mates, bonded partner, destined to be with each other or of love at first sight - or even insta-lust. It is a story of becoming companions, learning to trust and appreciate each others strengh and to tolerate each others weaknesses and growing from strangers to companion to friend to partners and then finally lovers and so much more.
In this case, the very long period this final connection needs to grow, makes it such a strong and moving book, at least for me.
The only thing that bothered me was, later on, Jax repeated insistsence that he only admired Dorians beautiful body and lusted after "it". I know that his "affection" applied to Dorian as a person - he enjoyed their talks, his attention and his very presence and cared for him very much but if he thinks about bodily attraction he only always refers to the body...not the person, as if he talks about two different, totally separate things...not one man.
Regarding exactly this view of Dorian - especially in one scene, it is proved again - men, especially fictive ones are idiots.. well Jax definitely is an insensitive idiot!!
I wanted to throttle him.. constantly...repeatedly... very hard... the whole time I heard his "reasoning".
To a certain extent it was understandable, considering his style of life, but nevertheless.. even knowing that he DOES care ... grrrrr
Overall - it is by no means a dark-themed book, but it is, in parts, not a light one either. There are many passages that left me with a feeling of inner warmth and total contentment, and others that made me feel very sad and left me musing.
And THAT made it for me a very special and highly enjoyable reading experiance.
Jax - in the beginning he is sooo happy - his companion is plain, so no danger of feeling attracted, no complication on that front and a relaxed trip seems to be ahead with an interesting conversational partner - or so he thought, the experienced soldier, but how wrong he was. With his sweet and kind nature Dorian captures him and has him wrapped around his little finger without him even noticing anything until it is much to late. He i already in love, even if he is still unaware of it and in denial... Dorian slip his radar, silently sneaking into Jax heart, earning his regard and affection.
It's not a story of true mates, bonded partner, destined to be with each other or of love at first sight - or even insta-lust. It is a story of becoming companions, learning to trust and appreciate each others strengh and to tolerate each others weaknesses and growing from strangers to companion to friend to partners and then finally lovers and so much more.
In this case, the very long period this final connection needs to grow, makes it such a strong and moving book, at least for me.
The only thing that bothered me was, later on, Jax repeated insistsence that he only admired Dorians beautiful body and lusted after "it". I know that his "affection" applied to Dorian as a person - he enjoyed their talks, his attention and his very presence and cared for him very much but if he thinks about bodily attraction he only always refers to the body...not the person, as if he talks about two different, totally separate things...not one man.
Regarding exactly this view of Dorian - especially in one scene, it is proved again - men, especially fictive ones are idiots.. well Jax definitely is an insensitive idiot!!
I wanted to throttle him.. constantly...repeatedly... very hard... the whole time I heard his "reasoning".
To a certain extent it was understandable, considering his style of life, but nevertheless.. even knowing that he DOES care ... grrrrr
Overall - it is by no means a dark-themed book, but it is, in parts, not a light one either. There are many passages that left me with a feeling of inner warmth and total contentment, and others that made me feel very sad and left me musing.
And THAT made it for me a very special and highly enjoyable reading experiance.
January 16, 2011
This was an enjoyable read, for the most part -- I always enjoy fantasy, and for that reason alone, I was inclined to like this book. Ultimately, however, it doesn't really become more than enjoyable -- there's not really much in it that grabs me and makes me want to live in the world that these characters inhabit. The plot is very episodic, as it follows the soldier, Jaxom, and the noble, Dorian, on their quest to find the lost Treasure of Ormslea -- they face down a series of challenges that aren't really tied into an over-arching narrative; some of these are more interesting than others, but mainly their role is to provide a vehicle for the growing relationship between Jaxom and Dorian.
There was some disability fail in this book, although I think that the author's intention was probably the opposite. In particular, people with cognitive disabilities are represented as "holy fools" who have a sort of instinctive wisdom about the world that people of "normal" intelligence lack. I recognise that Kildare was trying to counter the idea that such people should be treated badly, but unfortunately, represenations of disability that represent disability as something almost transcendental aren't particularly helpful either.
Anyhow -- if you're thinking of buying this book, you enjoy fantasy, and you're willing to take a risk with the disability stuff -- then I'd say go for it. Don't expect something that will change your world, but it's entertaining enough.
There was some disability fail in this book, although I think that the author's intention was probably the opposite. In particular, people with cognitive disabilities are represented as "holy fools" who have a sort of instinctive wisdom about the world that people of "normal" intelligence lack. I recognise that Kildare was trying to counter the idea that such people should be treated badly, but unfortunately, represenations of disability that represent disability as something almost transcendental aren't particularly helpful either.
Anyhow -- if you're thinking of buying this book, you enjoy fantasy, and you're willing to take a risk with the disability stuff -- then I'd say go for it. Don't expect something that will change your world, but it's entertaining enough.
November 16, 2013
The story was actually quite good. I rather enjoyed the interactions between the characters.
I thought the ending was rather abrupt, though. It ended before the story got a chance to finish resolving itself. It's like me when I get towards the end of an essay or letter and I have no idea how to end it, so I just kind of leave it off. Except that's really not a great way to conclude a piece of writing.
Still, the universe is quite nicely built.
It's interesting/weird because Dorian's apparently a bit of a "butterface." The emphatic reiterations of the plainness of his face were rather weird. He's not beautiful. Not that he's completely plain, of course; he's decent to look at. He's just not beautiful, you see.
I do still feel cheated out of an actual ending, though.
**
I agree with many of the points Charly brings up.
I didn't have some problems xe had (the italics, for example. It didn't really matter so much the names of the characters speaking as who they were and their motives for the things they discussed, which I thought were sufficiently conveyed).
I thought the ending was rather abrupt, though. It ended before the story got a chance to finish resolving itself. It's like me when I get towards the end of an essay or letter and I have no idea how to end it, so I just kind of leave it off. Except that's really not a great way to conclude a piece of writing.
Still, the universe is quite nicely built.
It's interesting/weird because Dorian's apparently a bit of a "butterface." The emphatic reiterations of the plainness of his face were rather weird. He's not beautiful. Not that he's completely plain, of course; he's decent to look at. He's just not beautiful, you see.
I do still feel cheated out of an actual ending, though.
**
I agree with many of the points Charly brings up.
I didn't have some problems xe had (the italics, for example. It didn't really matter so much the names of the characters speaking as who they were and their motives for the things they discussed, which I thought were sufficiently conveyed).
May 28, 2010
3.5 stars
Enjoyable story, likable characters, entertaining adventure. Felt like this book had lots of potential, but at the end there were just a few things lacking that kept me from really loving it.
First, I started the novel expecting fantasy, and it turned out to be pretty fantasy-light, or underdeveloped, in my opinion. Actually, it felt more like some sort of historical quest novel than a fantasy novel, aside from the facts that the countries were make-believe and being gay was ok. Along those lines, I also felt like the author really let the ball drop in terms of having a magical element in this novel. There are multiple references to magic and the treasure as being a tool to help restore magic to other lands, but at the end of the day, none of these hints or references were ever fleshed out, which was kinda disappointing. And finally, the ending just felt a bit...I dunno...anti-climactic or something in regards to both the treasure and the romance.
Bottom Line: I'd rec this, but as a historical quest/adventure type novel rather than as a fantasy. So if that's what you like, I think it's a nice, easy, enjoyable read.
Enjoyable story, likable characters, entertaining adventure. Felt like this book had lots of potential, but at the end there were just a few things lacking that kept me from really loving it.
First, I started the novel expecting fantasy, and it turned out to be pretty fantasy-light, or underdeveloped, in my opinion. Actually, it felt more like some sort of historical quest novel than a fantasy novel, aside from the facts that the countries were make-believe and being gay was ok. Along those lines, I also felt like the author really let the ball drop in terms of having a magical element in this novel. There are multiple references to magic and the treasure as being a tool to help restore magic to other lands, but at the end of the day, none of these hints or references were ever fleshed out, which was kinda disappointing. And finally, the ending just felt a bit...I dunno...anti-climactic or something in regards to both the treasure and the romance.
Bottom Line: I'd rec this, but as a historical quest/adventure type novel rather than as a fantasy. So if that's what you like, I think it's a nice, easy, enjoyable read.
April 10, 2012
First let me say that I love V.B. Kildaire's style of writing. I absolutely loved The Desire for Dearborne and, even though I'm not a huge fan of fantasy (and held off reading this for a long time because of that fact), as soon as I started I was pulled into the story and became invested in the lives of the characters. I liked both the MCs. It was satisfying to watch them change and grow into better people knowing that it was only through meeting each other that the changes could have happened. And then it abruptly ended. I checked the page count thinking there must have been a mistake. Nope, it was the end. But... but... NOOOOO!!! I honestly couldn't believe it! I had so many questions that were unanswered, so many scenes that I still wanted to happen. It certainly isn't a HEA... more of a HFN-right-this-minute! I want MORE!!! Why isn't there a sequel?!? *begs Ms. Kildaire on bended knee to write a sequel* ;)
April 17, 2016
I want to start my review saying WHAT THE HELL IS WITH THE ENDING?!!!
I was planning to rate this a 5 star story but then I was happily reading the final chapter and hit that unexpected, awful ending!
This story had so many good things going for it:
- a background story with a solid plot line and mystery
- a nice juxtaposition between our two fellas with one being physically imposing and highly attractive, strong, a soldier, a bit gruff, more reserved with emotions and the other being slighter, smart, emotionally strong, sweet, average in looks...
- interesting side characters (one being the pony they travelled with!)
- the relationship grew slowly as they handled different situations
- surprising adventures on their mission
- decent amount of drama
and more...
I really enjoyed reading but the ending was the equivalent of being on a nice, thrilling car ride and then turning to hit a brick wall. It made me wish I was reading a physical copy just so I could throw it down in frustration. :(
I was planning to rate this a 5 star story but then I was happily reading the final chapter and hit that unexpected, awful ending!
This story had so many good things going for it:
- a background story with a solid plot line and mystery
- a nice juxtaposition between our two fellas with one being physically imposing and highly attractive, strong, a soldier, a bit gruff, more reserved with emotions and the other being slighter, smart, emotionally strong, sweet, average in looks...
- interesting side characters (one being the pony they travelled with!)
- the relationship grew slowly as they handled different situations
- surprising adventures on their mission
- decent amount of drama
and more...
I really enjoyed reading but the ending was the equivalent of being on a nice, thrilling car ride and then turning to hit a brick wall. It made me wish I was reading a physical copy just so I could throw it down in frustration. :(
November 28, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, from start to... well, not finish, as there was none.
There was no ending (I actually kept going a few pages after the "end" thinking that Amazon started a new ad program, but that obviously wasn't the case).
Dorian and Jaxom's adventurous treasure hunt was well drawn out and explained, but the story ended before I could find out what happened with the "treasure," and It just... ended. Kildaire, you did such a good job with the world building and Dorian and Jaxom's emotions and, actually, everything else, but what the heck happened to the not-really-end? I'd at least understand (somewhat) if there was a sequel, but I'm honestly disappointed. Nevertheless, I loved the story and am still giving it 4 stars, but I'm quite frustrated right now. :(
There was no ending (I actually kept going a few pages after the "end" thinking that Amazon started a new ad program, but that obviously wasn't the case).
Dorian and Jaxom's adventurous treasure hunt was well drawn out and explained, but the story ended before I could find out what happened with the "treasure," and It just... ended. Kildaire, you did such a good job with the world building and Dorian and Jaxom's emotions and, actually, everything else, but what the heck happened to the not-really-end? I'd at least understand (somewhat) if there was a sequel, but I'm honestly disappointed. Nevertheless, I loved the story and am still giving it 4 stars, but I'm quite frustrated right now. :(
June 6, 2010
Hidden Treasure is the second book I’ve read by V.B. Kildaire. The first was a gorgeous historical called The Desire for Dearborne. Hidden Treasure is a fantasy novel set in the fictional country of Jarvoct. Nobleman and soldier Jaxom and Lord Dorian Pelias set off on a journey through the wilds to recover a treasure for their respective countries. Adventure and manlove ensue. The world building was good, but at times it felt a little barren. The romance between the two leads was also slow to unfold, however it made their relationship seem a little more well developed and the tension was nicely done. If you’re into long horse journeys with cute ponies, swords and smoochy stuff, check it out here.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2010/06/...
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2010/06/...
November 24, 2010
3 stars
This could have and should have been an excellent story, but it just didn't live up to its potential. I fell in love with the characters, which kept me reading when the pace of the story lagged and even towards the end when the characters actions seemed predictable and sometimes childish. There is just something about Kildare's tone and style that appealed to me at a very basic level. The ending left me baffled. Either there will be more written about this characters or there needed to be a few more pages tacked to the end to this book. As it stands, it is an abrupt HFN ending with the "for now" being the very, very immediate future. Too many unanswered questions for my taste.
This could have and should have been an excellent story, but it just didn't live up to its potential. I fell in love with the characters, which kept me reading when the pace of the story lagged and even towards the end when the characters actions seemed predictable and sometimes childish. There is just something about Kildare's tone and style that appealed to me at a very basic level. The ending left me baffled. Either there will be more written about this characters or there needed to be a few more pages tacked to the end to this book. As it stands, it is an abrupt HFN ending with the "for now" being the very, very immediate future. Too many unanswered questions for my taste.
August 1, 2015
I was absolutely loving this book until the end when it simply stops, pretty much mid scene and with what felt like, a myriad of loose ends. Very frustrating. Then I realised that there was basically no resolution to most of their adventures along the way and the ending was simply more of the same. If that doesn't bother you then I highly recommend this as a good read. If however, you're the type of person to end up swearing and wanting to strangle the author, you might want to considering avoiding this book.
June 11, 2010
It's a story with good start and interesting characters but the end of this story is a bit lost. It's like the story wasn't well developed and the way it was written at the end was just boring and not really well written, rushed, too. Anyway it was kind of enjoyable read. The plot started good but after some pages it was lost, and just dragged on, loll.
January 20, 2015
I only read this story because I really liked The Desire for Dearborne by the author, but I found this one lacking. I was interested for about a third of the novel, until the story went kind of flat with little action or romantic movement. And the ending, geez, I felt like that was a huge cop-out. I say skip this one and read Desire.
August 25, 2012
I liked this book overall. In particular, I liked the way the relationship between the characters evolved slowly and realistically. I would have liked more world-building in order to get a better view of the setting. I am hoping this book ends up a series, because the ending didn't make it clear to me where the relationship was headed.
July 26, 2014
Inspite of the end, I liked it a lot, it had a lot of potential. And about the end, well there was none. 5 pages into the end, I was thinking well this is not the time for Dorion to still have so many misunderstandings about Jaxom. He still did not know how the other person felt, Jaxom told him nothing about his brother, even we don't know. I don't think even one of the story lines was ended.
October 28, 2010
good book with a sweet story, interesting characters, with deeper feelings than at the first sigh.
the end of the story might be a little too abrupt for my taste.
the end of the story might be a little too abrupt for my taste.
August 25, 2010
A good book until the disappointment of an abrupt & unfinished feeling ending.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews