Article contributed 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.
In 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!
Will you be checking out Isle of Blood and Stone? Or perhaps you have already read it? Tell us in the comments below!
Goodreads Synopsis
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.
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