Enjoyable.

Prince Garin decides to go on a quest to find the fabled Treasure of Isian. Along with his trusted servant Elani, he sets out to the mysterious kingdom Isian, but things don't go according to plan and Garin and Elanifind themselves spit from his soldiers. They continue on their path but Garin is taken from Elani and she will do anything she can to get him back.

This is a tough on to rate because, while I did enjoy it, I just found too many things that annoyed me or turned me off the overall story. I left the rating at 3 starts but I'm thinking it's 2.5.

Anyway, I liked world building of the book. There is plenty of amazing creatures and the mystery surrounding certain kingdoms was really well done. I liked the spin the author put on the Elves, it was unique and a definitely a different approach to Elves. I also liked the idea of the plot, a quest to find a fabled treasure from a mysterious kingdom, that is said to grant your every wish! It just screamed adventure. The execution of the plot though wasn't as adventurous as I'd hoped. The pacing wasn't consistent because there were a few times I wanted to skip ahead because it slowed right down.

The characters were kind of meh, to be honest. None of them appealed to me much. Initially Prince Garin came across as an up tight so and so. He expected everyone to do what he said and he grated on me first. He did grow a bit during the story which was a good thing, but I still felt like he needed to be more.... I don't know, likable I suppose is the word I'm looking for.

Meanwhile, Elani annoyed me so much at first. She obeyed Garins every wish and was always thinking of him and fawning all over him. I wanted her to grow a backbone!! But then we find out she is spelled to do his bidding, and it made much more sense. I started to warm to her then. But I still felt like she needed to be more capable to look after herself. She came across as weak.

In all, while this review may seem more negative than positive, I did still enjoy the story. I think if the author put a little more into the adventure, it would have been great.

Carolyn Kashner was clear and read this well. Her tones and vices were adequate and she did put effort into the narration, but I felt like her male voices were all the same and she needed to put a little more emphasis to her inflections to really capture the mood.

I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.

4 people found this helpful

Excellent Story!

I received this audio book for free in exchange for my honest review. Both the writing and narration in this story are superb. If you enjoy fantasy stories mixed with a touch of romance, then you will love this one.

2 people found this helpful

Even though it's been done before still a Treasure

My only negative with this book is that it's all been done before. Obviously, pure originality is scarce, with so many concepts having been played out. This one combines so many classic elements that it seems familiar even early on, and if you adjust your perceptions slightly, you can figure out the majority of the plot before the end of the first chapter. That said, if you are a fan of these classic story elements, it is still very much worth the read / listen.

The narrator does a fine job with the cast of characters, and given that there are some very emphatic and emotional moments, the performance shines through, even more. This is especially true when a couple of the characters are experiencing internal turmoil, yet need to maintain a stoic outer (and verbal) facade. It makes the interplay of mental dialogue all the more tantalizingly frustrating.

The part I found most interesting about this book was the character depth of the villain, unlike a majority of the other characters and elements in the story, although the villain's actions seem classic and niche, the motives behind them are far more long-reaching. The author leaves the door open to see more of this villian in another story, and I would very much like to read / listen to that book.

2 people found this helpful

Engaging Fantasy Adventure

This was an engaging fantasy with magical creatures, princes and princesses, and of course a mysterious quest. Prince Garin hears of the Treasure of Isian and its ability to grant wishes. No one knows what the treasure is or where it's located, but Garin assembles his soldiers and his faithful servant Elani to seek it.

Elani has been Garin's shadow since she was four years old, when she arrived alone at the gates of his castle unaware of even her own name. When it was discovered that she's forced to obey his commands, she was given to him as a servant. Although Garin is betrothed to another, Elani has loved him all her life. She's delighted to go on the quest with him even if it's only as his servant.

Garin and Elani become separated from the rest of their soldiers and tumble from one adventure to another as they encounter giants, elves, witches, centaurs, dragons, seers, friends, and many enemies. Through it all they become closer, and Garin begins to rely on Elani less as a servant and more as a friend. Elani learns the depths of her own strength as she defends Garin's life and her own.

I love coming of age fantasy stories, and I thought we'd be reading Elani's. But Garin is the one who changes the most by the end. In the beginning he was hopeless, he was quick to anger, insensitive, and selfish. You want Elani to shove him into a lake occupied by TWO water witches! It's only through his reminiscing with Elani that we see why she fell in love with him. By the end he's changed enough that we can see him being a good man as well as a good king.

I thought the world with its magical creatures was very interesting. I'd love to hear more about the world and its different kingdoms, legends, and prophecies. There is so much potential in a series like this!

The narrator did a great job, her voice is light and clear and easy to listen to. She has a young voice, so she was the perfect choice to narrate a book about a young girl. I was provided a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

2 people found this helpful

Nice, clean listen

Serena Clarke writes an interesting fantasy, and weaves magical characters throughout. This book is fast paced and keeps your attention. I especially like that it can be read or listened to by the younger generation without worrying about language or certain topics. Also, Carolyn Kashner did a remarkable job narrating this book using various voices to bring the characters to life.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

2 people found this helpful

Had me Hooked

This book had me hooked right from the beginning. The story was wonderfully written with strong characters. There was just enough magic to keep it fun and interesting without it being overdone. The narrator was also excellent and very easy to listen to. I am anxiously awaiting Serena Clarke's next audio book!

2 people found this helpful

An enchanting family friendly tale

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed Elani's character but I found it difficult to really like Garin who is very spoilt and indulged. I couldn't get over the sense that somehow, no matter his feelings for Elani, he would always see her as an inferior and someone he can order around. I think I would have paired her with Prince Ander who saw her worth immediately and who seemed to genuinely care for her.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series though to see how things develop.

What about Carolyn Kashner’s performance did you like?

Carolyn Kashner is a new narrator to me but one whom I would happily listen to again. She did a great job with The Treasure of Isian and all the characters it introduced.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I was absorbed very quickly in the story and it was one that I wanted to listen to in one go. There is plenty of action and adventure as the characters make their journey to fulfil their quest.

Any additional comments?

Who doesn't love a good fairy tale?! This story has something for everyone; romance, magic, mystery, action and adventure.

I would recommend The Treasure of Isian to the whole family to enjoy.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

2 people found this helpful

The Treasure of Isian

I love the mix of adventure and prophecy in this novel. Clarke takes readers away into an unforgettable and magical fantasy world with descriptions that paint the world in vivid colours. The magical creatures and diverse peoples that we meet kept me enthralled. All the while, the exciting and emotional plot was unforgettable. I loved how everything came together while also taking me on a great journey.

The mix of characters was astounding. They were all developed so intricately. Garin’s growth through his travels was astounding. I could really see the future king in him, as well as a human being that I truly liked. Elani was a bit of a mystery for most of the novel. I found myself questioning parts of her personality right until the end when the mystery was revealed. It was fantastic.

This is a book that I really had fun with. It is fantasy that will be loved by teens and adults alike.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

2 people found this helpful

A Simply Delightful Treasure

Any additional comments?

A simple, yet simply delightful story with not only hidden treasure but morals as well. While the characters are not well-defined, they are likeable and real. I would consider this more of a teen chick-lit book but it’s great for all ages looking for a little fantasy. If a male by chance should start reading or listening he would find an enjoyable adventure with a bit of action, and might learn a thing or two about girls that would be helpful.

Serena Clarke is a new, young writer that has written a times old tale with a fresh approach in a fantastical world and I look forward to seeing more from her. Carolyn Kashner gave an excellent performance; while some of the deeper voices were harder to carry and pauses too short, overall she was no less captivating and can only grow in voice, character definition and performing.

So I have to admit I was cheering for Jared, loved the scene where Elani and Prince Garin were fighting the soldiers back-to-back together and thought the quest was both worthy and adventurous. Truly, the story is well-worth the listen.

I received this audiobook as a gift from the author and Audible in exchange for a fair and honest review. I believe both these women have promising futures ahead of them and wish them all the best. Thank you.

x-posted on Goodreads

2 people found this helpful

Fantasy romance

The synopsis is very accurate and a good description of the story. I loved the fact that it was "Audible" and I could close my eyes and have sometime tell me a fun story with no effort on my part at all. I really enjoyed it and Ms. Clarke chose a great narrator that definitely was enjoyable to listen to. I recommend this book and was happy that I had an opportunity to listen.

2 people found this helpful