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Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, skilled mapmaker, friend to the new king of del Mar, and about to embark on the type of expedition he’s dreamed of for years. But when two maps surface, each bearing a hidden riddle that may hold answers to the disappearance of the kingdom’s two princes — and presumably drawn by Elias’ missing father, Lord Antoni — King Ulises has a different task for his friend.
The choice is up to Elias: Prepare for this trip of a lifetime and leave the mystery of his father and his friend’s brothers unanswered, or pursue the truth and hope it doesn’t upend his life and bring shame to his mother and stepfather.
They’ve been presumed dead for 18 years — the princes and his father — but if it’s true that they could be alive, how can he not do everything in his power to uncover what really happened to them? How can he not bring Ulises and himself peace of mind in knowing they did all they could?
Solving the riddle of the maps could prove to be more dangerous than Elias and his friends bargained for, though. Some truths are better left buried, and there is an unknown enemy shadowing their steps who would do anything to keep it that way.
To be honest, Isle of Blood and Stone started out slow. At first glance, it seemed written for a younger audience, but what I thought would be an average fantasy with bland characters turned out to be better than I anticipated! I loved the ancient Mediterranean feel of the world and the strong theme of loyalty woven into the story. It still has some flaws and it isn’t fast-paced, but it took a surprising turn out of cliche and became a really enjoyable read.
Rated: Mild. There are two instances of mild language. Characters embrace and kiss. It would be rated none if not for the violence, which includes a mass poisoning, kidnapping, imprisonment, a child being beaten, and someone being stabbed with a dinner knife. But while violence does play a central role in the story, nothing is too descriptive or gory.
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