Blog Tour and Giveaway: Isle of Blood and Bone – Makiia Lucier

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.

This cover is not bright and colorful but remains muted and simple. Sometimes a simple cover works well. The sea creature depicted shows one of the mentioned sea snakes that appear in the novel at various times. I do like the contrasting font color and the gradient of background color. I think they work well together. A fantastic touch was added to the front of the book as well…a map. What great fantasy doesn’t have a map?

This book not only has the expected map that all fantasy lovers enjoy, its main character is a master cartographer. The story revolves around two maps. This is an aspect I have not seen in any other fantasy novel. It sets this book apart from any other in its genre. Apart from the incredible use of map details and facts throughout, the characters really drive the story.

Elias always finds himself in trouble, though he has the best intentions, always trying to help others. He is loyal and selfless, almost costing him his own life. He was my favorite character in this story. He is strong and goes out of his way to avoid bringing danger or harm to those he holds closest. The story behind each character brought with it amazing character development. As a reader, we hate having a story or backstory dumped on us all at once. You will not find that here. Small bits of the mystery behind the disappearance of the two princes are revealed. We take the journey with the characters, finding clues and obtaining information as the story progresses.

The story is not a fast-paced, action-packed story. It took me a while to be really invested in the book. I prefer a book with more thrilling action and a faster pace. This being said, the second half of the book was much more interesting to me. This is where many of the change of events take place and an unexpected plot twist. Though this book did not end with me on the edge of my seat, there is so much more that can be done in a sequel. I imagine the author as Elias while writing the sequel, drawn to the blank pages as Elias is to blank spots on his maps.

This is an entirely unique story that brings aspects fantasy lovers have grown to love and expect, along with twists that make it something new. With a beautiful setting, enjoyable characters, and plot twists…this book should make its way to your TBR list. It is perfect for those who enjoy a book lacking blood, gore, and intense romance or action. Lucier does an amazing job making this novel stand out from the sea of fantasy books.

About the Author

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Makiia is the author of historical fiction and historical fantasy for young adults. She grew up on the Pacific Island of Guam (not too far from the equator) and has degrees in journalism and library science from the University of Oregon and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her debut novel, A Death-Struck Year, was called a “powerful and disturbing reading experience” by Publishers Weekly. It was a finalist for Germany’s top book prize for children, the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, as well as Japan’s Sakura Medal, and was named an ABC Best Books for Children Selection by the American Booksellers Association. Her second novel, Isle of Blood and Stone, will be available in Spring 2018.

Now we are at the fun part…the giveaway! Be sure to rack up all the points you can to win a hardcopy of Isle of Blood and Stone! Now enter the Rafflecopter giveaway and have fun! Remember to check out the other blog tour stops from earlier this week.