I loved this book so much. It's quite different from the first one, while still being able to capture similar feelings. I would love to have more books from this universe at some point.
There's no doubt in my mind that I need to read more books from this author. ( )

Cybele’s Secret by Juliet Marillier is a sequel to her Wildwood Dancing, a fantasy story loosely based on the Twelve Dancing Princesses. This book puts the focus on Paula, one of the younger sisters in the first book. Paula travels with her merchant father from Romania to Istanbul to assist him with his trades, in particular the purchase of a rare artifact, a statue of Cybele, a goddess of an ancient, pagan cult.

The story is a mixture of romance, adventure and fantasy and although it got off to a slow start, the main characters eventually embark on a quest or a treasure hunt that sees them endure a dangerous trial-by-fire in order to prove their individual worth. While I enjoyed the descriptions of Istanbul and the Muslim culture, I wasn’t as invested in this book as much as the first as I found the plot too contrived and the romance had no spark.

I am surprised that there are only two books in this series because the author left many threads hanging that gave this reader the impression that there would be a third book. I usually have much higher praise for Juliet Marillier so this one less than stellar book will not stop me from reading more from this author. ( )

Sequel to Wildwood Dancing. I've always liked Marillier, but I think she goes above and beyond in this series. Engaging characters in a fantasy historical setting. ( )

The kind of stuff that I get caught up in easily. Liked the sweeping storyline. Not really a classic, but FUN. ( )

It's always a good time when a girl and her bodyguard fall in with a pirate. ( )