Isabel Ibañez

GRACELESS HEART by Isabel Ibañez took me by surprise. I wasn’t certain what to expect, but what I found was an intriguing alternative history of medieval history. I enjoyed Ravenna’s story so much, and I particularly enjoyed the detailed look into Medici Italy.

Call me crazy, but Ms. Ibañez’s idea of Fae, vampires, and witches and wizards influencing medieval Italy is not the most far-fetched story idea I’ve ever read. Even better, Ms. Ibañez pulls off this idea with an intimate show more depiction of the wealthy in Florence and the everyday workers in Verona, taking you back in time to an era filled with unparalleled corruption and extravagance. It just so happens that magic also exists in her version.

It helps that Ravenna is a great heroine. Not only does she have strong morals, and an even deeper devotion to family and friends, but she is refreshingly honest. She is no demure, naive maiden. She may not have much worldly experience, but she is not afraid to speak the hardest of truths, even when those truths reveal her own weaknesses. While many would consider honesty a weakness, in Ravenna it is a unique weapon, one she does not even know she is wielding at times. Her honesty makes her magical abilities seem weak by comparison because the truth in an era when the Papacy was at its most corrupt and the Medici family reigned supreme is a more powerful weapon than any magic.

I enjoyed GRACELESS HEART so much that I want to read more in Ms. Ibañez’s Spellbound series even if Ravenna is no longer the main character. I want to see what she does with other areas of medieval Europe, if they will be as detailed and historically accurate (minus the magic) as her depiction of Florence. show less

Throughout her life, Inez's beloved parents spend half the year in Egypt on archaeological digs, then return to Buenos Aires regaling her with stories, gifts, and affection. But they've never invited her to join them on their travels. Now 19, Inez receives a letter from her uncle with the news that her parents went missing in the desert and are presumed dead. Defying all high society conventions, Inez sails to Egypt posing as a widow, determined to find out what happened to her parents. The show more narrative annoyed and engaged me at turns and in the end the swerving plot twists, shockingly unreliable characters, and cliffhanger ending got me. On to book two! show less

The thing that Inez Oliveras has longed for more than anything else is to accompany her parents on one of their many expeditions to Egypt. Instead, she's like back in Argentina with her Aunt and cousins waiting for her parent's short return trip home before they're off and away again on their adventures, but Inez bets that the next letter home will include an invitation for her to join them. That letter comes, but from her Uncle and with the shocking, and heartbreaking, revelation of their show more deaths.

Feeling there is more to the story, Inez travels to Egypt on her own to look into her parents' deaths and comes face to face with her near-stranger of an Uncle - who is now her guardian - and his assistant. They don't want Inez anywhere within Egypt especially not to one of their sites, but she thwarts them at every turn.

Now, filled with the irrepressible magic of a bygone era, Inez finds herself torn between finding out what happened to her parents and a discovery that, in the right hands, could change the world.

I loved the ambiance of the story. It does call to mind The Mummy (which the book is likened to in the synopsis). It's the history and the mystery and the adventure of discovering treasures thought lost, while also giving a healthy dose of background on what it actually means when people dig up these ancient artifacts and sell them.

I like the relationship between Inez and Whit. I was surprised, in a good way, with how open Inez is about her burgeoning feelings for him and informs him of this. Even though there are obstacles (aren't there always) I like that it's out in the open. I think it slightly reduces some of the angst that can cloud up too much of a story at times.

On the other hand of that, though, we deal a lot with Inez's naivete. I don't begrudge Inez's naiveté or her impulsivity. She's been kept away from things her entire life and has yearned for her parents' love and attention. No wonder something happens to them and she throws herself into finding out what. Also, I can't fault her when everyone around her is clearly keeping secrets and instead trying to shut her out. This is especially apparent after the third or forth time she thwarted the plans to keep her "safe" thereby at least indicating that she's capable. I think this ends up leaving Inez more vulnerable. You can't prepare for what you don't know about.

Overall, I like the trip through 19th century Egypt. Some of my other minor qualms I can put aside seeing as how this is only the first book in a series and, I'll tell you now, Isabel Ibañez leaves us with such a tantalizing ending that I cannot help but want to read more. Inez's adventure is just getting started. show less

I really liked the worldbuilding - magic, dragons, and the integration of Spanish! Dragonador immediately had my interest for the unique spin on matadors

I couldn’t take Arturo’s barbed mouth at times. No one is going to kiss your behind, sir. But after he defrosted, he was all right. Zarela never failed to call him out for it too. More importantly, I enjoyed Zarela’s spunk and stubbornness. I was always rooting for her. How she cared for her family estate and its workers was done show more well.

One pet peeve on character descriptions: So many characters are referred to as having dark black skin. Visually what does this look like? Skin the color of ink toner or midnight? Because some characters have brown skin, this must mean something else culturally.

Overall, I enjoyed my reading experience. But I would've given this 5 stars if the author hadn't killed off the dad. This is what pissed me off with Wakanda Forever too the female character has already gone through so much and you make her an orphan :/ Still worth reading though! show less