You know when you stumble across a book and wonder why people don’t love it more? That’s me and Isle of Blood and Stone. MAPMAKERS Y’ALL! Meets conspiracies and questing. Need I say more? Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
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.
Review
With a unique premise, Isle of Blood and Stone will sweep you away. Even though this is technically my second time reading it, I was surprised with how captivated I was. Beginning with conspiracy and deaths all around, Isle of Blood and Stone is mapmakers meets treasure hunting and mystery. Elias is a character who only grew on me whether it be his wry sense of humor or the ways he plunges headfirst into danger, who knows! Isle of Blood and Stone deserves more hype!
And even while you’re caught up in the adventure and the unraveling of a cold case, there’s a piece of you that wonders what will happen when they unravel the truth. If these layers upon which their present is built will crumble to dust. And then Isle of Blood and Stone just goes and adds nuance. As Lucier asks how much longer we will keep old prejudices, hatred, and feuds alive. Will the answers be enough? If you love the idea of mapmakers and cold case detective-ing, then you have to read Isle of Blood and Stone.
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