Wednesday, October 1, 2008

The Treasure-Iris Johansen

The Treasure
Iris Johansen
Bantam, Dec 2008, $25.00
ISBN: 0553807315

In 1196 Syria Jabber Al-Nasim knows his power is waning and knows what he needs to do to regain what he is losing. He directs Captain Ali Balki to go to Scotland and bring home former assassin Kadar Ben Arnaud. If he refuses to come home, Ali is to inform him that Sinan King of the Assassins demands he pay the price of freeing the foreigners. Jabber knows Kadar will honor his pledge. Ali fears Kadar but does the bidding because he is even more afraid of Jabber.

In Scotland Kadar looks forward to a long quiet life with his beloved former slave Selene Ware. However his years of respite end when Ali arrives with the summoning; Kadar is honor bound to go home. To be totally free he learns he must find a King Arthur relic possessed by the mystical Tarik in Tuscany. Selene insists on going with him. Danger accompanies them every step of the way.

This medieval romance with a touch of the mystical is an excellent historical starring two great characters who just want to be left alone, but understandably go on their twelfth century quest across Europe. The story line is action-packed from the onset when Jabber gives his orders to a frightened Ali. Fans will enjoy this strong thriller that is a stand alone sequel to mid 1990s LION’S BRIDE.

Harriet Klausner

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