The discovery of a strange and superior warship sends Dion, youngest son of the king of Xanthos, and Chloe, a Phalesian princess, on a journey across the sea, where they are confronted by a kingdom far more powerful than they could ever have imagined.
But they also find a place in turmoil, for the ruthless sun king, Solon, is dying. In order to gain entrance to heaven, Solon is building a tomb – a pyramid clad in gold – and has scoured his own empire for gold until there’s no more to be found.
Now Solon’s gaze turns to Chloe’s homeland, Phalesia, and its famous sacred ark, made of solid gold. The legends say it must never be opened, but Solon has no fear of foreigners’ legends or even their armies. And he isn’t afraid of the eldren, an ancient race of shape-shifters, long ago driven into the Wilds.
For when he gets the gold, Solon knows he will live forever.
Entertaining age of mythology adventure This is an exceptionally well written book. The characters are fleshed out, and the plot is well rounded and believable. The setting is a group of city states in a Mediterranean environment reminiscent of ancient Greece – on the verge of war. Besides humans, there is a race of shape-shifters who can change from human form to become powerful flying dragons or sea serpents – with the limitation that if they remain in animal form too long, they may forget how to return to their human form and must…
“Golden Age;” Vivid Story. Kicks Off a New Fantasy-Adventure Series. No Profanities but Ends with a Teaser MY 30-SECOND SUMMARY OR, THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLYÂ
Excellent series first – I look forward to the rest! I really, really enjoyed this book. It appeals to me – Sailors, shape shifters, temples; best of all, very strong capable main characters. I am very excited to see where the book goes next.As the mom of an avid reading 9-year-old, I am very excited to introduce her to Chloe. There is no mention of sex, violence is very prevalent but not too gory, and the imagery is beautiful. It is always nice to find a book with a great female lead.