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The Lost Ancients #5
The Golden Basilisk
A long-lost elven kingdom, body-swapping ghosts, walking weapons of mass destruction...
Archaeologist and part-time bounty hunter Taryn St. Giles has had a Very. Bad. Year. Ever since she and her trio of singing, drunken faeries started digging into the mysteries of a certain handsome elven lord, she's been up to her nose in explosions, slavering monsters, and assorted other dangers. Now Taryn and Alric, their friends and more than a few enemies are racing across the desert to find the last pieces of a lethal relic so they can save their world and finally share a quiet pint of beer.
But some secrets are buried deeper than a millennia, and this time, Taryn might not escape unscathed. Actually, she might not even be Taryn anymore...
Archaeologist and part-time bounty hunter Taryn St. Giles has had a Very. Bad. Year. Ever since she and her trio of singing, drunken faeries started digging into the mysteries of a certain handsome elven lord, she's been up to her nose in explosions, slavering monsters, and assorted other dangers. Now Taryn and Alric, their friends and more than a few enemies are racing across the desert to find the last pieces of a lethal relic so they can save their world and finally share a quiet pint of beer.
But some secrets are buried deeper than a millennia, and this time, Taryn might not escape unscathed. Actually, she might not even be Taryn anymore...
378 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2018
67 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Marie Andreas
47 books249 followersMarie is a fantasy and science fiction reader with a serious writing addiction, and a few awards to go with it. If she wasn't writing about all the people in her head, she'd be lurking about coffee shops annoying total strangers with her stories. So really, writing is a way of saving the masses. Her fantasy series, The Lost Ancients, starts with The Glass Gargoyle. The entire six book, Lost Ancient series is complete for binge time! A new trilogy has started with many of the same characters in The Seeker's Chest.
There is also a completed space opera trilogy, with Warrior Wench, Victorious Dead, and Defiant Ruin. Vas and her crew of mercs launched a new series with Traitor's Folly.
A Curious Invasion-- a steampunk-is out and a follow up book, The Mayhem of Mermaids, is also available-- vampires, mermaids, and TEA!
Essence of Chaos is the first book in an epic fantasy trilogy. Division of Chaos is out and the series will conclude with the Destruction of Chaos in 2023.
The Girl with the Iron Wing is a thriller/Urban Fantasy, and the first book in the Broken Veils series. The trilogy is now completed.
More new books, series, and adventures coming in 2023!
When not saving the masses from coffee shop shenanigans, Marie likes to visit the UK and keeps hoping someone will give her a nice summer home in the Forest of Dean or northern Wales.
To find out more about the books, and future series, please visit her website at www.marieandreas.com--especially if you happen to have a small cottage to give her.
There is also a completed space opera trilogy, with Warrior Wench, Victorious Dead, and Defiant Ruin. Vas and her crew of mercs launched a new series with Traitor's Folly.
A Curious Invasion-- a steampunk-is out and a follow up book, The Mayhem of Mermaids, is also available-- vampires, mermaids, and TEA!
Essence of Chaos is the first book in an epic fantasy trilogy. Division of Chaos is out and the series will conclude with the Destruction of Chaos in 2023.
The Girl with the Iron Wing is a thriller/Urban Fantasy, and the first book in the Broken Veils series. The trilogy is now completed.
More new books, series, and adventures coming in 2023!
When not saving the masses from coffee shop shenanigans, Marie likes to visit the UK and keeps hoping someone will give her a nice summer home in the Forest of Dean or northern Wales.
To find out more about the books, and future series, please visit her website at www.marieandreas.com--especially if you happen to have a small cottage to give her.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 18, 2024
Taryn, Alric and their friends are off on more adventures after another of the ancient relics. There are new and old friends, lots of action, time travel, more information about the ancients and elves. The fairies are becoming more capable and determined.
The romance between Taryn and Alric is ridiculously slow - hints, some kisses but not much more.
There is quite a cliffhanger ending and if the next book wasn’t ready for me to read, I would be very annoyed.
This series is getting better each book for me and I highly recommend it.
The romance between Taryn and Alric is ridiculously slow - hints, some kisses but not much more.
There is quite a cliffhanger ending and if the next book wasn’t ready for me to read, I would be very annoyed.
This series is getting better each book for me and I highly recommend it.
January 10, 2023
In this installment of the series, Taryn, Alric and their friends are off to follow the evil elves Nivinal and Reginald to the ancient Spheres. The newest relic that’s part of the weapon said to have destroyed the Ancients, the civilization that preceded the Elven one, that they are trying to find is the Golden Basilisk. They need to beat gather the relics before the bad guys do to keep them from reassembling the weapon. Their journey includes a trip back in time, new friends, betrayal, and more revelations about Taryn herself. There is lots of action and plenty of excitement, and everything is building for the final book. Who exactly the Ancients were, the purpose of the Spheres, what caused the civilization to disappear - those are still a mystery. I really enjoyed this book. More layers were added to what is going on and I can’t wait to see how it is all resolved, especially exactly who or what Taryn is, in the final book.
There are only two things keeping this from being 5-star. First is the development of the relationship between Taryn and Alric. The book is from Taryn’s point of view, and she narrates the story. She often acknowledges that she is in love with Alric. It is clear that he feels the same. Although he doesn’t say it, his reaction when she is in danger makes his feelings clear. However, that’s kind of it. They had a lot of time just the two of them in this book, but their relationship to each other wasn’t really explored. Of course, this is not a romance novel, and while I wouldn’t expect too much time to be spent on that, I would think there would be something. In one instance, Taryn and Alric were posing as a married couple and shared a suite and bedroom. Events happened during the evening that were disturbing to Alric, and then it cuts to the next morning when Taryn wakes up and Alric has already left the suite. Did they take their relationship to the next level? Was Alric worried enough about things going on to stay up pacing all night? It could have gone either way, but it’s not even hinted which way. The other thing keeping it from a 5-star rating is that it ends in a cliffhanger. The final showdown in this book doesn’t really sum everything from this installment up; rather, it leaves some gaping questions and offers a new, confusing revelation about Taryn. Cliffhangers are often enough to keep me from continuing a series, but I’ve been enjoying this one too much to stop now, especially with the end (and hopefully the answers to all the questions) in sight.
There are only two things keeping this from being 5-star. First is the development of the relationship between Taryn and Alric. The book is from Taryn’s point of view, and she narrates the story. She often acknowledges that she is in love with Alric. It is clear that he feels the same. Although he doesn’t say it, his reaction when she is in danger makes his feelings clear. However, that’s kind of it. They had a lot of time just the two of them in this book, but their relationship to each other wasn’t really explored. Of course, this is not a romance novel, and while I wouldn’t expect too much time to be spent on that, I would think there would be something. In one instance, Taryn and Alric were posing as a married couple and shared a suite and bedroom. Events happened during the evening that were disturbing to Alric, and then it cuts to the next morning when Taryn wakes up and Alric has already left the suite. Did they take their relationship to the next level? Was Alric worried enough about things going on to stay up pacing all night? It could have gone either way, but it’s not even hinted which way. The other thing keeping it from a 5-star rating is that it ends in a cliffhanger. The final showdown in this book doesn’t really sum everything from this installment up; rather, it leaves some gaping questions and offers a new, confusing revelation about Taryn. Cliffhangers are often enough to keep me from continuing a series, but I’ve been enjoying this one too much to stop now, especially with the end (and hopefully the answers to all the questions) in sight.
June 5, 2024
Picking up the series after a hiatus I wondered if I didn't enjoy this book as much as earlier efforts, featuring the same characters, by the same author, because of something innate in me, or because of the book itself. So, I went back to The Glass Gargoyle and reread it.
It wasn't something innate. This book isn't, to my mind, isn't anywhere near as good a read as book one.
The characters, particularly the protagonist Taryn, are introduced to threats on one page, only to have the threat resolved a couple of pages later, almost through no action of the characters.
Spoilers below
At one stage Taryn and Alric go back in time for....reasons. They meet some people, some things happen. But none of it seems vital, or even particularly interesting. There is no real sense of threat to them, or of the need to struggle to avoid fate, or even just harm.
The interesting, sparky, character of earlier instalments is replaced by a rather blander one.
It wasn't something innate. This book isn't, to my mind, isn't anywhere near as good a read as book one.
The characters, particularly the protagonist Taryn, are introduced to threats on one page, only to have the threat resolved a couple of pages later, almost through no action of the characters.
Spoilers below
At one stage Taryn and Alric go back in time for....reasons. They meet some people, some things happen. But none of it seems vital, or even particularly interesting. There is no real sense of threat to them, or of the need to struggle to avoid fate, or even just harm.
The interesting, sparky, character of earlier instalments is replaced by a rather blander one.
January 16, 2021
Great series 4.5
I have really enjoyed this series. I'm not a fan of cursing so I wish there was less of that but I'm glad it's the milder ones at least. Incredible world building. I had read the first 4 over 2 1/2 years ago, which made it hard to remember everything, but there were enough reminders of previous books that I was able to keep up. Can't wait to read the next one and I'm sure I'll have just as hard of a time putting it down. I hardly ever give 5 stars, I save that for the practically perfect, but this really isn't far off. I'd recommend it to any fantasy lover!!
I have really enjoyed this series. I'm not a fan of cursing so I wish there was less of that but I'm glad it's the milder ones at least. Incredible world building. I had read the first 4 over 2 1/2 years ago, which made it hard to remember everything, but there were enough reminders of previous books that I was able to keep up. Can't wait to read the next one and I'm sure I'll have just as hard of a time putting it down. I hardly ever give 5 stars, I save that for the practically perfect, but this really isn't far off. I'd recommend it to any fantasy lover!!
May 13, 2018
The fairies are still hilarious.
Definitely a book series to read in order. The fairies, aside from being the comic relief, are actually really old powerful beings in pint sized packaging with a taste for ale and horrible singing voices. Taryn and her friends keep having strange things happen to them as they chase evil elf mages to a site of power for the long lost Ancients. Can't wait for the next book!
Definitely a book series to read in order. The fairies, aside from being the comic relief, are actually really old powerful beings in pint sized packaging with a taste for ale and horrible singing voices. Taryn and her friends keep having strange things happen to them as they chase evil elf mages to a site of power for the long lost Ancients. Can't wait for the next book!
January 17, 2022
Jumping through time, curses awoken anew, extinct creatures returning, a town no-one can escape, and loads of magic running wild makes this book a page-turner despite its length.
So much fun to read!
And the faeries…! The way they change and act make them even more endearing than before. They remain my favourite.
As for Taryn, I think this latest blast of magic revealed her to actually be as old and powerful as the faeries.
Can’t wait to read the next book!
So much fun to read!
And the faeries…! The way they change and act make them even more endearing than before. They remain my favourite.
As for Taryn, I think this latest blast of magic revealed her to actually be as old and powerful as the faeries.
Can’t wait to read the next book!
January 14, 2019
This is the 5th in a 6 book series. I have loved all of the books before and this one was no different. The characters are interesting and have depth, the world is well conceived and the rules followed. I am now reading all of the previous ones again to get ready for book 6, the final book, which is supposed to be out this year.
I will be reading more by this author!!
I will be reading more by this author!!
December 7, 2020
Apparently it’s been over 3 years since I read the last book so I spent a lot of this book going wtf because I couldn’t remember anyone or anything. I’m normally annoyed with tons of references to earlier books, but for once I’m thankful. Fast paced and exciting, always leaving you on the edge of the seat, I can’t wait to read what will happen next!
May 16, 2018
Great series!
This is a wonderful series to get lost in. I find myself in the midst of all the action as if I was Taryn herself. And I still want a Bunky, gargoyle, Minnie and my own swarm of faeries.
This is a wonderful series to get lost in. I find myself in the midst of all the action as if I was Taryn herself. And I still want a Bunky, gargoyle, Minnie and my own swarm of faeries.
February 6, 2019
Very entertaining. As with the earlier books, it doesn't really end - it just stops. I was frustrated as I thought this was the last book. The final book of the series isn't out yet, so I'll have to wait.
March 30, 2019
Loving this series!
I have such mixed feelings. On one hand, I can hardly wait for the next book..but on the other hand, knowing it is the last one for now makes me so sad. I have come to really care for our little drunken friends and the other characters that make up this world.
I have such mixed feelings. On one hand, I can hardly wait for the next book..but on the other hand, knowing it is the last one for now makes me so sad. I have come to really care for our little drunken friends and the other characters that make up this world.
September 26, 2019
This one is action packed!
I think it's, so far, the most action packed, fast paced and lore revealing of all of the books. you won't be able to put it down.
I think it's, so far, the most action packed, fast paced and lore revealing of all of the books. you won't be able to put it down.
February 10, 2022
This one was pretty fast and action packed.
I loved the time travel part! I wanted to know so much more!
I'm starting to get a pretty clear idea on who Taryn is, I'm very curious to know if I'm right.
The fairies are always the best.
Alric is always the scoundrel.
Next book is the last :(
I loved the time travel part! I wanted to know so much more!
I'm starting to get a pretty clear idea on who Taryn is, I'm very curious to know if I'm right.
The fairies are always the best.
Alric is always the scoundrel.
Next book is the last :(
July 29, 2025
3.5
I found it rather annoying that everything from the previous books was described over and over again (eg. how Bunky came to be). I found myself skipping those paragraphs, and it took me out of the story.
I found it rather annoying that everything from the previous books was described over and over again (eg. how Bunky came to be). I found myself skipping those paragraphs, and it took me out of the story.
August 2, 2025
Another good read
This series really is great. Each book is as well written as the last and definitely had the capacity to keep you entertained and hooked from start to finish. I look forward to the last book.
This series really is great. Each book is as well written as the last and definitely had the capacity to keep you entertained and hooked from start to finish. I look forward to the last book.
May 13, 2018
good escapist fun!
November 25, 2018
The moment I found you...
These books are phenomenal! I found the first book a day ago and haven't been able to put them down. The sixth is definitely going to be interesting.
These books are phenomenal! I found the first book a day ago and haven't been able to put them down. The sixth is definitely going to be interesting.
January 5, 2019
I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every book by this author. I read the first book in this series and proceeded to read everything else she has out there. I’m more than hooked and looking for more.
May 6, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters, immediately looked for and read more from this great author!
Read
April 10, 2023Loved every minute reading this romp
Thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. If you like faeries that fly, are capricious and usually helpful get this series!
Thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. If you like faeries that fly, are capricious and usually helpful get this series!
July 8, 2023
Wow, this is a fantastic addition to the series.
The characters are wonderful and evolving. The world building is wonderful. The plot is twisty. I can't wait to read the next book.
The characters are wonderful and evolving. The world building is wonderful. The plot is twisty. I can't wait to read the next book.
December 3, 2023
Another good story in the Lost Ancients series
Book 5 is pretty good, but ends in a cliffhanger. A lot of twists, turns and surprises. Hopefully, book 6 will answer questions.
Book 5 is pretty good, but ends in a cliffhanger. A lot of twists, turns and surprises. Hopefully, book 6 will answer questions.
July 18, 2024
This reminds me of the Green Rider series. It continues to go, love interest slightly more accessible, and then we have to mess around with time travel. Not sure how much it added to the story, but it felt a little stretched. I still want to read the end but ot definitely feels like the series is ready to end.
March 27, 2019
Great story. A little loose and disorganised toward the end - not strong or convincing. Still a great story and looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 19, 2020
This series gets better as it goes along, so I'm sad to see there's only one more book to go.
April 27, 2023
This book took longer to finish than I would have liked because the real world intruded. I loved having this story to come back to each night though. Now onto the final book!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews