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Shioni of Sheba #4
The Sacred Lake
An epic journey to ancient Gondar, a race to the Sacred Lake, Can a slave-girl win her freedom? Shioni of The Sacred Lake is the fourth book in a unique African fantasy adventure series set in the ancient Kingdom of Sheba. "... awesome fantasy ..." A journey to Gondar and the Sacred Lake in search of medicine for the stricken King of West Sheba turns into high adventure for Shioni and Princess Annakiya. Only the King can grant Shioni her freedom. But he is dying. From stampeding elephants to flooded rivers, the trail is fraught with danger. But a greater peril lurks in the stone city of Gondar. Can the lion-loving King of Gondar be trusted? What is the hidden menace in his kingdom? A pit full of lions. A heart-stopping rescue. The secrets of Shioni's past. And a mighty battle with an ancient evil ... can Shioni's courage carry the day, save her King, and win the ultimate prize - her freedom? Join Shioni and her friends Princess Annakiya, General Getu, the elephant Shifta, and the Fiuri Azurelle, in this blockbuster adventure that spans the highlands of ancient Ethiopia. From the dark Simien Mountains to the deep secrets of the island of Tana Qirqos, non-stop adventure awaits. Includes original illustrations by the Ethiopian artist Senait Worku.
298 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2014
About the author
Marc Secchia
64 books578 followersMarc is a South African-born dragon masquerading as an author, who loves writing about dragons and Africa, preferably both at the same time. He's the author of over 40 fantasy books in 5 languages including 10 rip-roaring dragon fantasy bestsellers.
His latest releases are Khyrial and the King, an absorbing Fantasy Romance and the hilarious epic fantasy Call me Dragon which won gold in the 2021 IPPY Book Awards for best Fantasy novel.
When he's not writing about Africa or dragons Marc can be found travelling to remote locations. He thinks there's nothing better than standing on a mountaintop wondering what lies over the next horizon.
His latest releases are Khyrial and the King, an absorbing Fantasy Romance and the hilarious epic fantasy Call me Dragon which won gold in the 2021 IPPY Book Awards for best Fantasy novel.
When he's not writing about Africa or dragons Marc can be found travelling to remote locations. He thinks there's nothing better than standing on a mountaintop wondering what lies over the next horizon.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 15, 2014
As ever, I love Marc's adventures. Generally, for me, it helps living in the same country in which these adventures are set. The pictures painted in the mind are that bit more vivid as a result. In this particular one, unlike all the other previous Shioni books, The Sacred Lake has a few local legends and customs incorporated in it as well. I must admit I was a bit skeptical about this departure from the formula at first, but it blended in well with the overall story - even when it twists history a bit.
Actually, it was the alternate history that threw me a little off guard at times and this is where sometimes it doesn't help living in the same country. For example, while the series is set some time in the history of Sheba (in a sort of Axumite kingdom way) there were references to Lalibela (12th century) and eucalyptus trees (introduced less than 200 years ago). This being said, J. R. R. Tolkien hated the Narnia series for doing this sort of mixing and C. S. Lewis ultimately proved that people can blend these things quite happily and it really doesn't matter - it's fictional and fun. Elsewhere, there were other aspects which integrated very well, like the use of dragons and especially the teyn'adam herb.
It was also a good departure from the usual Shioni series to have a couple more illustrations, although I felt they petered out a bit. Minor niggles, I admit, but I know Marc is working on this. What impressed me most was still the adventure aspect. The pioneering exploring feature from the first book was also a welcome return here. Looking forward to the fiuri realms!
Actually, it was the alternate history that threw me a little off guard at times and this is where sometimes it doesn't help living in the same country. For example, while the series is set some time in the history of Sheba (in a sort of Axumite kingdom way) there were references to Lalibela (12th century) and eucalyptus trees (introduced less than 200 years ago). This being said, J. R. R. Tolkien hated the Narnia series for doing this sort of mixing and C. S. Lewis ultimately proved that people can blend these things quite happily and it really doesn't matter - it's fictional and fun. Elsewhere, there were other aspects which integrated very well, like the use of dragons and especially the teyn'adam herb.
It was also a good departure from the usual Shioni series to have a couple more illustrations, although I felt they petered out a bit. Minor niggles, I admit, but I know Marc is working on this. What impressed me most was still the adventure aspect. The pioneering exploring feature from the first book was also a welcome return here. Looking forward to the fiuri realms!
June 10, 2014
Slave girl Shioni and her owner, Princess Annakiya, embark on a dangerous journey to the Sacred Lake. Their mission is to find a cure for the ailing King – Annakiya’s father. They set off with an interesting and diverse entourage of merchants, warriors, a butterfly-person Aruzella, an imposing General Getu and an obnoxious elephant Shifta.
Starting on a deceptively comical note, the hidden undercurrents of fear and death that haunt the team and the difficulty of the task ahead of them soon become perceptible. The team is interlocked in an intricate web of adventures where they have to work as a team to survive, relying on the strengths of each member and the unusual gifts and instincts of Shioni. Each hindrance and each victory is a pleasant twist to the reader and adds to the anxiety and the pressure shared with Shioni and her team as they fight to their fast disappearing target.
The story is based on ancient myths and legends. The writer creates lively and real characters that take the reader on an engrossing journey of discovery into the little explored ancient Ethiopia.
I've not read other books in the series but that did not hinder my grasp of this book as there was reference here and there to past events relevant to the current edition.I certainly intend to remedy that.
A race against time where speed is certainly not the winning card - Shioni of Sheba kept me hooked till the very end.
Starting on a deceptively comical note, the hidden undercurrents of fear and death that haunt the team and the difficulty of the task ahead of them soon become perceptible. The team is interlocked in an intricate web of adventures where they have to work as a team to survive, relying on the strengths of each member and the unusual gifts and instincts of Shioni. Each hindrance and each victory is a pleasant twist to the reader and adds to the anxiety and the pressure shared with Shioni and her team as they fight to their fast disappearing target.
The story is based on ancient myths and legends. The writer creates lively and real characters that take the reader on an engrossing journey of discovery into the little explored ancient Ethiopia.
I've not read other books in the series but that did not hinder my grasp of this book as there was reference here and there to past events relevant to the current edition.I certainly intend to remedy that.
A race against time where speed is certainly not the winning card - Shioni of Sheba kept me hooked till the very end.
January 17, 2017
In one of the best middle-grades/teen adventure series ever, Shioni's adventures continue. The exotic setting in magical West Sheba competes with the tense mystery and the twisty plotting for the reader's greatest enjoyment, right along with the riveting action scenes - life and death battles, sometimes. In this book Shioni begins to fulfil her astounding destiny. I'm not going to tell you what that is, except that her achievements are jaw-dropping, and that the end made me cry (from happiness!). The engaging characters are an integral part of the story, drawing the reader to keep following Shioni's trail from one book to the next. Superb, outstanding, love it!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews