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Against the dazzling backdrop of medieval Venice and the Orient unfolds this opulent tale of exotic adventure of treasure beyond imagining -- and a love story that became a legend. Nothing in Diego's life had prepared him for what he found when he followed Marco Polo to the mysterious East. There, in the vast domain of Kublai Khan, he met the most beautiful girl he had ever seen -- Lotus Flower, whose strange eyes captured his very soul and nearly made him forget the riches he had come to claim. But Lotus Flower would not be Diego's without a struggle, for she was desired by the great Khan himself . . .
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 12, 1982
About the author
Helene Thornton
8 books2 followersHelene Thornton is the stage name of Elaine Smith, a former Bluebell girl and author of 17 novels, but she is perhaps best known as the mother of Welsh TV presenter Paula Yates.
She is also known as Heller Toren
She is also known as Heller Toren
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 2, 2025
Read: 11/1/25
Setting: 1290s (?) Venice, Middle East, China, India
Trope: class difference, road trip
3.5 stars
This book is about Diego Mazzarini and his travels following Marco Polo to China. The settings and beautiful descriptions make this a beautiful, historical story.
plot: Diego's aristocratic grandfather lost the family fortune and Diego is determined to return their home to it's former glory. So he sets off to make his fortune by following fellow Venician, Marco Polo. Diego travels through the Middle East to Chinia. It was a long dangerous journey with many set backs. Finally, he makes it to China to the court of the infamous Kubla Khan. Everything is going well until he meets Lotus Flower. One look at her and his heart is stolen forever. She not like any woman he has ever met before. Lotus Flower seems to feel the same way but Diego has a powerful rival.
Kublai Khan is at the end of his life. He is overweight, has bad gout, and has daily assassination attempts on his life. He's depressed but that all changes when he sees a beautiful girl with green eyes, bathing in a pond and he falls instantly in love. He must have her but she cleverly alludes his men, something that amuses him. Once he finally discovers her identity he is dismayed to find her in love with a Venician. The Emperor will bid his time and allow the pair to marry. One day, Lotus Flower will love him and she will be his!
The second half of the book is about Diego trying to find away to escape with his wife. Unfortunately, Kublai Khan is always one step ahead thanks to his astrologers.
Luckily, he is married to a clever girl and together they come up with a brilliant plan. So can they escape Kublai Khan's obsession and survive the treacherous road back to Venice.?
liked:
1. I loved Lotus Flower! She was a clever little minx. I understand why these two men were obsessed with her. The pranks she pulled on the most powerful man in Asia was hilarious but foolish. She's the comic relief in the story.
2. This is mainly Diego's story and I liked that. It's a change from most hr books.
3. The beautiful, descriptive settings are the best part of the book!. I had my map out traveling with Diego and learning about the new cultures and people he encounters.
4. I'm a history nerd and I love to learn new history. I only knew the basic information about Marco Polo, so I really enjoyed learning all about him and his travels. It's crazy that this is the same time period as William Wallace! There were no knights in this story. The era felt more like the 1400s instead of 1200s. -if that makes sense. 😬
5. The secondary characters were fantastic and really enriched the story!
dislike:
1. Kublai Khan was a little too tamed compared to the real historical character. He never forces Lotus Flower. He wants her to come to him willingly. I just don't see this infamous feared warrior becoming a lovesick puppy over some girl. Though, I did read that he became depressed after his favorite wife and son died. So who knows 🤷♀️.
2. I like my medieval books to be darker. There are terrible things that happen in the story but it's very whitewashed.
3. The ending twist. Nope!
Conclusion: I'm not road trip fan but this was a good one. I ate up the beautiful, detailed scenery and the spectacular history. The love story was sweet and I rooted for this pair til the end. I just wish the story had been a little darker.
Setting: 1290s (?) Venice, Middle East, China, India
Trope: class difference, road trip
3.5 stars
This book is about Diego Mazzarini and his travels following Marco Polo to China. The settings and beautiful descriptions make this a beautiful, historical story.
plot: Diego's aristocratic grandfather lost the family fortune and Diego is determined to return their home to it's former glory. So he sets off to make his fortune by following fellow Venician, Marco Polo. Diego travels through the Middle East to Chinia. It was a long dangerous journey with many set backs. Finally, he makes it to China to the court of the infamous Kubla Khan. Everything is going well until he meets Lotus Flower. One look at her and his heart is stolen forever. She not like any woman he has ever met before. Lotus Flower seems to feel the same way but Diego has a powerful rival.
Kublai Khan is at the end of his life. He is overweight, has bad gout, and has daily assassination attempts on his life. He's depressed but that all changes when he sees a beautiful girl with green eyes, bathing in a pond and he falls instantly in love. He must have her but she cleverly alludes his men, something that amuses him. Once he finally discovers her identity he is dismayed to find her in love with a Venician. The Emperor will bid his time and allow the pair to marry. One day, Lotus Flower will love him and she will be his!
The second half of the book is about Diego trying to find away to escape with his wife. Unfortunately, Kublai Khan is always one step ahead thanks to his astrologers.
Luckily, he is married to a clever girl and together they come up with a brilliant plan. So can they escape Kublai Khan's obsession and survive the treacherous road back to Venice.?
liked:
1. I loved Lotus Flower! She was a clever little minx. I understand why these two men were obsessed with her. The pranks she pulled on the most powerful man in Asia was hilarious but foolish. She's the comic relief in the story.
2. This is mainly Diego's story and I liked that. It's a change from most hr books.
3. The beautiful, descriptive settings are the best part of the book!. I had my map out traveling with Diego and learning about the new cultures and people he encounters.
4. I'm a history nerd and I love to learn new history. I only knew the basic information about Marco Polo, so I really enjoyed learning all about him and his travels. It's crazy that this is the same time period as William Wallace! There were no knights in this story. The era felt more like the 1400s instead of 1200s. -if that makes sense. 😬
5. The secondary characters were fantastic and really enriched the story!
dislike:
1. Kublai Khan was a little too tamed compared to the real historical character. He never forces Lotus Flower. He wants her to come to him willingly. I just don't see this infamous feared warrior becoming a lovesick puppy over some girl. Though, I did read that he became depressed after his favorite wife and son died. So who knows 🤷♀️.
2. I like my medieval books to be darker. There are terrible things that happen in the story but it's very whitewashed.
3. The ending twist. Nope!
Conclusion: I'm not road trip fan but this was a good one. I ate up the beautiful, detailed scenery and the spectacular history. The love story was sweet and I rooted for this pair til the end. I just wish the story had been a little darker.
October 30, 2022
True love never dies; death is only a temporary parting.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews