Lost Shores of Thonis by E.L. Tenenbaum
- Merissa
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
@ELTenenbaum
@eltenenbaum
A year ago, Azizi's island home abruptly sank into the Mediterranean, drowning her family, culture, and entire past. Once vibrant Thonis is now a curse, the three survivors are the Blessed. Azizi doesn't feel blessed.
When the king's beloved wife, one of the Blessed, dies suddenly, Azizi is expected to faithfully serve her in the afterlife. With nothing left in this life, Azizi is ready to die.
Then Bakari, celebrated charioteer and third of the Blessed, begs Azizi not to die. His reason? The king's wife was murdered. Worse, her death is linked to the loss of Thonis and the start of even more evil. As everyone thinks her dead, Azizi can secretly search the palace and discover who's responsible.
If she chooses to stay alive, she may even find something worth living for.
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4 out of 5 (very good)
LOST SHORES OF THONIS is a standalone historical mystery with a touch of the supernatural, based on the real lost city of Thonis-Heracleion. Now, I say this is a standalone, but it doesn't feel like it. It feels as though it is the first book in a series, as not everything is explained, finished, or tied up neatly with a pretty little bow.
Told from Azizi's perspective, you find out how she and two others became 'Blessed', what happened to Meryt, and how she finds out the 'truth'. There are a multitude of characters here that aid and abet with Azizi, or are against her. I'll leave it to you to figure out which.
I did struggle with parts of this as Egyptian history isn't one of my fortitudes. Not only that, but the tales of Nubia and the secrets revealed didn't always make much sense to me. However, the mystery of the story itself was intriguing, and I couldn't wait to learn more as each chapter unfolded. I also could have done with an Egyptian translation to figure out the meaning behind certain words, but I made it through.
This was a great read by an author I admire, so I'm definitely happy that I read it, and have no hesitation in recommending it.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
E.L. Tenenbaum is an author, writer, wordsmither-er, and versificator. When not distracted building new worlds, she enjoys presenting about writing, and has been a visiting author at schools around the world.
Find out more or tune in at ww.ELTenenbaum.com
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