The Seer (The Secret Tales #3) by Sanna Brand / Vicki Stiefel
- Debbie
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
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A quest for truth. A legacy in stone. A love forged in danger.
When Lady Claire Pheland is publicly humiliated by London’s Society of Antiquarians, she vows to prove her radical theory: that the iconic ancient Greek statues were once vividly painted. Claire’s search for evidence leads her to Greece in the company of Lord Theseus Ashworth—a brilliant scholar on a dangerous mission of his own: returning his father’s Greek sculptures to their rightful home.
Their journey is fraught with peril. Bandits lurk in the shadows, a Greek prophetess whispers cryptic warnings, and a traitor mirrors their every move. In Delphi, tensions erupt when Lord Byron arrives, a priceless bust vanishes, and a villager is murdered. As Claire nears proving her theory, Theseus’ mission spirals into a deadly game when seven ancient sculptures are stolen and a second life is taken.
What begins as a battle of wits between Claire and Theseus soon ignites into a passion as fiery as the dangers surrounding them. But when Theseus is brutally attacked upon their return to England, they realize the thieves will continue their murderous ways until they are stopped. With time running out, they must unmask the killers before they become their next victims. Will they uncover the truth—or be buried by it?
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4 out of 5 (very good)
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is book 3 in the Secret Tales series, but it can be read as a stand alone. The couple from the first two books do take part here, but you don't need to have read their stories to follow this one. I did, however, LOVE those first two books, so as a personal recommendation, read them.
But this one?? I don't know what it is about this one, but I couldn't love it, and it did take some reading. I might be able to wiggle it out my book brain as I type, but we shall see.
Claire has a theory about the white on the Greek marbles and statues: they are not meant to be white. But as a woman, no one will listen. Theseus finds Claire's mind attractive but he is well aware of the constraints on women of his time. A trip to Greece is just what they both need: Claire to prove her theory and Theseus to return some Greek marbles to their rightful home. But someone is out to stop him, and it might just get them both killed.
I liked that this faded to black and it was a very slow burn. Theo was very much attracted first to Claire's mind but he soon became besotted with her. Especially after she befriended his sister and managed to shoot some bandits! But apart from some kissing, he waits until they are married to do anything else, and I did like that.
I did like the twist with the bad guy! I did not see that one coming at me.
Theo's sister, Penny plays a part here. She does get a say too, but I think I would have liked Spyros as well as Penny, given as to what happens to them.
There are many descriptions about the Greek statues and the history of them. I found these a bit too much, to be honest and I struggled to follow them all. I think THIS might be why I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first two.
I did like that we caught up with Lottie and Patrick, and Rosie and Rhys. They are all blissfully happy and their families are growing.
What I did LOVE though, was the epilogue!
4 very VERY good stars
** 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. *
Sanna Brand’s (Award-winning author Vicki Stiefel) second Regency, THE DECEPTION is book two in her Secret Tales. Vicki also writes fantasy (The Made Ones Saga) and urban fantasy (The Afterworld Chronicles), while her mystery/thrillers feature homicide counselor Tally Whyte.
Vicki tapped into her love of knitting to produce Chest of Bone The Knit Collection and co-wrote 10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters.
After running The Writers Studio with her late husband, William G. Tapply, Vicki taught fiction writing at Clark University.
She grew up in professional theater and planned to become an actress. Instead, she slung hamburgers, and managed a scuba shop.
She is a mom to two wonderful humans and her passions for scuba diving, fly fishing, knitting, and horses pop up in her novels, as do chocolate, bourbon, and lobster.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicki.stiefel.5
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