The Treasure of Isian

By: Serena Clarke

Narrated by: Carolyn Kashner

Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant, and she would do anything for him - even die for him. Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted, and they find themselves confronted by angry giants, soul-stealing elves, bewitched dragons, a vengeful water-witch, battling foes, and a mysterious kingdom.

Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Garin must decide what the most important things are in his life. Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom? And will Elani find true love? Become lost in the adventure, love, loyalty, and mystery of The Treasure of Isian!

©2002 Serena Clarke (P)2016 Serena Clarke

A YA fantasy adventure

Rating: 4.5 stars

This is a review designed not to give away the plot, but to give the reader some facts to judge whether or not they would like to listen/read this story.

What I enjoyed and liked about this audiobook:

• The story drew me in as I was immersed immediately into the camp of Prince Garin with Elani describing the quest they were on to find the Treasure of Isian.
• The author described emotions and situations vividly and clearly.
• Adventure, suspense, twists and turns. Giants, soul stealing elves, dragons and a water witch. What more could you ask of a fantasy adventure?
• This was a fun clean young adult fantasy. The scenes changed quickly. Problems and situations came and went fast.
• This story had a happily ever after and there was no cliffhanger.
• This was a clean read and I appreciated that.
• The narrator did an excellent job in differentiating the different character voices.

At my request, I was given a free copy of this audiobook from the author. I have voluntarily left my review and my opinions are my own.

Engaging Fantasy Adventure

This was an engaging fantasy with magical creatures, princes and princesses, and of course a mysterious quest. Prince Garin hears of the Treasure of Isian and its ability to grant wishes. No one knows what the treasure is or where it's located, but Garin assembles his soldiers and his faithful servant Elani to seek it.

Elani has been Garin's shadow since she was four years old, when she arrived alone at the gates of his castle unaware of even her own name. When it was discovered that she's forced to obey his commands, she was given to him as a servant. Although Garin is betrothed to another, Elani has loved him all her life. She's delighted to go on the quest with him even if it's only as his servant.

Garin and Elani become separated from the rest of their soldiers and tumble from one adventure to another as they encounter giants, elves, witches, centaurs, dragons, seers, friends, and many enemies. Through it all they become closer, and Garin begins to rely on Elani less as a servant and more as a friend. Elani learns the depths of her own strength as she defends Garin's life and her own.

I love coming of age fantasy stories, and I thought we'd be reading Elani's. But Garin is the one who changes the most by the end. In the beginning he was hopeless, he was quick to anger, insensitive, and selfish. You want Elani to shove him into a lake occupied by TWO water witches! It's only through his reminiscing with Elani that we see why she fell in love with him. By the end he's changed enough that we can see him being a good man as well as a good king.

I thought the world with its magical creatures was very interesting. I'd love to hear more about the world and its different kingdoms, legends, and prophecies. There is so much potential in a series like this!

The narrator did a great job, her voice is light and clear and easy to listen to. She has a young voice, so she was the perfect choice to narrate a book about a young girl. I was provided a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Even though it's been done before still a Treasure

My only negative with this book is that it's all been done before. Obviously, pure originality is scarce, with so many concepts having been played out. This one combines so many classic elements that it seems familiar even early on, and if you adjust your perceptions slightly, you can figure out the majority of the plot before the end of the first chapter. That said, if you are a fan of these classic story elements, it is still very much worth the read / listen.

The narrator does a fine job with the cast of characters, and given that there are some very emphatic and emotional moments, the performance shines through, even more. This is especially true when a couple of the characters are experiencing internal turmoil, yet need to maintain a stoic outer (and verbal) facade. It makes the interplay of mental dialogue all the more tantalizingly frustrating.

The part I found most interesting about this book was the character depth of the villain, unlike a majority of the other characters and elements in the story, although the villain's actions seem classic and niche, the motives behind them are far more long-reaching. The author leaves the door open to see more of this villian in another story, and I would very much like to read / listen to that book.

Review: The Treasure of Isian

Any additional comments?

The Treasure of Isian is the first book of a series that follows Elani and her master Prince Garin. It is fantasy, romance, and adventure all wrapped into a nice package.

Right when you start this book you are thrown into the adventure. You get to know the characters through their journey versus from backstories and that is refreshing for a fantasy novel. We follow from Elani's point of view as they are venturing to find the mysterious Treasure of Isian, soon after Elani is separated from her master and will do anything in her power to save him from any evils he is encountering.

The story is very much like a fairy tale. It has mystery and also princes and princesses and lost treasures and it gives you that vibe as you read it (or listen to it like I did). Overall the story is entertaining and will hold your attention well. The characters are where I had some trouble. Elani is ok, she is a servant and has to serve her master, but she is strong and determined and I like that in a character. However Prince Garin, her master, is rude and oblivious throughout most of the tale and then all of a sudden learns to appreciate Elani but it is a very drastic change it seems and I didn't like that.

I think that the overall story was a good one. It is the first in a series, but the ending is pretty tight so you could read it as a stand alone if need be. I think that lovers of fantasy and romance will enjoy this one and the audiobook was pretty good if you enjoy listening versus reading text . The only issue I had with the audiobook recording was the chapter breaks, they seemed too short, like the paragraphs just seem to end in random places... not sure why I feel that way but I did. End verdict - a nice fantasy read.

An enchanting family friendly tale

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed Elani's character but I found it difficult to really like Garin who is very spoilt and indulged. I couldn't get over the sense that somehow, no matter his feelings for Elani, he would always see her as an inferior and someone he can order around. I think I would have paired her with Prince Ander who saw her worth immediately and who seemed to genuinely care for her.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series though to see how things develop.

What about Carolyn Kashner’s performance did you like?

Carolyn Kashner is a new narrator to me but one whom I would happily listen to again. She did a great job with The Treasure of Isian and all the characters it introduced.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I was absorbed very quickly in the story and it was one that I wanted to listen to in one go. There is plenty of action and adventure as the characters make their journey to fulfil their quest.

Any additional comments?

Who doesn't love a good fairy tale?! This story has something for everyone; romance, magic, mystery, action and adventure.

I would recommend The Treasure of Isian to the whole family to enjoy.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.