Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier -- Review

Title: Isle of Blood and Stone
Author: Makiia Lucier
Pages: 400
Publishing: April 10th 2018 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 0544968603

Synopsis:

Ulises asked, "How can I look at these maps, see this riddle, and do nothing? They are my brothers."

Elias reached across the table and flicked aside two shells with a fingertip. The map curled into itself. "It's bound to be a goose chase. You know that?"

"Or a treasure hunt," Ulises countered, "and you've always been good at those."

Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of del Mar's oldest friend. Soon he will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, an expedition past the Strait of Cain and into uncharted waters. Nothing stands in his way...until a long-ago tragedy creeps back into the light, threatening all he holds dear.

The people of St. John del Mar have never recovered from the loss of their boy princes, kidnapped eighteen years ago, both presumed dead. But when two maps surface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear to be drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias's father, who vanished on that same fateful day? With the king's beautiful cousin by his side—whether he wants her there or not—Elias will race to solve the riddle of the princes. He will have to use his wits and guard his back. Because some truths are better left buried...and an unknown enemy stalks his every turn. 

Review: 

What a fun read! I really enjoyed the setting and the characters in this novel. All of the maps were also a lot of fun and added an interesting mystery component. I really enjoyed the twists and turns that the characters faced, and I thought the setting for the novel was beautiful. I could perfectly picture the blue ocean and the jutting cliffs of the town! 

Isle of Blood and Stone was a fast paced read, but I kept feeling like every time I got sucked into the story, a little of the fire would burn out. It was like the author was holding the reader back a little bit. There would be a suspense build up and then a quick change to a slower pace. I feel like this description is a bit misleading because not once did I think the story was boring. It was definitely enjoyable, just more of a slow burn entertainment... if that makes sense! 

All in all, Isle of Blood and Stone was a great read and it was entertaining from start to finish. It was very different from most books I've read this year and I really liked its unique qualities. I would definitely recommend this novel to readers who enjoy YA fiction and I look forward to more novels from Lucier in the future. Thank you NetGalley and HMH books for sharing this novel in exchange for an honest review. 

Rating 3.5/5