The Treasures of Carmelidruim by N. R. Williams

Fellow blogger N.R. Williams has published her debut fantasy novel, The Treasures of Carmelidrium. It has been well received and today's review will show you why...

Synopsis: When a hooded man steps in front of her car, Missie is thrust through a portal into a medieval world where she encounters monsters and mythical creatures. Here, her flute has magical powers to heal and destroy and to empower "The Treasures of Carmelidrium." She is romanced by a prince and hunted by the villain. Will she find her way home? Does she want to?

Firstly, this is the first time I've read a book on my Kindle. I've started others and not finished them (as I really prefer a print book - yes, I'm a Luddite!) However, N.R. Williams' " The Treasures of Carmelidrium" transported me into a fantastical, Medieval-like world of Gil-lael and I was happy to stay there for the duration. The book is written in beautifully-flowing prose which hooked me right from start to finish.

The story's protagonist, Michelle "Missie" Kersten is a flutist a few classes away from graduating from the University of Colorado when she suddenly crashes into another world, a fantasy world, the mists of Gil-lael. The swiftness of this caught me by surprise and there was no chance I wasn't going to push on reading right through to the end in the digital world. In the world of Gil-lael Missie meets the valiant Prince Healden. The two are linked to King Carmel and Queen Lysandra, and history repeats itself as Missie and Healden fight against Renwyck, Lord of the Symberveen. This has overtones of Romeo and Juliet as it is captivating how Missie and the Prince fall in love and fight together for peace in Gil-lael.

N.R. Williams has taken great care with her world building, and I think this is what amazed me (I'm not usually a reader of fantasy). In her whimsical world there are giant eagles, elves, and a vast history within this world - not to mention noblemen, castles and courtiers. In this created world there are unicorns and also the author's mythical creation, the symberveen, which is a bear-like monster that fills its victims with psychological horrors. Perhaps we shall see these legendary beasts, the symberveen, in more fantasy stories.  I don't think it is grandiose to say that the novel has almost Tolkien-esque touches at times

N.R. Williams' novel uses hard-hitting themes - friendship, betrayal, love, and hate. These all have a major part to play in "The Treasures of Carmelidrium." Throughout the fantasy, music, magic, and war entwine,  leading to new beginnings.

The author is about to make a start on the sequel, which is a relief, as this story demands a follow-up tome.