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.


L'Aussie's Verdict: 9/10

 

21 comments:

Laura Eno said...

Great review! It sounds awesome.

Denise Covey said...

Laura: Hey, it is! I need to get your book read too!

Golden Eagle said...

Great review--The Treasures of Carmelidrium sounds like a very interesting book!

Denise Covey said...

The Golden Eagle: Thanks for coming back. Yes, you must read it.

Cherie Reich said...

Awesome review! I can't wait to read her book two. :)

Denise Covey said...

Cherie: We'll have to put the pressure on her to get started!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Dawn Embers said...

Fantasy - Music - Magic

You have my attention. :-D

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you so much for this wonderful review, Denise. I am thrilled once again. My characters are calling, the villain is in trouble, his sister is a problem and the prince is way too distracted to give her the time of day. His best friend is the protagonist and now you have a foreshadow of, The Rise of Lord Sinon.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium

Denise Covey said...

Yay to The Rise of Lord Sinon. I can see him now but he's in your head! Let him loose I say! Hey, you're making me a fantasy fan!

Denise<3

N. R. Williams said...

Welcome to the world of infinite possibilities, Denise.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium

You should add a face book gadget. I cut and paste you into mine and am tweeting.

Denise Covey said...

Hey Writers Block. Get that fb gadget happening!

N. R. Williams said...

***Special***

March is "read an e-book month."

50% off coupon code at Smashwords. Go to my blog to grab it were you will find the smashwords link.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium

Denise Covey said...

Thanks for this. A good chance to get a few...

Denise<3

Southpaw said...

This is a great review. I too have a couple of unread ebooks.:(

Denise Covey said...

Holly, yes, and I'm just about to buy another - Roland D Yeomans' The Bear With Two Shadows. I know it will be amazing because he is an awesome writer/blogger.

Denise<3

N. R. Williams said...

Thanks Holly for stopping by.

You are absolutely right about, Roland, Denise.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium

Nic @ Irresistible Reads said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier. It is nice to meet a fellow Brisbane blogger :)

I am now a new follower!

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Hi, Denise. Saw your comment on my blog, finally. I've had a long two days with family matters that haven't left me much time for blogging!

So I'm glad you alerted me to this. Great review! I read the book on my Nook (I'm finding I like reading digitally now more than on print; it's easier on my eyes). I really liked it! Her prose flows. The story has great twists and turns of the plot. She did a great job with character and dialogue.

I've thought about starting a second blog of nothing but book reviews. I might be able to manage at least two a week. But, I see you don't get the comments/following that you do on your writing blog. So maybe I'll just set up a book review PAGE.

I'm going to bookmark this blog to come back and read more of your reviews. My eye caught the memoir, The Boys are Back, and I've skimmed what you say. Doesn't sound like one I would want to pay more than $2 to read. Is it self-published?

Gotta get Jen in bed. I'm turning into a pumpkin, and it's far from magical midnight. I want to watch a murder mystery. I love them. Wish I could write one!

Are you getting to YOUR own writing!!??!! And Nancy: Are you working HARD on that sequel???
Ann Best, Long Journey Home
p.s. That's my deleted comment above. I think I need to shut down for the night!!

Denise Covey said...

Ann: Dawn started this blog to force herself to read more. You're welcome to offer to do a review for us.

Lovely words re Nancy. We have some very talented bloggers.

Yes, I've been writing up a storm and getting short stories sent off. Haven't touched my novels yet, but I've got short story deadlines.

Thanks for visiting. I'm anxious to finish Roland D Yeoman's books so I can review it here.


Nic: Thanks for coming by. I thought the same about you. You have a lovely book blog. I'll be enjoying reading more of yours.

Denise<3

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you Nic and Ann, once again you touched my heart. Thank you Denise for having me on your blog and giving me such a wonderful review.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium

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