The Shores of Spain
A Novel of the Golden City
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4.5 • 2 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
A brilliant new chapter in the Novels of the Golden City.
Even as the branches of peace are being offered, there are some who still believe those who are not human should be used as chattel. And they are willing to go to great lengths to retain their power.
Newlywed siren Oriana Paredes has been appointed Ambassador to her home islands now that communication between Northern Portugual and the magical races has been restored. But convincing her people that the new Portuguese Prince’s intentions are honorable after years of persecution is difficult. And her husband, Duilio, faces his own obstacles among the sirens where males are a rare and valuable commodity with few rights.
In addition to their diplomatic mission, the two hope to uncover the truth behind Oriana's mother's death. Evidence suggests that Spain—a country that has been known to enslave magical beings—may have infiltrated the siren authority. Unable to leave their post, Oriana and Duilio must call on Inspector Joaquim Tavares to root out the truth.
But even his seer’s gift cannot prepare him for what he will discover.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The third and putatively last novel in the Golden City series (after The Seat of Magic) is strong in characterization and scene setting, but frail in plotting. In an alternate early-20th-century Portugal, humans have begun accepting the presence of sereia (mermaids) and selkies. Newlyweds Oriana Paredes, a sereia, and Duilio Arenias, a half-selkie, are on the sereia home islands to investigate the twisted magical plot that has been running through the whole series. Meanwhile, Duilio's half-brother, Joaquim, and his beloved, Marina, are drawn to the Spanish mainland, which is heart of the conspiracy but also the place where it may be most vulnerable. Cheney's characters are believable, whether sympathetic or despicable, and her descriptions are crisp and vivid; readers may not notice her reliance on contrivance, such as the enormous deus ex machina that concludes this novel, while they're immersed in the action. Though imperfect, this installment is mesmerizing.
