THE TREASURE
Iris Johansen
Bantam
Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780553807318
New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen weaves a tale of treasure, trysts and timeless romance in her triumphant return to the romance genre in THE TREASURE. Since she was a young girl of 11, Lady Selene Ware worshiped the handsome ex-assassin Kadar Ben Arnaud, who rescued her from slavery and debauchery in the House of Nicholas. As Selene grows into a young woman, worship turns to lust for Kadar, who is known for a string of broken hearts across Scotland. When jealousy is slow to attract Kadar’s attention, Selene throws herself at him, certain that destiny will make them man and wife.
Kadar succumbs to ravishing Selene before he sails away into the night on the Dark Star to make good on an age-old promise to Sinan, king of assassins. He is forced to lie to her just as he gains her trust and claims her for himself. As in all good romance novels building a plot between lovers, Selene is kidnapped and dragged into Kadar’s journey to obtain “a great treasure, a treasure beyond price.”
Kadar had walked the dark path because it was easy and exciting, but he walked away from it and created a new life with Selene’s family in Scotland. Kadar professes to Selene, “There’s a fate that guides all of us. We were meant to be together. I’ve known it almost since the first time I saw you.”
Sinan’s successor, Sheikh Jabbar Al Nasim, has an insatiable quest for power and sends Kadar to the castle of Sienbara in Tuscany, Italy, to steal the “shimmering gold box” containing “the treasure” from the elusive Tarik. Before the journey begins, the reader is swept into moments of passion as Kadar pleasures Selene in the luxurious tower room, using his body to sear their souls together.
The mysterious treasure brings Kadar and Selene closer to the “gift” inside, but not without facing dangers and near death. Before Kadar and Selene discover what the treasure is, they learn about Eshe --- words engraved on the grail inside meaning “Life.” Tales of long life have been told since Biblical times and the “grail” is part of the mystery, but is there really a “miracle recipe for eternal life”?
Tarik and his wife Layla have been guardians of the treasure for eons. As Kadar lies unconscious with a “death wound,” Tarik is forced to make a life-altering decision to save Kadar. Selene and her manservant are used as pawns in this struggle between the evil men vying for the treasure. When Haroun is slayed by Nasim’s men, she seeks vengeance and implores Kadar to work with another assassin, Vadan, to kill Nasim and his men.
It all sounds dark and clandestine, but reading THE TREASURE is a romantic adventure, one that reminds you of watching a sweeping epic on the big screen, including fortresses, castles and warriors riding through forests and across the countryside with swords --- larger-than-life images drawing the reader closer to a surprise ending.
Kadar and Selene’s harrowing journey strengthens their love. “He would look at her and she would be swept away in a storm of sensuality and anticipation.” Yes, they discovered the treasure and secret of Eshe, but they found another treasure even greater, that of eternal love. “Love always makes a difference. We have to grab it and hold on until the last moment.” Romance and love --- some of the most treasured memories of our lives.
--- Reviewed by Hillary Wagy
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