Great book!
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
on February 23, 2016
Very well written book! I'm impressed. thanks a lot!
5 stars
on February 15, 2016
This book is the best book of the last decade! Very well written and the plot is nice. Thanks a lot!
5 stars
on February 7, 2016
No. it's not an indiana jones rip off. this one hasa better plot and characters. the main character was neither exploited nor being hunted. Just a treasure hunter. Great read!
on December 19, 2015
Great book! Enjoyed reading this one for the past week and I am badly hooked to it's intriguing story line.
on December 26, 2015
Great story! I can't believe I only discovered this now. Can't wait to read the next books!
on January 31, 2016
I never really expected this book to be very good. Now, I'm excited for the next books
on December 10, 2015
Great story line, I wish I was on a story just like this one and I would surely enjoy
Donna Hole dedicated an entire post to both my books.
www.dolorah.blogspot.com
REPOST: GUEST AUTHOR NR WILLIAMS
This is a repost from my previous blog, originally published March, 2012. A long time ago. Nancy is currently writing a sequel to TREASURES OF CARMELIDRIUM, and I thought it would be nice to resurrect this from the deleted blog so it is not completely lost. It also includes a review of the novel, and a bonus review of her children's fairy tale story THE MAGIC OF WINDLIER WOODS.
Today I have the honor of hosting the incredibly talented, fellow blogger and fantasy author Nancy R Williams. Nancy “lives in Colorado, U.S.A. with her husband. She is delighted to have two seven year old grandchildren, cousins. She's a long time member of Rocky Mountain fiction Writers and has been privileged to attend conferences and workshops. Since her formative years, she's been inventing fantastical stories and since she could spell she's been writing them down.”
Thank you in advance for your warm welcome of fantasy author Nancy R. Williams . . .
I am currently working on the sequel to Treasures titled, The Rise of Lord Sinon, and hope to release it in the fall of 2015. I have approximately five books planned for my epic series. I have notes and outlines and chapters written for all these books. I will revisit Newert in Windlier Woods once I've completed The Rise of Lord Sinon. I have stories swimming in my head of faeries and phoenixes. I can only hope I live long enough to pen them all.
If you'd like a free story, I plan to submit a flash fiction faerie tale on my blog, on the 20th of every month. I have one up now ad I'd love to see you there.
I welcome all of you to visit my blog. You can read excerpts and reviews for Treasures in the pages section at the top. I will also give one commenter an e-copy of The Treasures of Carmelidrium. Thank you again Donna, for hosting me.
My pleasure Nancy. And what sweet treat – a free copy of Treasures. Let me further entice potential readers with my review of Treasures of Carmeliderium:
This was a delightfully romantic adventure. Missie (Michelle Kersten) is instantly likeable. The story opens in the contemporary world as she is leaving for spring vacation just two months before college graduation. Her adventure starts within a few pages as her Wrangler swerves off the highway during a snowstorm, and lands her in the mystical world of Gil-lael, where everyone believes she is either a descendant of an evil race of blond haired, blue eyed murderous invaders; or the re-incarnated Princess Lysandra, who's music defeated the evil Lord of the symberveen Druas-Bradwr centuries ago.
The question of Lady Michelle's mystical status is explored through a series of action packed kidnappings, assassination attempts, and rescue forays. The action plot slows down considerably in the middle of the novel to develop the romance between the two main characters Missie and Prince Healden; but the vivid world and it dangers and beauty are a mainstay throughout the story. An emotional roller-coaster of fear, anxiety, heart-wrenching obstacles to love and the fulfillment of prophecy, and the angst of sacrifice for love, duty and honor awaits in this fantastic realm.
Fantasy and romance readers alike will enjoy the spirit of adventure, the multiple POV's of the hero, the heroine, and the mysterious villain (identity not revealed until the final chapters), and indulge in courtly intrigue not unlike the Victorian age of British nobility.
BOOK BLURB FOR TREASURES: 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?
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon Germany
BOOK BLURB FOR WINDLIER: Newert, an erbit of Windlier Woods, is concerned. The magic of his world is seeping away. He struggles to open a portal to another world, believing that this will restore the magic of Windlier Woods. Assuming the big red truck is magical he returns to his world with the truck and its driver. Thus begins Newert's misadventure. What will happen next?
Available in e-book at Amazon
Today I have the honor of hosting the incredibly talented, fellow blogger and fantasy author Nancy R Williams. Nancy “lives in Colorado, U.S.A. with her husband. She is delighted to have two seven year old grandchildren, cousins. She's a long time member of Rocky Mountain fiction Writers and has been privileged to attend conferences and workshops. Since her formative years, she's been inventing fantastical stories and since she could spell she's been writing them down.”Thank you in advance for your warm welcome of fantasy author Nancy R. Williams . . .
Hi everyone. I want to thank Donna for hosting me today and spotlighting both my books, The Treasures of Carmelidrium and The Magic of Windlier Woods.
My journey as a writer began in my formative years. While I didn't write down stories, I had many hunting expeditions in my mother's flower gardens for fairies. At one point when I complained that I couldn't find any of the elusive creatures, my mother told me they slept in the flowers that hadn't opened yet. That year very few of her tulips made it to maturity. I pulled them apart looking for Tinkerbell. So fantasy just came naturally when I developed my first story.
The Treasures of Carmelidrium, (pronounced, Carmel-lid-drium) came about as a result of a life altering, negative experience. I needed a way to vent. Originally I never intended what I wrote to become a book, but my mother, who is a writer too, encouraged me to transform my scribbling into something more.
With a lot of research, learning the craft of writing, attending conferences and workshops, along with a fabulous critique group, I formed a real story that was worth setting on paper. The transformation from "this happened to me," into a story changed my perception of the real events and allowed me to heal.
Along the way, I found a voice in myself that cannot be silenced. I am a writer, a dreamer, a person who sees beyond the here and now and hopes for something better. This period of my life took nearly 20 years. All the while my heroine Missie, the hero Healden, and the villain Renwyk hung out in my heart, their story growing and changing like the Colorado weather.
Many have asked why I choose a flute as Missie's instrument and ultimate power. Several reasons. When I was in college, I heard a flutist on the lawns of the music building. Her song captured me. When I knew that music would play a critical role in my story I considered many instruments. A violin is too easily broken. The French horn is too bulky. A piano, well that would be hard to travel with. A clarinet just isn't sexy in my opinion. However, a well-crafted, steel flute is easy to carry even on horseback.
Did I submit this story to agents and editors? Oh yes, I had many request and many rejections. I couldn't understand it really. I was told how much they loved it yet it wouldn't work for them. I finally decided to self-publish since e-publishing has made that easier. Now in retrospect, I realize that I have a YA voice but my characters are in their twenties. YA is developed for pre-teens and teens and the characters are supposed to be the same age. Once I realized this it took the sting of rejection away.
E-publishing has its challenges. My daughter is a wiz at formatting and she helped me with that. I found a blogger who is a remarkable artist and she did my book cover. I hired an editor and I strongly encourage anyone who wants to self-publish to do the same. Now that I am published, I am still waiting for the readers to find me. I haven't had great sales even though I have numerous excellent reviews.
Enter my children's story, The Magic of Windlier Woods. This story came about as a bedtime ritual with my children when they were young. It grew and changed every night. I never intended it to be anything other than a fun bedtime story. When I realized that Treasures was in limbo because the readers didn't know me, I decided to rework The Magic of Windlier Woods and put it up for free. I hoped that this would translate into sales for Treasures. It didn't. (It's no longer free.)
- I'm going to interrupt Nancy for a moment here to say how much I enjoyed The Magic of Windlier Woods. It is the story of Newert the erbit's grand aventure to save his world's failing magic. The story left me giggling and smiling throughout the short approximately 20 minute read. Sold as a children's book, it is an entertaining story for readers of all ages who enjoy humor, misadventure, and fantastical creatures. The only thing that would have made this book more intriguing is to add pictures to with the vivid imagery of the world, and especially Newert. Ok, back to Nancy -My journey as a writer began in my formative years. While I didn't write down stories, I had many hunting expeditions in my mother's flower gardens for fairies. At one point when I complained that I couldn't find any of the elusive creatures, my mother told me they slept in the flowers that hadn't opened yet. That year very few of her tulips made it to maturity. I pulled them apart looking for Tinkerbell. So fantasy just came naturally when I developed my first story.
The Treasures of Carmelidrium, (pronounced, Carmel-lid-drium) came about as a result of a life altering, negative experience. I needed a way to vent. Originally I never intended what I wrote to become a book, but my mother, who is a writer too, encouraged me to transform my scribbling into something more.With a lot of research, learning the craft of writing, attending conferences and workshops, along with a fabulous critique group, I formed a real story that was worth setting on paper. The transformation from "this happened to me," into a story changed my perception of the real events and allowed me to heal.
Along the way, I found a voice in myself that cannot be silenced. I am a writer, a dreamer, a person who sees beyond the here and now and hopes for something better. This period of my life took nearly 20 years. All the while my heroine Missie, the hero Healden, and the villain Renwyk hung out in my heart, their story growing and changing like the Colorado weather.
Many have asked why I choose a flute as Missie's instrument and ultimate power. Several reasons. When I was in college, I heard a flutist on the lawns of the music building. Her song captured me. When I knew that music would play a critical role in my story I considered many instruments. A violin is too easily broken. The French horn is too bulky. A piano, well that would be hard to travel with. A clarinet just isn't sexy in my opinion. However, a well-crafted, steel flute is easy to carry even on horseback.
Did I submit this story to agents and editors? Oh yes, I had many request and many rejections. I couldn't understand it really. I was told how much they loved it yet it wouldn't work for them. I finally decided to self-publish since e-publishing has made that easier. Now in retrospect, I realize that I have a YA voice but my characters are in their twenties. YA is developed for pre-teens and teens and the characters are supposed to be the same age. Once I realized this it took the sting of rejection away.
E-publishing has its challenges. My daughter is a wiz at formatting and she helped me with that. I found a blogger who is a remarkable artist and she did my book cover. I hired an editor and I strongly encourage anyone who wants to self-publish to do the same. Now that I am published, I am still waiting for the readers to find me. I haven't had great sales even though I have numerous excellent reviews.
Enter my children's story, The Magic of Windlier Woods. This story came about as a bedtime ritual with my children when they were young. It grew and changed every night. I never intended it to be anything other than a fun bedtime story. When I realized that Treasures was in limbo because the readers didn't know me, I decided to rework The Magic of Windlier Woods and put it up for free. I hoped that this would translate into sales for Treasures. It didn't. (It's no longer free.)I am currently working on the sequel to Treasures titled, The Rise of Lord Sinon, and hope to release it in the fall of 2015. I have approximately five books planned for my epic series. I have notes and outlines and chapters written for all these books. I will revisit Newert in Windlier Woods once I've completed The Rise of Lord Sinon. I have stories swimming in my head of faeries and phoenixes. I can only hope I live long enough to pen them all.
If you'd like a free story, I plan to submit a flash fiction faerie tale on my blog, on the 20th of every month. I have one up now ad I'd love to see you there.
I welcome all of you to visit my blog. You can read excerpts and reviews for Treasures in the pages section at the top. I will also give one commenter an e-copy of The Treasures of Carmelidrium. Thank you again Donna, for hosting me.
My pleasure Nancy. And what sweet treat – a free copy of Treasures. Let me further entice potential readers with my review of Treasures of Carmeliderium:
This was a delightfully romantic adventure. Missie (Michelle Kersten) is instantly likeable. The story opens in the contemporary world as she is leaving for spring vacation just two months before college graduation. Her adventure starts within a few pages as her Wrangler swerves off the highway during a snowstorm, and lands her in the mystical world of Gil-lael, where everyone believes she is either a descendant of an evil race of blond haired, blue eyed murderous invaders; or the re-incarnated Princess Lysandra, who's music defeated the evil Lord of the symberveen Druas-Bradwr centuries ago.
The question of Lady Michelle's mystical status is explored through a series of action packed kidnappings, assassination attempts, and rescue forays. The action plot slows down considerably in the middle of the novel to develop the romance between the two main characters Missie and Prince Healden; but the vivid world and it dangers and beauty are a mainstay throughout the story. An emotional roller-coaster of fear, anxiety, heart-wrenching obstacles to love and the fulfillment of prophecy, and the angst of sacrifice for love, duty and honor awaits in this fantastic realm.
Fantasy and romance readers alike will enjoy the spirit of adventure, the multiple POV's of the hero, the heroine, and the mysterious villain (identity not revealed until the final chapters), and indulge in courtly intrigue not unlike the Victorian age of British nobility.
BOOK BLURB FOR TREASURES: 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?
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon Germany
BOOK BLURB FOR WINDLIER: Newert, an erbit of Windlier Woods, is concerned. The magic of his world is seeping away. He struggles to open a portal to another world, believing that this will restore the magic of Windlier Woods. Assuming the big red truck is magical he returns to his world with the truck and its driver. Thus begins Newert's misadventure. What will happen next?
Available in e-book at Amazon
PJ Swanwick's review
Jun 04, 11
Powerful music conquers medieval magic in fantastical tale
From the flute’s first staccato notes in the opening paragraph to the author’s closing notes, N.R. Williams has melded contemporary and historical fantasy, modern music and medieval magic, into the first book of a series that holds great promise. Missie, a classically trained musician, is pulled into a version of the sixteenth century in which an evil wizard can control people’s minds and horrible creatures called symberveens, among other things. Missie’s music contains powerful magic that she must learn to control in order to help Prince Healden unite the kingdoms and save Gil-Lael.
I especially enjoyed the passages in which Williams describes the soaring music that Missie plays, enabling me to hear the flute rise and fall, trill and flare. It was also clear that the author thoroughly researched the medieval period to give the setting and characters a realistic flavor that, even though it’s a fantasy, gives the book a sense of place that feels real and believable. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series of the Chronicles of Gil-Lael. #
Ezinwanyi aka Dhangerous 's review
bookshelves: fantasy, love, shapeshifters, young-adult
May 31, 11
Read from April 08 to 30, 2011
In this story, we are introduced to a university senior named Michelle, who prefers to be called Missy. She is a regular 20yr old, but she has an amazing talent as a flutist. One day, as she is driving her jeep, she istransported back to medieval times to a Kingdom named Gil-lael.
This is where the adventure begins.
Obstacle 1: They speak French and Missy isn't fluent in French. But suddenly a unicorn appears and bestows on her the gift to communicate in the chosen language. The unicorn also lets her know that she is part of this kingdom's destiny and her coming was foretold.
Obstacle 2: Missy looked forward to graduating and had a good relationship with her parents, so she wasn't excited about being in a foreign land without her loved ones. I like the angst Michelle displayed as she contemplated her new life versus her old life.
Obstacle 3: Missy didn't know what to make of her new life, the new guy and the expectations placed on her to help bring about the end of this war.
We learn that Missy's destiny is intertwined with the heir of kingdom of Gil-lael, Prince Healden and the bad guy Renwyck, Lord of the Symberveens, who wants to rule the kingdom. Symberveens are creatures that attack people in their minds and Missy's flute is a healing balm that helps people and keeps the Symberveens from getting control of the mind. But the Kingdom of Gil-lael has a champion in Prince Healden and the flutist they prefer to call Lady Michelle. They were gifted with magical instruments of their own.
The story is wrriten with a lot of detail and imaginary and I like the pace of the relationship between Michelle and Prince Healden. It wasn't a quick read for me but it was very engaging. It is obvious that this book is the beginning of a series and I think the author laid a very solid foundation.I look forward to reading the next installment of this story. I recommend this story to those who love young adult love stories.
Reviewed for the Paranormal Romance Guild
#
Realm of Magic, Realm of Love,May 26, 2011
Within a short time Missy meets a unicorn with magical powers and a band of loathsome, bear-like creatures who attempt to kidnap her. She learns these symberveen possess a devastating ability to invade human minds with horrible visions, and being clawed by one of the beasts often spells death. About this time the lovely young lady figures out she's not in Colorado anymore. Her abrupt loss of family, friends and a promising musical career hits her hard. All she wants to do is get back home. But how?
Missy finds a balm for her troubled heart in the arms of Healden, Prince of Gil-Lael. He's kind and protective, and he's definitely not hard to look at. Through numerous dangers and surprising developments, Missy fights her growing attachment to the handsome prince. Staying with him would mean never seeing her beloved family again. She faces impossible choices that don't only involve herself and Healden, but all of Gil-Lael. For Missy wasn't brought there merely to find romance; she must fulfill a prophesy. If she fails in her appointed task, the world she has grown to love will fall into the hands of a vicious, mind-altering fiend who wants to control everything, including Missy and her magical flute.
The only critical comment I can make about this book is that it's a bit long. I found myself distracted at times, especially through the first half. Condensing it somewhat would pick up the pace. Aside from that, this is a wonderful tale that carried me to a fantastic world I hope to revisit in N.R. Williams' next book.
Lyn Horner, author of Darlin' Druid (Texas Druids)
#
Realm of Magic, Realm of Love,
By
Lyn Horner "Lyn" (Texas) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Treasures of Carmelidrium (The Chronicles of Gil-Lael) (Kindle Edition)
The Treasures of Carmelidrium by N.R. Williams is an action-packed fantasy adventure. Gil-Lael, the world Ms. Williams has created, teems with princes, elves, unicorns and a nasty horde of beasts called symberveen. When gifted flutist Michelle (Missy) Kersten crashes her Jeep Wrangler through a portal to this alien world, she doesn't realize what's happened at first. The landscape resembles her native Colorado, and even though the handsome man who greets her wears a costume straight out of the Middle Ages, well, surely there must be a logical explanation. Maybe he and his companions are making a movie. Only there are no cameras or any other modern equipment in sight. All she sees are men who look at her as if she's some weird being from another world. Which, of course, she is. Within a short time Missy meets a unicorn with magical powers and a band of loathsome, bear-like creatures who attempt to kidnap her. She learns these symberveen possess a devastating ability to invade human minds with horrible visions, and being clawed by one of the beasts often spells death. About this time the lovely young lady figures out she's not in Colorado anymore. Her abrupt loss of family, friends and a promising musical career hits her hard. All she wants to do is get back home. But how?
Missy finds a balm for her troubled heart in the arms of Healden, Prince of Gil-Lael. He's kind and protective, and he's definitely not hard to look at. Through numerous dangers and surprising developments, Missy fights her growing attachment to the handsome prince. Staying with him would mean never seeing her beloved family again. She faces impossible choices that don't only involve herself and Healden, but all of Gil-Lael. For Missy wasn't brought there merely to find romance; she must fulfill a prophesy. If she fails in her appointed task, the world she has grown to love will fall into the hands of a vicious, mind-altering fiend who wants to control everything, including Missy and her magical flute.
The only critical comment I can make about this book is that it's a bit long. I found myself distracted at times, especially through the first half. Condensing it somewhat would pick up the pace. Aside from that, this is a wonderful tale that carried me to a fantastic world I hope to revisit in N.R. Williams' next book.
Lyn Horner, author of Darlin' Druid (Texas Druids)
#
5.0 out of 5 stars A review by Free Book Reviews, April 2, 2011
This review is from: The Treasures of Carmelidrium (Kindle Edition)
The Treasures of Carmelidrium What shall I ever say about this novel that has not been said before. This book will take you to a land of yesterday and bring in the creatures of imagination and throw in a love story to boot. Williams has done what every author strives for. Leaving the reader breathless, emotional and wanting more. So I ask when shall I get my more!
#
This story is full of action and rich in detail, but I especially liked the love story woven through the pages. This might be why I found the multiple points of view of the many characters a little distracting. I wanted to get back to my favourite characters. I would have liked to have seen a more complex villain as well.
Though the manuscript needs a final spit-n-polish, it’s an easy read which appeals to me. Overall I enjoyed the story. I’d suggest this book would most appeal to young female readers who have that romantic spot in their hearts.
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This story follows Michelle (Missy, as she likes to be called), a talented flutist that is close to graduating college. A freak occurence transports her into an alternate medieval world populated with unicorns, symberveen (nasty little buggars with a vicious psychic attack), and even giant eagles. Missy learns she has been brought to the kingdom of Gil-lael in order to play her role in a local legend. She is shocked to discover that the simple act of playing her flute has the ability to heal the kingdom. Added to that, prince Healden has become enamored with her and seeks to make her his bride.
Naturally, where you have the good guys, you get the bad guys. And this guy is as bad as they come. He controls the symberveen, and wants to overthrow Gil-lael and rule all. But, and there's always a 'but', the one person that stands in his way is the talented flutist from the other world. Her music has the power to destroy him and therefore the threat must be neutralized.
The author does a tremendous job with the details. She describes the castles, the grounds, even the action scenes with such vivid imagery that it was no trouble at all to paint the mental picture as it was described to me. You get to see the burgeoning romance between the prince and Missy strengthen and grow. And, you are privvy to her struggles as she tries to decide where her heart lies.
As soon as the story started, it swept you right in and, if you're like me, were unable to put the book (or iPod!) down! I spent a fantastic Sunday reading this book and encourage others to do so as well!
Great job, N.R. Williams!
Upon arriving in the new world she meets Prince Healden and his party, a unicorn gives her the ability to speak their language (French), and she discovers that her music has magical properties. Overwhelmed she wanders off to gather her thoughts and is attacked by symberveen (bear like creatures that have a vicious psychological attack). She is rescued and recovers to learn the legend that she is Lysandra come again fated to save the world from the person whose dark magic controls the symberveen with the help of her Prince Carmel.
This is a great story for young adults to read or for families to read together. The action is pretty steady to keep boredom at bay and it has a love story as well to appeal to a greater audience. This will be a story I share with my daughter for sure when she gets a little bit older
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Missie is a music student working through her final year at college. An incredible flutist she looks to have a shining future as a classical musician, until an unfortunate car crash involving a cloaked figure that sends her hurtling into a parallel universe. Confronted with men in 16th century garb approaching her car as if it's some kind of monster she's understandably bewildered, at first thinking she's stumbled into a movie set, unfortunately it isn't that simple. The men turn out to be royal guards and Missie is promptly caught up in a turn of events that threaten not only her own existence but the existence of the world she's landed in. Whether they rise or fall will depend on Missie, the strength of her heart and her flute.
An intriguing tale with language that you could just imagine in a 16th century novel the author weaves a journey that will leave you thinking about it long after you've finished. Very much like a tale of old there are the traditional roles of hero and heroine that will satisfy anyone seeking an excellent old fashioned style read of good against evil. Vivid descriptions allow the horrifying Symberveen to haunt your mind as you read. A proper love story this will appeal to anyone who loves a Romeo & Juliet style romance - without the unfortunate end *grin*
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.
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Missie is a music student working through her final year at college. An incredible flutist she looks to have a shining future as a classical musician, until an unfortunate car crash involving a cloaked figure that sends her hurtling into a parallel universe. Confronted with men in 16th century garb approaching her car as if it's some kind of monster she's understandably bewildered, at first thinking she's stumbled into a movie set, unfortunately it isn't that simple. The men turn out to be royal guards and Missie is promptly caught up in a turn of events that threaten not only her own existence but the existence of the world she's landed in. Whether they rise or fall will depend on Missie, the strength of her heart and her flute.
An intriguing tale with language that you could just imagine in a 16th century novel the author weaves a journey that will leave you thinking about it long after you've finished. Very much like a tale of old there are the traditional roles of hero and heroine that will satisfy anyone seeking an excellent old fashioned style read of good against evil. Vivid descriptions allow the horrifying Symberveen to haunt your mind as you read. A proper love story this will appeal to anyone who loves a Romeo & Juliet style romance - without the unfortunate end *grin*
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Posted at Reading at Dawn by Denise on 3/1/11
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.
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The Treasures of Carmelidrium is an amazing work of fiction by writer R. N. Williams. It expertly blends adventure, romance and magic with the wonders of music together to produce a truly breathtaking story. It is a gem of a book to rival even the most popular fantasy writers!
The characters are expertly portrayed and hurl you into their world with enthusiasm. The heroine Michelle, or Missie, is everything she should be and more, as well as the hero being instantly likeable and their story not at all nauseating! Music plays a large part of this story and is amazingly woven into the plot and expertly written so you can almost hear it yourself.
The story itself hurls you into a world of Princes, Princesses, Lords, Ladies, evildoers and war. The climax of the story is expertly reached; leaving you wishing the end would not come because then you would have to stop reading! Throughout, the Treasures of Carmelidrium had me laughing, crying and bouncing up and down in my seat anxiously awaiting whatever happened next. There are hardly any words that properly describe how I feel about this book...I was left speechless and anxiously await the next stage of the story!
N. R. Williams now joins my list of all time favourite authors with her book The Treasures of Carmelidrium taking pride of place. I highly recommend that if you haven't yet read The Treasures of Carmelidrium that you do so as soon as possible because you cannot begin to fathom what you are missing out on!!
A talented flutist is yanked from our world and thrown into a world that resembles Middle Ages France. Her music is the only thing that can save a Kingdom in desperate need. Along the way she finds the thing that is missing from her music...true happiness. Thus begins the amazing epic which will have you on the edge of your seat. A true page turner, I have not read its equal for a long time!
The characters are expertly portrayed and hurl you into their world with enthusiasm. The heroine Michelle, or Missie, is everything she should be and more, as well as the hero being instantly likeable and their story not at all nauseating! Music plays a large part of this story and is amazingly woven into the plot and expertly written so you can almost hear it yourself.
The story itself hurls you into a world of Princes, Princesses, Lords, Ladies, evildoers and war. The climax of the story is expertly reached; leaving you wishing the end would not come because then you would have to stop reading! Throughout, the Treasures of Carmelidrium had me laughing, crying and bouncing up and down in my seat anxiously awaiting whatever happened next. There are hardly any words that properly describe how I feel about this book...I was left speechless and anxiously await the next stage of the story!
N. R. Williams now joins my list of all time favourite authors with her book The Treasures of Carmelidrium taking pride of place. I highly recommend that if you haven't yet read The Treasures of Carmelidrium that you do so as soon as possible because you cannot begin to fathom what you are missing out on!!
A talented flutist is yanked from our world and thrown into a world that resembles Middle Ages France. Her music is the only thing that can save a Kingdom in desperate need. Along the way she finds the thing that is missing from her music...true happiness. Thus begins the amazing epic which will have you on the edge of your seat. A true page turner, I have not read its equal for a long time!
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I rarely read fantasy or romance--they’re not my favorite genres--but sometimes one or both comes along that keeps me turning pages. This is one of those books.
The author wrote the following about her story: “My heroine, Missie, is a modern American young woman, who finds herself in a French speaking medieval world. It’s a fantasy, so I get to play with this world and make it differ from our medieval history. In one scene, she is shouting out her frustration and says to the prince, ‘I am less than three months from graduation, but I won’t graduate. I have worked all my life, all my life, Healden, for the opportunities given to me by a music degree. But instead, I’m trapped in the twelfth century.’”
Happily, this is so, or I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the sometimes humorous and difficult journey of Michelle, known also as Missie, a human who falls in love with the medieval Prince Healden. She's a young woman who plays the flute and has the gift to heal with her music. With this gift, will she be able to save Prince Healden's kingdom from the evil King Renwyk? And if she does, will she stay in this medieval world with Healden, or will she go back to her family in the twenty-first century?
I love a book that’s filled with credible dialogue. The dialogue here is superb. The descriptive scenes are also excellent and the story suspenseful; and even though I expected the obstacles, they always had a surprising twist.
This is a book I would recommend and/or buy for my grandchildren, or for anyone who loves a good fantasy.
Postscript: There were formatting problems (and comma problems) especially in the beginning of the e-version I read. The text could benefit from a closer editing.
The author wrote the following about her story: “My heroine, Missie, is a modern American young woman, who finds herself in a French speaking medieval world. It’s a fantasy, so I get to play with this world and make it differ from our medieval history. In one scene, she is shouting out her frustration and says to the prince, ‘I am less than three months from graduation, but I won’t graduate. I have worked all my life, all my life, Healden, for the opportunities given to me by a music degree. But instead, I’m trapped in the twelfth century.’”
Happily, this is so, or I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the sometimes humorous and difficult journey of Michelle, known also as Missie, a human who falls in love with the medieval Prince Healden. She's a young woman who plays the flute and has the gift to heal with her music. With this gift, will she be able to save Prince Healden's kingdom from the evil King Renwyk? And if she does, will she stay in this medieval world with Healden, or will she go back to her family in the twenty-first century?
I love a book that’s filled with credible dialogue. The dialogue here is superb. The descriptive scenes are also excellent and the story suspenseful; and even though I expected the obstacles, they always had a surprising twist.
This is a book I would recommend and/or buy for my grandchildren, or for anyone who loves a good fantasy.
Postscript: There were formatting problems (and comma problems) especially in the beginning of the e-version I read. The text could benefit from a closer editing.
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Rebecca Whitmore says: Taken from a kindle forum on Amazon.
N. R. Williams
I have started your book The Treasures of Carmelidrium and am LOVING it! The story is amazing, can't believe I hadn't heard of it before you suggested it! As a musician I find it refreshing to have a book where music plays such an amazing role, as I always turn to others music, as well as my own, when things aren't going my way.
Anyone who hasn't yet read your book is missing out! Thank you so much for suggesting it! I can't wait to find out what happens, but you have captivated me from the first page!
I congratulate you on an amazing piece of literature, I only wish there were more books like yours out there!
I have started your book The Treasures of Carmelidrium and am LOVING it! The story is amazing, can't believe I hadn't heard of it before you suggested it! As a musician I find it refreshing to have a book where music plays such an amazing role, as I always turn to others music, as well as my own, when things aren't going my way.
Anyone who hasn't yet read your book is missing out! Thank you so much for suggesting it! I can't wait to find out what happens, but you have captivated me from the first page!
I congratulate you on an amazing piece of literature, I only wish there were more books like yours out there!
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N.R. Williams' The Treasures of Carmelidrium yanks the reader into the fantastical, Medieval-like world of Gil-lael. Michelle "Missie" Kersten is a flutist a few classes away from graduating when she crashes into another world. Valiant Prince Healden comes across of her. 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, and for love and peace for Gil-lael and themselves. With giant eagles, elves, and a vast history within this world, the novel is almost Tolkien-esque in places. Then, there are the unicorns and Ms. Williams' mythical creation of the symberveen, a bear-like monster that fills its victims with psychological horrors. To me, the symberveen are an excellent addition to legendary beasts. Friendship, betrayal, love, and hate play major parts in The Treasures of Carmelidrium. Music, magic, and war entwine, and in the end, new beginnings blossom. I look forward to the sequel.
4 Stars: The Treasures of Carmeldrium Fantasy,
This review is from: The Treasures of Carmelidrium (Kindle Edition)
As fantasy epics go I'm a big fan of J. R.R.Tolkien's "The Silmarillion" - "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit". So, it was with great interest that I selected Nancy's book as one of seven to grace my new Kindle! As far as I could see Nancy was up against it, big time. That said, Nancy's MC Michelle leads off and seems a nice enough girl with a promising musical talent for playing the flute. She's obviously a tad wary of Professor Cloche (music tutor) who displays strange interest in her, which appears a little unhealthy. But, like a lot of good novel beginnings nothing is quite as it seems.
The pace picks up a little when Michelle sets off in her Jeep to drive home. Without spoiling the plot, something occurs that keeps a reader on the edge of their seat, and somehow Michelle (Missie) drives through a portal into another dimension. Although Michelle's nature is easy-going, she soon displays a more feisty spirit when the shock of her predicament wears off and reality kicks in.
I figured the moment Missie set eyes upon Healden, he had to be the hero within the mediaeval nether world she's unwittingly entered into. In my mind it was a case of, will Healden stand up to similar heroes such as Aragorn, Boromir and Legolos from "The Lord of the Rings"? Believe me, Healden is every bit the courageous warrior prince in "The Treasures of Carmelidrium" as the aforementioned in "Lord of the Rings". Needless to say Healden soon charms a reluctant Missie into his arms.
But of course, evil forces are at work. Renwyck, a dark lord whom holds power of psychic control over some nasty beasties, has it in mind to become King of this nether world. With his lust for supreme power comes overwhelming desire for the new woman in Healden's life (Missie), for she holds the key to Renwyck's possible downfall. Needless to say, kidnap and terrible doings not only lead to war Missie succumbs to Renwyck's deceptive practices. Again, nothing is quite what it seems, and the author keeps the suspense ticking along as mysterious magic reveals future paths for Missie. Which one will she choose?
Throughout the novel, despite everything that happens, Missie's desire is to secure a way back to her own world and return home. Or is it that her only desire? Strange as it may seem, there has to be a way back to her world because someone else left the nether world and has returned to once again be her mentor! It's a lovely story with intimate moments between hero and heroine and, action packed kidnap and battle scenes. It's basically a darn good read.
I don't usually read fantasy, but author N.R. Williams has created a world, Gil-lael, a whimsical world filled with gripping mystical creatures, noblemen, castles and courtiers. This fantastical world and Williams' writing style, drew me in.
A modern-day college musician is thrown into a fantasy world, the mists of Gil-lael. This is the damsel in distress, the MC Missie, whose quest is to return home to her family. This novel has been described by some as a Romeo + Juliet type story and this is true to a point, as two people from different worlds meet and fall in love. There are elements of the classic fantasy tale weaving throughout.
The Treasures of Carmelidrium is an exciting action read, one of adventure, not to mention twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader rivited.
I am sure you will enjoy The Treasures of Carmelidrium as I did.
To sum up, The Treasures of Carmelidrium is an exciting page turner.
I recommend it!
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Author N.R. Williams has truly captured an era gone by in her new novel. Gil-lael is whimsical land filled with castles, noblemen, ladies of the court, and of course, wonderful mystic creatures.
Now picture a twenty-first century college musician thrown into the mist of this world.
Not only are we treated with a damsel in distress love story, we are also privy to the thoughts of Missie as she deals with many emotional and physical barriers keeping her from returning home to her beloved family.
For those of you who like beautiful description and an a good vs evil plot you will enjoy The Treasures of Carmelidrium. Williams puts a nice spin on a classic fantasy tale.
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Now picture a twenty-first century college musician thrown into the mist of this world.
Not only are we treated with a damsel in distress love story, we are also privy to the thoughts of Missie as she deals with many emotional and physical barriers keeping her from returning home to her beloved family.
For those of you who like beautiful description and an a good vs evil plot you will enjoy The Treasures of Carmelidrium. Williams puts a nice spin on a classic fantasy tale.
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I found Williams book to hold a very special magical value. She has created a new world based off our own, which the reader can connect to, and added in a few humorous similes and metaphors to make the reader smile. I found myself laughing when the leading female character, Michelle, was transported to a magical world. her car crashed into a tree and the author gave a rather fun description of the car from the leading males, Healden, perspective, "Dirt flew up and concealed its paws, the yellow eyes never blinked even when clumps of earth hit them." (Chapter 2)
As I read further into the book I found myself willed to keep reading by Michelle's misadventures, the villains attempts at seduction, and the dialogue that helped portray each character as individuals.
Williams did a wonderful job at creating a book that gives us woman vs herself, woman vs man, man vs man, and added in some wonderful displays of magic that creatively followed the leading characters through out the book.
The author has great follow through in her plot and her characters are well rounded with quirks, some witty dialogue, and romance intertwined. I think my favorite part of this book is that Williams captured a leading female character that I could easily connect to who portrayed bravery, love, and confusion making her well round and jump off the pages.
The author also had multiple points of view, while I am not particularly fond of more then two separate points of view, I do think Williams pulls it off well.
The first few chapters are slow going, but after that the tension builds up and the pages need to be flipped.
As I read further into the book I found myself willed to keep reading by Michelle's misadventures, the villains attempts at seduction, and the dialogue that helped portray each character as individuals.
Williams did a wonderful job at creating a book that gives us woman vs herself, woman vs man, man vs man, and added in some wonderful displays of magic that creatively followed the leading characters through out the book.
The author has great follow through in her plot and her characters are well rounded with quirks, some witty dialogue, and romance intertwined. I think my favorite part of this book is that Williams captured a leading female character that I could easily connect to who portrayed bravery, love, and confusion making her well round and jump off the pages.
The author also had multiple points of view, while I am not particularly fond of more then two separate points of view, I do think Williams pulls it off well.
The first few chapters are slow going, but after that the tension builds up and the pages need to be flipped.
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This is Missie’s story -- a woman with the gift to play the flute who, when she gets transported into a medieval land, learns her music has the potential to save the world.
This story is full of action and rich in detail, but I especially liked the love story woven through the pages. This might be why I found the multiple points of view of the many characters a little distracting. I wanted to get back to my favourite characters. I would have liked to have seen a more complex villain as well.
Though the manuscript needs a final spit-n-polish, it’s an easy read which appeals to me. Overall I enjoyed the story. I’d suggest this book would most appeal to young female readers who have that romantic spot in their hearts.
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Heidi M.'s review
Jan 10, 11
status: Read in December, 2010
Whether you are a fantasy fan or not, The Treasures of Carmelidrium is a fast-paced adventure, with lots of action, twists and turns.
It's also a love story--almost a Romeo and Juliet theme--when two people from utterly different worlds fall in love.
A first novel for Williams,it is well-written and an exciting read that will keep you turning pages.
I recommend it!
It's also a love story--almost a Romeo and Juliet theme--when two people from utterly different worlds fall in love.
A first novel for Williams,it is well-written and an exciting read that will keep you turning pages.
I recommend it!
