I finished two books this week, both from author Annie Sullivan.
First, I re-read A Touch of Gold, Annie’s first book. In ATOG we meet King Midas’s daughter, Princess Kora. When she was seven, Midas accidentally turned her to gold. He was able to cure her but because he didn’t follow all of Dionysus’s instructions, Kora retained her golden hue. She also has the ability to sense the items her father turned to gold while under the curse, and she can also absorb gold from golden objects and turn other objects to gold. Because of this ability, Midas’s brother, Pheus, orders all gold removed from the palace. Kora is kept in the palace, her golden skin hidden beneath gowns, veils, and gloves. Now, at age 17, she has suitors seeking her hand. All of them are scared away when her golden skin is revealed, fearing that her curse will spread to them. When her latest suitor, Aris, is not repelled, Kora begins to feel hope. Then her father’s cursed gold is stolen. Aris agrees to help her seek it out, using her ability to sense it. Kora has always wanted to sail away from Lagonia and explore other places, but not like this. The sailors are afraid of having a woman aboard, and then more afraid when they realize she’s cursed. The ship’s captain seems hostile, though he stops his men when they try to attack Kora. But people are not always what they seem, and Kora’s abilities may not be the curse she’s always thought they were. I greatly enjoyed this story both times I’ve read it. Kora is stronger than she thinks she is and it was wonderful to see her grow.
The second book I read this week was the sequel, A Curse of Gold. Princess Kora is struggling to be the future leader Lagonia needs, despite being a victim of her father’s curse. Her love, Royce, is returning to the Armada and is about to sail away for 3 months. Her cousin and best friend, Hettie, is keeping to herself as she deals with the court’s suspicions of her after her father’s treachery. But before Kora can find herself left alone, satyrs attack Lagonia, sent by Dionysus. The attack sets Kora off on another journey, first to find the Oracle who predicted her father’s crowning and then to find the magical island of Jipper, where Dionysus lives. Along the way she’ll meet Triton and his father, Poseidon; battle Gorgons; ride pegasi; and face other cursed beings as she fights to reach Dionysus in the hopes she can trick the trickster and save not only Lagonia, but the entire world, from the god’s evil plans. It’s a thrill ride as Kora and her friends go from one challenge to the next on their quest. Kora grew a great deal in the first novel, and that growth continues in this one as she works to learn what leadership means, and comes to realize that she must find her own way to be a leader.
What books have you been reading recently? Leave me a comment and let me know!
The Balancing Act 