Title: The Medallion of Solaus
Author: Kimberly Adkins
Published in September 2007 by Black Lyon Publishing
Genre: Paranormal
ISBN: 978-0-9793252-3-6
Without approval from family or royal advisors, a Persian Prince falls in love and weds a lowly temple slave.
However, someone hinders the Prince’s life long happiness by poisoning his wife. She does not die immediately, instead lingers in pain. Desperate for a cure the Prince bargains with a stranger, promising to retrieve a priceless family medallion in exchange for healing his wife. Betrayal has no boundaries as the mysterious man attacks the Prince upon returning. Slain by a guardsman the stranger’s dying confession tells of the medallion’s secret that will spare the Prince’s wife. The revelation costs the Prince greatly. Now an immortal Djinn he vows to his dead wife, “you are mine – forever”, where he waits an eternity meet her again.
An award winning photojournalist, Kaitlin comes to Egypt to recapture life after her husband’s untimely death. Her publisher’s description that this trip “involves a mysterious artifact, an unaccountable stranger and rumors of a lost treasure” renders an intriguing assignment. Though a dear friend personally requesting her made the decision that much easier. A freelance artist Kaitlin worked with before, Nigel sends an artifact that initiated this journey. He wants to locate and confiscate the rest of the artifacts recovered from a shipwreck off the coast of Alexandria. Still, the medallion will gain her admittance into the underground world of treasure hunters; wrought with thieves, smugglers, and other unsavory characters. Her assignment is to photograph the stored collection seized by this one man, while disclosing his location to Nigel. On a nameless island off the coast of Alexandria, Kaitlin finds more then artifacts. She finds a man who awakens an infinite love that is centuries old.
The sole shipwreck survivor remembers nothing of life prior to his rescue; though quiet aware of today’s world events. Unable to recall his name, the rescuer bestows him with, Solaus, which means “alone”. The treasure hunters quickly ascertain his usefulness as he easily validates each item’s value and authenticity. However, his vast knowledge threatens the crew’s exclusive stake on the find, as greed rules these self-serving opportunists. Chained in the ship’s hull, Solaus suffers cruel abuses until one compassionate fortune hunter frees him. Between the two, they relocate the ancient relics to an island where they cataloged and organized them. With his personally selected associates, Solaus closely guards his cache. He invites few people to the island or the castle. His meticulously investigation into the photojournalist’s background reassures his secret and the safety of the treasure. Once she arrives, her beauty and the overwhelming attraction he feels stuns him.
An exotic, sultry story, The Medallion of Solaus captivates and thrills. Suspenseful intrigue flaunts the well designed, though mystery laden plot, just encouraging one to keep reading. Abducted while docked at a harbor before finishing their journey to the island, Kaitlin encounters Lucien. He wishes to acquire the medallion and its secrets, except she is not aware of the ornament’s ability. If not for the cunning, resourcefulness of her boat captain, Mark’het, she would still be in that vile man’s clutches. Safely on the island, Kaitlin puts the event behind her. Nevertheless, Solaus knows all too well what men will do to possess the medallion that bestows a powerful magic to its wearer.
Ms. Adkins tantalizes with in-depth, charismatic characters as the sensuality rules this story. Lying just under the surface, it slowly simmers until their initial meet. First evening on the island, Kaitlin dines with her benefactor, where the electrically charged air hisses and pops with their lust. She sees hunger in Solaus’ eyes and hears the sultry purr of need in his voice. Even he cannot deny Kaitlin’s alluring pull, though thinks he is doing well in containing his ardor. He confuses Kaitlin when his emotions run hot then cold, leaving her uncertain. Solaus seems to have those feelings firmly in hand when a raging storm knocks the lights out, setting the stage for a gratifying clandestine union.
A character that makes The Medallion of Solaus even more enticing is Hestor, a Coptic translator and devoted collector of the ancient objects. Kaitlin’s long time friend, he continuously warns her about Nigel’s ulterior motives; that all things only benefit Nigel – no one else. Hestor’s easy, lively banter lightens the ominous moments in this story. A threat is just one island away and with Kaitlin on the island distracts Solaus from seeing the enemy. Lucien’s one encounter with her leaves him wanton, but he has no idea which island Kaitlin is staying. Joining forces with their mutual friend, Nigel, his obsessive pursuit for her continues, which includes the medallion of course. Sadly, these two men’s joint efforts may destroy a love that has endured centuries.
Ms. Adkins writes a delightful story filled with thrilling adventures and mesmerizing characters. Due for release September 2007 through Black Lyon Publishing, The Medallion of Solaus is Ms. Adkins first novel. However, she does have two works in progress, Blood Evolution and The Fountain. Maybe these too will debut this year; I can only hope.
A Dedicated Reader,
Pamela Jenwein
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