FOR PAULA, ACCOMPANYING her merchant father on a trading voyage to Istanbul is a dream come true. They have come to this city of trade on a special mission to purchase a most rare artifact—a gift from the ancient goddess, Cybele, to her followers. It’s the only remnant of a lost, pagan cult. But no sooner have they arrived when it becomes clear they may be playing at a dangerous game. A colleague and friend of Paula’s father is found murdered. There are rumors of Cybele’s cult reviving within the very walls of Istanbul. And most telling of all, signs have begun to appear to Paula, urging her to unlock Cybele’s secret. Meanwhile, Paula doesn’t know who she can trust in Istanbul, and finds herself drawn to two very different men. As time begins to run out, Paula realizes they may all be tied up in the destiny of Cybele’s Gift, and she must solve the puzzle before unknown but deadly enemies catch up to her. . . .
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"While this one was not as great as Wildwood Dancing, it was good. It was VERY predictable though especially the wrap up in the end. If you know "textbook" romance stories then you'll probably see it coming. This takes off 6 years after Wildwood and is the story of the middle sister. There is one sister left whose future we don't know so maybe there is another book. It was sort of Harry Potter-esque in the magic around and the quests and tests that they were put to-think going after the Horcruxes. It created pictures in my head just as Wildwood did and I love that about books!"
— Jenni (4 out of 5 stars)
" why do i still read marillier! why! why! why!!!1 "
— meeners, 2/14/2014" Although I did read "Wildwood Dancing" first and enjoy it, I much preferred the second Wildwood novel. There is more action and danger and suspense and a far more interesting young woman to follow, to be honest. The story feels more possible because it feels more grounded in "real" history than Jena's story. Paula was such a different heroine compared to her sister. It was an absolute pleasure to read and as always, I recommend Ms. Marillier to ANYONE! "
— Dava, 2/14/2014" This book is the sequel to Wildwood Dancing, which I Loved! This book had a really fast start and was just as interesting! I made the mistake of starting it right before vacation and it made getting ready for vacation quite difficult! This story takes place 6 years after Wildwood Dancing and is told from Paula's perspective. Paula goes with her father to Istanbul to purchase an ancient artifact. While there is embarks on a quest to help her sister Tati in the other kingdom. I was hooked from the beginning. It looks like there may be a third book - I can't wait! "
— Anita, 2/12/2014" I really, really enjoyed this! It's a historical fantasy with "otherworld" type overtones, set in Isltanbul. The setting felt well realised and real and wonderful. You could almost *feel* the architecture. Not to mention there's smart older ladies (and blatant and implied feminist ideals-- I love them so!) and charming pirates and stoic bodyguards and quests!!! The main character is a lady scholar and fierce and I loved her. "
— Dolly, 2/9/2014" I SO love all of her books. And apparently the young adult ones too. Full of adventure, mystery and love. I read this out of order, there's one before this but like the rest of her series it wasn't a problem. I can't wait to read the one before this. "
— Melissa, 1/26/2014" A wonderful companion book (not exactly a sequel) to Wildwood Dancing, and another rich and well researched culture and setting. "
— Taylor, 1/22/2014" Loved it, just like all the Marillier books! "
— Laurina, 1/19/2014" Didn't like it as much as Wildwood #1, but it was still was entertaining. "
— Lynn, 12/12/2013" i LOVED this book. the adventure, the history of istanbul, the beautiful prose about love. "
— Brianon, 12/10/2013" from what i can remember, this was a pretty good book. it proceeds wildwood dancing, which you need to read first if you are going to try this one. they're both good =) "
— Rebekah, 12/9/2013" Fun, adventureous, love story. Great companion novel to Wildwood Dancing. I loved both these books and would love it if she wrote another adventure for the youngest sister Stela. "
— Reanna, 11/22/2013" It was a lovely one and worth the read. Set in a Istanbul a magical place. The author has done so much research into that part of history, you could actually imagine yourself amongst the dwellers of Istanbul. "
— Maitha, 11/22/2013" I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as well as the first book that goes with it (Wildwood Dancing). It's super clean and I enjoyed the plot. "
— Kristy, 2/19/2013" Very long for what it is, and the heroine never ceases to make irritatingly stupid choices. I liked it overall, it was a fun read, if a touch drawn out. "
— Sheri, 1/7/2013" 3 & 1/2 stars for this adventurous sequel to Wildwood Dancing. It is a good, solid read, just not as memorable and heart-gripping as the first book. "
— Mayakda, 8/24/2012" THERE BETTER BE AN EFFING THIRD ONE! "
— Ellie, 5/26/2012" Wonderful follow-up to Wildwood Dancing. I love Marillier's imagination. "
— Charlotte, 1/11/2012" This book was amazing!! I loved the love triangle! I was a very captivating read and way better than her first book...yeah! "
— Ashley, 1/4/2012" This was my second attempt at reading Cybele's Secret; the topic refuses to grab my attention. "
— Lynnwords, 5/21/2011" I really liked this book - a lot. I'm planning to buy it once it goes paperback!!! "
— Leah, 5/10/2011" The story of a bookish girl on a merchant voyage to purchase a religious artifact. Along the way, she finds adventure, treachery and love. The first of the book was a tad slow, but the second half kept me reading to find out what happened. "
— Tasse, 5/3/2011" I loved this book it was full of adventure and love, and magic this book does not have as much magic as the first book but its still really good ^_^ "
— Rachel, 4/24/2011" I absolutely loved the first book in this series so was excited to read this one. Unfortunately it left me disappointed. The first half of the book was EXTREMELY slow but after that it got much better (thank goodness!) "
— Tracie, 4/18/2011" I love these stories. The adventure, the characters growth, and the love that they learn with a mixture of the fairfolk. "
— Summer, 3/25/2011" Great book. Easy read and very entertaining.<br/> "
— Mayde, 1/20/2011Juliet Marillier is the author of several highly popular fantasy novels for adults. She is also the author of the teen novel Wildwood Dancing. She lives in Australia.
Justine Eyre is a classically trained actress who has narrated many audiobooks, earning the prestigious Audie Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She is multilingual and known for her great facility with accents. She has appeared on stage, with leading roles in King Lear and The Crucible, and has had starring roles in four films on the indie circuit. Her television credits include Two and a Half Men and Mad Men.