Arien

Ikara is a healer that will do anything for her god, Asiel, and home, Arien, but nothing for a Mandrake. Mandrakes are immortals: who in her opinion have lost all sense of humanity. Ikara immediately finds herself in a difficult place. She must try to save a dying Emperor’s wife, only to steal her away if she succeeds. This is just the beginning of a difficult journey for Ikara. First her sister disappears, leaving Ikara desperately trying to find her. Then there is the ambitious new Emperor starving for the power to take over Arien with the aid of a Mandrake, Anum, who also happens to be Ikara’s father. To top that off, Sekai, a Mandrake, offers Ikara assistance in locating her sister and stopping the new Emperor. She does not trust a Mandrake, but she needs help. Can she trust Sekai? Will Ikara come to see a Mandrake as something other than an immortal with a black heart? Why does Sekai offers his assistance to Ikara? What could he possibly want in return?

Arien presents readers with an involved plot, but the twists and turns along the way will surely delight the readers. The idea behind Arien is intriguing and imaginative. The paranormal aspects of immortals, gods, healers, as well as the unknown elements provide readers with a world full of delightful characters and nameless desires. Sarah Dickson has created a story that will engross its readers into a suspenseful world of characters with hidden agendas. The slow steady growing feelings for one another consume Sekai and Ikara, offering readers some tender moments that are heartfelt and inspiring. Ikara and Sekai find themselves in the midst of a battle for immortality and power while also having to deal with the war raging within their own hearts for another. Arien has been aptly written to keep the readers guessing until the very end and will leave them in awe with its conclusion. This is a delightful story for any reader that either likes to spend an evening in a fantasy world or one riddled with suspense. This touching romance gives readers the opportunity to experience many different emotions and elements. Sarah Dickson has earned 4 Angels for all her hard work!

Reviewed by: Jessica