Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier

Paula has always loved books and learning, so when she is given the opportunity to travel with her father to Istanbul as his assistant, she jumps at the opportunity. In addition to conducting his normal business affairs, her father will also be participating in an extremely secretive bid for a one of a kind artifact, Cybele’s Secret. Due to the dangers associated with this bid, Paula and her father hire Stoyan to serve as Paula’s personal bodyguard. Little does Paula know that the Other World has created a quest for Paula involving Cybele’s Secret, Stoyan, the pirate Duarte, and her older sister Tati.

Marillier follows Wildwood Dancing with another beautifully crafted story that is sure to please fans of the first. Engaging characters, intriguing plot, and descriptive settings combine elements of fantasy, romance and adventure in a way that offers a little something for everyone. While the beginning moves slowly, once you are engaged in the story it is difficult to put down.