Warm Turkish nights, how could you resist! - Rated 
Having read all of Juliet Marillier's books I was extremely excited when Cybele's Secret was released, for it had seemed like years since Juliet Marillier's last book was published. While Wildwood Dancing (Cybele's Secrets predecessor) was enjoyable, Cybele's secret eclipses it. In this book, set six years after the previous books events we are once again introduced once again to scholarly Paula. She and her merchant father are on a quest in Istanbul for the ancient religious artefact known as Cybele's gift rumoured to grant its beholder luck and untold knowledge. Unlike some other reviews of this book I would argue that Cybele's Secret is in no way a love triangle, at least not in the traditional sense (which is good, if like me you find those books slightly annoying.) Juliet Marillier makes it clear from the beginning, both in her writing style and events in the plot, who Paula will come to love, the other male character (not wanting to ruin it) is merely a plot device for the ending of the book (not that his character isn't interesting, eye candy is always fun.) Unlike Marillier's other books Cybele's Secret is the first to be set in such an exotic location, Istanbul is brought alive and the aspects of its Muslim culture, which today are often so villainised, are shown the respect they deserve while still regaining their uniqueness. As with all of Marilier's books it is the small detail and minor characters which add reality to the story, from the ever watchful eunuch, to Stoyans intimidating mother, this is a plot moved by the characters character. This book explores the importance of wisdom in contrast to intellect, and as in all of Juliet Mariliers books has a strong heroine, a dusting of ancient magic and a romance which compliments the plot instead of drowning it (unlike all those bodice rippers on the market.) Truly it is a rare gem among Juliet Mariliers crown
An interesting sequel - Rated 
I was keen to receive my copy of the second in this trilogy - but I honestly can't say I enjoyed it as much as it's predecessor, Wildwood Dancing. But then WWD is a hard act to follow! Anything as-magical as a tale set in an "eldritch" wildwood, and castle, with characters from the Nature Kingdom abounding, and a romantic thread constant throughout, is a difficult tale to write!
I must admit I lost a bit of interest in the middle of the story, but then reconnected again, as Paula and her friends worked their way through the clues which led them to completing their task, each learning something important about themselves (and life) at the same time. I also liked the touch near the end, where we realise that the female "baddie" had been in love with her henchman (a eunuch) just before she was trapped inside a mountain with his lifeless body! ....or was she? ...maybe book three will tell!
Extending the story into the 3rd book seems simple - for Stela, youngest sister of the original five, will soon be just about the right age to find her way back to the Wildwood, taking maybe a few of her nephews/nieces (at present toddlers) with her? I must admit I'd love to get back to the world of the Fairy-folk and re-acquaint myself with all of them - so here's hoping J.M. thinks so, too! It'll probably be a wait of 18 months to 2 years, though - but I've got two fascinating books to read through again, to keep the story fresh in my imagination.
Ignore any suggested "age-range" for this series - and treat yourself to a bit of magic!
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