Cybele's Secret

By: Juliet Marillier

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

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. . . .

©2008 Juliet Marillier (P)2008 Listening Library

Critic reviews

Starred Review, Booklist, July 1, 2008: “Teens who didn’t know Marillier when they started this sandalwood-scented adventure will rapidly place her alongside the likes of romantic-fantasy idols Shannon Hale and Sharon Shinn.”

Excellent story by Juliet Marillier once again.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It's a good story, good listen.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cybele's Secret?

When the two main characters finally shared their true feelings with each other and Paula ran into his arms.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes. Although the book seemed rather slow paced at times.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the two main characters finally shared their true feelings with each other and Paula ran into his arms.

Any additional comments?

The narration wasn't quite what I expected at first, took a little to get used to it. She should have focused more on the accents like the first book. Otherwise very good.

Gripping fairytale

Absolutely gripping, emotionally vibrant and rich. This will definitely be one I repeat in the future, like a beloved movie!

Stepping outside the usual setting, we'll be ok!

Another JM series book that stands on it's own as a complete individual novel. The detailed historical fiction combined with fairytale fantasy sweeps you away to the streets and paths of the town and forests in this novel. One of my favorites so far. The characters are so well rounded and often surprise the listener/reader with the paths they choose. The thrilling plot set off right from the beginning as a 'who done it's type of mystery; introducing complex characters along the way. We end up falling in love with them all, while keeping a tentative nature. It is as if we are the one's coming of age, as if we are learning the lessons. That's why we emerge ourselves so deeply into the otherworldly aspects of a JM book, the escape from a harsh reality for out beloved characters is always perfectly timed by JM. Most of the plot of this book was fairly obvious, to me. However, we don't watch a movie and tell the girl to go unto the room where they hear the scary noise. the foreshadowing is intentional. Because we all come into age differently, and qt different times and ways. I love the world of JM.
I, truly, never want to stop dancing.

Narrator - great, story - meh

It's probably just me, but this story lost me halfway through. Like, it just fell off a cliff of interest. I ff through much of it, and although just finished it, I don't really remember the end.

Sweet and enchanting!

Any additional comments?

The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because there were a few parts that were a bit long and boring. Aside from that, this was such a lovely story of mystery, bravery, honor, and love. I found myself genuinely caring about the characters and wanting everything to work out for them. The setting was interesting and fun and made me want to be there. Juliet Marillier paints a beautiful world with words. Great, clean-cut story for kids and adults alike.

Narration was a pleasure to listen to and she did well with all the characters voices.

A great read

Great fun reading late into the Night.
I really love Juliets stories and the awesome settings surrounding them.

My favorite Author

Great narrative, Both characters and story kept my interest, loved first book as well!!
Wildwood Dancing.

loved it

I really enjoyed this story, and loved hearing about what happened to the family after wildwood dancing, and I loved that the story wasn't really about that. it was exciting and interesting.

Paola's story ❤️

what a rich story. beautifully told . you will love it. Juliet Marillier is a master at writing tales with so much texture.

I liked it

Not the same as her usual books but I really liked this one. It felt more modern/metropolitan because it’s setting is mostly in Istanbul. Still the air of magic that Marillier’s books always have, but the Greek goddess version, as opposed to the Fae/forest style magic. The narrator was fantastic. The story was fantastic, heart wrenching, romantic ♥️