The Island

The First in The Cave Sun Series (The War of The Cave Sun, Book 2)

By: Maria Ian

Narrated by: Maria Ian

Attorney Craig Malcault has survived an assassination plot over his possession of top-secret intelligence. He thought he had rebuilt his life at his new law firm in New York City, with a tycoon's taboo divorce case to pay the bills. But when the provocative, hypnotic lady client refuses to desert her cruel, blood-thirsty husband, Craig knows his enemies are a step ahead in the game.

Business has been lucrative in the code-named territory in Latin America that Craig saved from annihilation a decade ago. A tinder box of mercenaries, a clandestine army, and international spy rings, the territory holds the key to armed combat in global conflict hotspots. It is worth its name, Ara Pacis, Altar of Peace, in gold. No wonder Craig's client hunts for answers with a secret agent whose audacity pits him against the military trades of governments. Craig knows the man to be too high risk for anyone's good.

Then Craig's closest colleague is murdered in a mutiny instigated to protect the classified leadership of Ara Pacis. That leadership's concealed army can be assembled anywhere, at any time. Especially now. Craig returns to Ara Pacis to investigate if the recent killings that have alerted the Department of Defense are a battle for valor and freedom or revenge executions for hire. But he must start there where politics end. His client's naked devotion to the fearless leader of Ara Pacis and her ruthless husband's know-it-all lies about that army’s wars spell hostilities on a plane higher than the law can punish.

©2022 Dr. Maria Ian (P)2024 Dr. Maria Ian

Gripping, Thrilling, and Utterly Unpredictable!

The Island, the first installment in The Cave Sun Series, kept me glued from start to finish! Craig Malcault is an unforgettable protagonist—a fierce attorney tangled in espionage, danger, and double-crossing at every turn. The plot takes you on an intense journey through covert operations, high-stakes alliances, and an elaborate web of international intrigue that makes you feel like you’re right there alongside Craig.

The narration pulls you in, bringing each plot twist and tense moment vividly to life. The characters are rich and complex, particularly Craig’s enigmatic client, whose hidden motives keep you guessing. Every encounter raises the stakes, pushing Craig deeper into a world where alliances are fleeting, and survival is everything.

If you love a story that dives into the underbelly of political schemes and international power plays, The Island will not disappoint. This audiobook is a must-listen for fans of suspenseful, action-packed thrillers. I can’t wait to continue the series and see where Craig’s journey takes him next!

Highly recommend this

Another intriguing world of The War of The Cave Sun with gripping adventure and captivating mystery. As the second book in the series, it explores new lands and deeper conflicts, with rich character development and exciting plot twists.

The narrative takes readers on a journey to a mysterious island filled with hidden dangers and ancient secrets, keeping them on the edge of their seats.

This book builds on the foundations of the first, making it an essential read for fans of epic fantasy, while continuing to expand the Cave Sun universe in thrilling ways.

Highly recommend!

Highly entertaining

A very human spy thriller with unexpected twists, unique locations, insightful cultural nuances, and mercurial characters. A must have for who likes humor in politics without detracting from the serious stuff.

Intriguing characters, scenarios and settings; it has it all.

In essence it's a political thriller featuring unconventional characters in exotic tropical locales thrown into harrowing situations. This is accomplished in no small part by drawing the reader into each circumstance with meticulous depictions of the noble Craig and his surroundings. I found it remarkable that a straight woman could know such details surrounding the psyche of gay men so I was instantly invested in finding out more. The story takes its time revealing itself but when it does there is an overall sense that it is building toward danger. Overall a good read that is expertly crafted particularly in describing sets and circumstances. Give it a look see.

Gripping and Full of Twists

I was hooked right from the start with this book. It’s one of those stories that keeps you guessing at every turn. The plot dives into a complex world, and I couldn’t wait to see how the characters would handle the challenges. I loved the mix of suspense and intrigue—it’s not your typical read. If you’re into stories with unexpected developments and layered plots, this one is worth picking up! It had me thinking long after I finished it.

A gritty, gripping ride that you'll remember

Craig Malcault’s story grabs me from the start because it’s so far from your average legal drama. I mean, the guy barely survives an assassination attempt tied to top-secret intelligence, tries to rebuild his life in New York, and still gets dragged into a mess that's way bigger than him. When his new client—a woman with a magnetic, dangerous vibe—refuses to leave her abusive husband, it’s like a huge red flag. I immediately thought, “Craig, man, you’re walking into a trap.” And sure enough, his enemies are always a step ahead, which just makes everything more intense.

What really hooked me is this whole backstory about Ara Pacis, a volatile territory Craig had saved a decade ago. Now, it’s this tinderbox of mercenaries, spies, and underground armies. Honestly, the stakes feel almost surreal. Craig’s not just fighting for survival anymore—he’s stepping into a global game of power, greed, and revenge. When his colleague is murdered, it’s clear things are spiraling out of control, and Craig’s headed right back into the fire to figure out whether these killings are about valor, vengeance, or something even darker. The vibe I got reading this is a constant sense of dread, like no matter what Craig does, he's in too deep. The danger feels real because the characters—especially his client and her psychotic husband—are the kind of people who live in a moral gray area where manipulation is an art. By the time Craig heads back to Ara Pacis, I couldn’t help but feel like he’s facing a no-win situation. Everything about this story pulls you in with its messy, complicated web of lies and power plays, and it keeps you wondering how on earth Craig is going to make it out alive.

I’ll admit there are times the complexity made my head spin a little, but honestly, that’s truly part of why I loved it. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and really makes you think, “Would I have the guts to face what Craig is dealing with?” I doubt it - but that's why I'm a humble reader, rather than a story protagonist.

Captivating Island Adventure

The Island drew me into its world of mystery and suspense, blending captivating storytelling with vivid imagery. Maria Ian’s writing is imaginative and full of surprises, while her narration adds a personal touch that brings every scene to life.

Wild ride!

I love thrillers and anything with spy stuff. This book is so much fun and very hard to turn off. I am thankful I got this on audiobook so I can listen in the car during my long drives to and from work. The main character is easy to connect with, and I am looking forward to the next book!

I was completely hooked, loved it!

I absolutely loved this audiobook and was hooked from the beginning. The story follows attorney Craig Malcault as he navigates the aftermath of an assassination attempt and tries to figure out people's motives. One of the best things about this audiobook is how well the characters are developed. Each faces internal conflicts while excelling in unexpected circumstances. The author did a great job blending their personal journeys with broader themes of survival and resilience. I liked how it brought elements of real life/current events into the plot.

On the edge of my seat!

Having enjoyed the first book, I was eager to dive into "The Island," the second installment in the Cave Sun Series. And it did not disappoint! This audiobook picks up with attorney Craig Malcault, who has now stepped into a web of intrigue that pulls you in from the very first chapter. The plot thickens as Craig navigates a high-stakes divorce case while juggling the fallout from his past encounters. I was on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded, filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing.
The storytelling is vivid, and the author’s ability to blend legal drama with espionage creates a captivating atmosphere. The tension escalates as Craig confronts not just external threats, but also the personal stakes involved in his client’s life.

If you enjoyed "The Mascot," "The Island" is a must-listen. It expands the universe beautifully while introducing new characters and complexities. If you're a fan of thrilling narratives with high stakes and rich character development, this audiobook is worth your time.