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Stag & Hollow Chronicles #0.5
Stillmerean Summers
A prequel novella set in the Stag & Hollow Chronicles universe.
Set a couple of years before the events of Prince of the Ancients, Stillmerean Summers follows Eliana and her relationship with the prince of Stillmere, Jakard Proditor.
Set a couple of years before the events of Prince of the Ancients, Stillmerean Summers follows Eliana and her relationship with the prince of Stillmere, Jakard Proditor.
ebook
Published March 21, 2023
180 people want to read
About the author
Gem L. Preston
11 books149 followersGem L. Preston is an international bestselling fantasy author from a small town in South Wales, where her love of video games and deep obsession with Welsh mythology collided to create Prince of the Ancients— and she hasn't stopped writing magical chaos since.
Her books are full of fierce heroines, morally grey men, shadowy magic, and slow-burn romantic tension that will emotionally ruin you (in the best way). Her characters are brave, bold, and brilliant — unlike Gem, who is terrified of moths and would much rather be hiding under a blanket with a cup of tea.
When she’s not writing (or *trying* to write while her two small daughters reenact a WWE match in the background), you’ll usually find her reading, gaming, or deep-diving into her favourite fandom theories. Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, K-pop, and anime (yes, *Jujutsu Kaisen* owns her soul) — if there’s chaos and heartbreak involved, she’s probably already obsessed.
Gem has been living with IIH (a rare neurological condition) and a heart disorder for over a decade, and she’s passionate about raising awareness for chronic illness and invisible disabilities. She believes in building stories — and communities — where strength doesn’t always look like perfection.
Her books are full of fierce heroines, morally grey men, shadowy magic, and slow-burn romantic tension that will emotionally ruin you (in the best way). Her characters are brave, bold, and brilliant — unlike Gem, who is terrified of moths and would much rather be hiding under a blanket with a cup of tea.
When she’s not writing (or *trying* to write while her two small daughters reenact a WWE match in the background), you’ll usually find her reading, gaming, or deep-diving into her favourite fandom theories. Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, K-pop, and anime (yes, *Jujutsu Kaisen* owns her soul) — if there’s chaos and heartbreak involved, she’s probably already obsessed.
Gem has been living with IIH (a rare neurological condition) and a heart disorder for over a decade, and she’s passionate about raising awareness for chronic illness and invisible disabilities. She believes in building stories — and communities — where strength doesn’t always look like perfection.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 9, 2025
“I was then that I made a vow”.
Relato que ocurre dos años de la saga principal. Me compré el relato hace bastante tiempo. La verdad es que no deja de ser muy cortito pero te cuenta ciertas cosas de la protagonista para tener en cuenta en la saga principal. Algunos lo considerarían spoiler, yo sin embargo pienso que sirve para entenderla un poco mejor.
Relato que ocurre dos años de la saga principal. Me compré el relato hace bastante tiempo. La verdad es que no deja de ser muy cortito pero te cuenta ciertas cosas de la protagonista para tener en cuenta en la saga principal. Algunos lo considerarían spoiler, yo sin embargo pienso que sirve para entenderla un poco mejor.
May 15, 2023
A quick story from the point of view of Eli that gave a little more context to her background! It was interesting to see things from her point of view prior to her meeting Dracho!! The return to the world was short, but sweet!
May 19, 2023
An interesting insight into Eliana's life leading up to the events of PoTA. I adored the little foreshadowing details!
April 26, 2023
This sneak peek into Eliana’s romance with Jak filled in some gaps for me for the world-building of Stillmere and Eliana’s general backstory.
I recommend reading Prince of the Ancients (4⭐️) before this novella so you fully experience book one’s intriguing mysteries and tender reveals.
I recommend reading Prince of the Ancients (4⭐️) before this novella so you fully experience book one’s intriguing mysteries and tender reveals.
July 19, 2024
Before the Chronicles Begin: A Review of Stillmerean Summers
This is a short novella set before the first novel in the Stag and Hollow series and allows us more insight into the character of Eliana and her relationship with Jakard Proditor.
It is all set within her idyllic home of Stillmere, a haven known for its enteral summer. We learn more of Elaina’s backstory but without revealing too many spoilers should you read this first (which I did.)
It is a short, sweet story and while I did read it first as it was chronologically the first in the series, I feel it would be better read after the first book as there are many hints and moments of foreshadowing that I missed.
It is great when authors dip their toe back into a world just to give us a little more context and this novella is just that.
If you are a fan of The Prince of Ancients, definitely read this one too.
This is a short novella set before the first novel in the Stag and Hollow series and allows us more insight into the character of Eliana and her relationship with Jakard Proditor.
It is all set within her idyllic home of Stillmere, a haven known for its enteral summer. We learn more of Elaina’s backstory but without revealing too many spoilers should you read this first (which I did.)
It is a short, sweet story and while I did read it first as it was chronologically the first in the series, I feel it would be better read after the first book as there are many hints and moments of foreshadowing that I missed.
It is great when authors dip their toe back into a world just to give us a little more context and this novella is just that.
If you are a fan of The Prince of Ancients, definitely read this one too.
August 7, 2024
Loved this little novella featuring Eliana! It was cool to see the events that led her to leaving the comforts of home to pursue the events of Prince Of The Ancients. It's a perfect prelude for me as I prepare to read/narrate the audiobook for Queen of The Exiles!
September 16, 2023
A lovely additional novella giving background to our fmc, wasn't anything amazing but I really enjoyed it for what it was and glad I made the time to read it before going onto book 2.
December 16, 2023
Loved it! Jak is a bitch.
April 17, 2025
This was a cute little introduction with a small amount of context for the series.
Quite surprised how punchy it was for such a short prequel novella!
Quite surprised how punchy it was for such a short prequel novella!
December 15, 2025
Really good book. I like the overall experience. I am really enjoying the series at the moment. I highly recommend everyone reads this book. No spoilers review. 8.5 out of 10 experience. Enjoy!.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews