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Souls of the Stones #0.5
Severed Stone
See how it all started in the first prequel of Souls of the Stones. Severed Stone will answer the question posed throughout the other books: How did the once united land separate?
Immortality is my prison. I broke the bonds of brotherhood because I once loved a girl whose hand was not as available as her heart. Cursed by the gods, I watch countless generations live with the consequences of my transgression. Even with the gift of foresight, I cannot say I would be strong enough to turn away if given the opportunity. And were she cursed to watch the destruction unfold by my immortal side, I would without a doubt make the same fated choices. But Tomorrow is a cruel mistress, and the first death I witnessed as part of my damnation was that of my beloved. -Fidwen Roth
Their story should have been a fairytale, but someone is playing a dangerous game that can only end in heartbreak.
When Ciorstan awakes alone in a field, far from home and more than a little confused, it won't be the strangest thing to happen that day. Ignoring both her intuition and a mysterious but handsome stranger's warning, she allows a dashing prince to take her home to his palace.
Agreeing to marry the prince was her second mistake.
Her next one will rip an entire kingdom apart. Sometimes, true love can be a tragedy with devastating consequences.
SEVERED STONE is a prequel novella, 155 pages in length and can be read at any point during the Souls of the Stones series. (But because it is designed to answer questions posed in Cornerstone and Second Stone, it may be more gratifying after reading those titles first.)
Immortality is my prison. I broke the bonds of brotherhood because I once loved a girl whose hand was not as available as her heart. Cursed by the gods, I watch countless generations live with the consequences of my transgression. Even with the gift of foresight, I cannot say I would be strong enough to turn away if given the opportunity. And were she cursed to watch the destruction unfold by my immortal side, I would without a doubt make the same fated choices. But Tomorrow is a cruel mistress, and the first death I witnessed as part of my damnation was that of my beloved. -Fidwen Roth
Their story should have been a fairytale, but someone is playing a dangerous game that can only end in heartbreak.
When Ciorstan awakes alone in a field, far from home and more than a little confused, it won't be the strangest thing to happen that day. Ignoring both her intuition and a mysterious but handsome stranger's warning, she allows a dashing prince to take her home to his palace.
Agreeing to marry the prince was her second mistake.
Her next one will rip an entire kingdom apart. Sometimes, true love can be a tragedy with devastating consequences.
SEVERED STONE is a prequel novella, 155 pages in length and can be read at any point during the Souls of the Stones series. (But because it is designed to answer questions posed in Cornerstone and Second Stone, it may be more gratifying after reading those titles first.)
155 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2013
5 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Walker
17 books329 followersKelly Walker is a YA and NA author of several romantic titles, including the Souls of the Stones series. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their Virginia home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.
**A Kind Request** If you want to send me a message about one of my books, please do it through facebook or email. I don't check my GoodReads messages often and messages get lost beneath group messages.**
**A Kind Request** If you want to send me a message about one of my books, please do it through facebook or email. I don't check my GoodReads messages often and messages get lost beneath group messages.**
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 8, 2013
I got this story off Netgalley for an honest review.
When I first saw this book on Netgalley I was intrigued by the cover, curious on what it was about. When I read the synopsis two words jumped out in bright and shiney glory. Seriously in today’s Young Adult world there is a book that has “cursed” and “immortal” and the two words are linked?
I must read this pretty!
This wasn’t half bad, a little hard to rate because it was more of a two point five star read. Not quite three material, it didn’t grip me and I found myself skimming in a few parts.
Once upon a time a fair sorceress wanted to be Queen so badly she tried to spell the King.
It didn’t end well.
Years later with a beautiful daughter compelled by magic to fall in love, and be fallen in love with by the crown prince the sorceress plans to extract vengeance.
So with the spell cast Ciorstan is taken to the castle to become the bride of the crown prince, only to have the other two princes fall in love her.
I want add that there really isn’t a love shapes going on with this story. Ciorstan is spelled to be infatuated by the crown prince, but that falls apart quickly. The second prince’s infatuation with her is more sibling rivalry than anything. The youngest prince is the one that falls stupid in love with her, and she with him. So yeah no annoying love shapes here, just a cluster fluff of spells, pride, and love.
I am curious about the books this was a prelude too, I will be checking them out.
Thank you Netgalley!
When I first saw this book on Netgalley I was intrigued by the cover, curious on what it was about. When I read the synopsis two words jumped out in bright and shiney glory. Seriously in today’s Young Adult world there is a book that has “cursed” and “immortal” and the two words are linked?
I must read this pretty!
This wasn’t half bad, a little hard to rate because it was more of a two point five star read. Not quite three material, it didn’t grip me and I found myself skimming in a few parts.
Once upon a time a fair sorceress wanted to be Queen so badly she tried to spell the King.
It didn’t end well.
Years later with a beautiful daughter compelled by magic to fall in love, and be fallen in love with by the crown prince the sorceress plans to extract vengeance.
So with the spell cast Ciorstan is taken to the castle to become the bride of the crown prince, only to have the other two princes fall in love her.
I want add that there really isn’t a love shapes going on with this story. Ciorstan is spelled to be infatuated by the crown prince, but that falls apart quickly. The second prince’s infatuation with her is more sibling rivalry than anything. The youngest prince is the one that falls stupid in love with her, and she with him. So yeah no annoying love shapes here, just a cluster fluff of spells, pride, and love.
I am curious about the books this was a prelude too, I will be checking them out.
Thank you Netgalley!
January 19, 2018
**My thanks to NetGalley and All Night Reads, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is i understand a prequel to the main story and provides us insight into how the world we are to read has come to its current predicament. That the land was divided up into three after a spurned sorceress bewitches her own daughter and a prince into falling in love and thereby setting into motion catastrophic events.
The novella moves quickly and you get to understand the three princes and their temperaments along with things have come to pass.
This is i understand a prequel to the main story and provides us insight into how the world we are to read has come to its current predicament. That the land was divided up into three after a spurned sorceress bewitches her own daughter and a prince into falling in love and thereby setting into motion catastrophic events.
The novella moves quickly and you get to understand the three princes and their temperaments along with things have come to pass.
May 3, 2013
This book was provided to me through the courtesy of netgalley.com. If you enjoy fairy tales, “Severed Stones” could very well be the book for you. The story takes place in days of old, where in a kingdom three brothers who look almost identical must wed and produce and heir if they are to become the next king. Little do they know but a witch who was once in love with their father has enchanted her daughter, Ciorstan, so that the brothers will fall in love with her.
Ciorstan is ignorant of her mother’s scheme and is compelled to follow a path into the kingdom where she encounters the older brother Selwyn. He is an arrogant, womanizing louse whose only concern is hunting. When he finds her in the forest he immediately asks for her to marry him and takes her to the palace. Once she is there, he leaves her alone while he pursues his hobby of hunting. Soon, Ciorstan becomes lonely and questions her decision to marry Selwyn. However, before she can think too long on it, she encounters the second brother Erwyn. He is a painter and immediately enamored with her as well. He too is a womanizer and goes to any length to keep Selwyn away from Ciorstan.
As Ciorstan realizes the true nature of the two brothers, she seeks out the third, Fidwen, who is a wizard of sorts. He hides in the library of the castle. Although the library is heavily warded, Ciorstan enters his space and seeks his assistance in attempting to break the enchantment her mother has caused. Fidwen and Ciorstan develop true love for one another and they are force to find a way to be together.
I do not want to say more because I do not want to reveal any details of the plot or resolution. This story read like a fairy tale except that there was no real moral to the story. The story happened so quickly that the characters and world was not as developed sufficiently to make me believe in the relationship between Ciorstan and Fidwen. Because of this, I just was not emotional invested in the fates of the characters. Additionally, the resolution in the epilogue was weakest of all. For me, “Severed Stone” can best be described as a o.k. read and not much more.
Ciorstan is ignorant of her mother’s scheme and is compelled to follow a path into the kingdom where she encounters the older brother Selwyn. He is an arrogant, womanizing louse whose only concern is hunting. When he finds her in the forest he immediately asks for her to marry him and takes her to the palace. Once she is there, he leaves her alone while he pursues his hobby of hunting. Soon, Ciorstan becomes lonely and questions her decision to marry Selwyn. However, before she can think too long on it, she encounters the second brother Erwyn. He is a painter and immediately enamored with her as well. He too is a womanizer and goes to any length to keep Selwyn away from Ciorstan.
As Ciorstan realizes the true nature of the two brothers, she seeks out the third, Fidwen, who is a wizard of sorts. He hides in the library of the castle. Although the library is heavily warded, Ciorstan enters his space and seeks his assistance in attempting to break the enchantment her mother has caused. Fidwen and Ciorstan develop true love for one another and they are force to find a way to be together.
I do not want to say more because I do not want to reveal any details of the plot or resolution. This story read like a fairy tale except that there was no real moral to the story. The story happened so quickly that the characters and world was not as developed sufficiently to make me believe in the relationship between Ciorstan and Fidwen. Because of this, I just was not emotional invested in the fates of the characters. Additionally, the resolution in the epilogue was weakest of all. For me, “Severed Stone” can best be described as a o.k. read and not much more.
June 5, 2013
I received this book (CRA) via NetGallery for an honest review.
Just for the record, I haven't read any of the other books in this series. I was very enthusiastic when I read the synopsis to Severed Stone but I confess I am disappointed.
At first, I thought that this would be a fairy-tale of sorts, properly enhanced so that it would constitute a novel. As I read on, I kept finding the characters terribly flat; as much as I love stories of princesses-to-be and sorcery, I failed to connect with Ciorstan. I could foresee where the plot was headed as soon as I had read 1/3 of the book, and I wasn't wrong. I enjoy being surprised, even mesmerized by characters' unexpected development or actions, but you'll find none of that in this book. I didn't particularly enjoy the author's writing style, either; it struck me as plain and rather colorless. The good thing is, I kept reading. I didn't give up so that's why I'm giving the book 2 stars.
Just for the record, I haven't read any of the other books in this series. I was very enthusiastic when I read the synopsis to Severed Stone but I confess I am disappointed.
At first, I thought that this would be a fairy-tale of sorts, properly enhanced so that it would constitute a novel. As I read on, I kept finding the characters terribly flat; as much as I love stories of princesses-to-be and sorcery, I failed to connect with Ciorstan. I could foresee where the plot was headed as soon as I had read 1/3 of the book, and I wasn't wrong. I enjoy being surprised, even mesmerized by characters' unexpected development or actions, but you'll find none of that in this book. I didn't particularly enjoy the author's writing style, either; it struck me as plain and rather colorless. The good thing is, I kept reading. I didn't give up so that's why I'm giving the book 2 stars.
May 10, 2013
We are The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club, to know more about this book, go to the post in our website:
Severed Stone (Souls Of The Stones) by Kelly Walker
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
About The Book:
Severed Stone is the prequel of the Souls Of Stones Series. The main character is not the characters we are familiar with from CornerStone or Second Stone. Meet Ciorstan, the daughter of a witch who terrifies everyone who has heard of her, whose destiny is going to change. Her mother offers spells in return of gossips, true gossips. They say that knowledge is power and her mother believes in this. One day, a costumer, tells her the great news she was expecting for: The Three princes are searching for a woman to marry them. The first in marry a woman would be the king of Thaelestrar.
The next day, Ciorstan wakes up in a field, alone, far away from home and confused as everyone can be in this situation. A handsome yet strange man warns her to stay away from the castle, but the only thing she knows for sure is that she needs to meet her prince.
As it was a prediction, prince Selwyn happens to be hunting in the forest when he sees a beautiful woman singing while picking flowers. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and, although he does not know anything about her, but he knows, deep down, that she is the one. She must be his betrothed.
Ciorstan has no time to answer something coherently when she realizes that she is headed to palace with a prince who soon is going to be his husband, or at least that is what he said to her.
If something unusual was about to happen to someone, that someone is Ciorstan. In palace she meets a bunch of noisy and gossip girls who are now her servants, a bewitched Queen whose nose is abnormally big and ugly, a dreamer prince whose dedication in live is to paint beautiful things and sleep with a lot of girls, her soon-to-be-husband/prince whose dedication to himself and the hunt is more important for him than anything else and the sorcerer prince who everyone is afraid of.
Ciorstan cannot understand why she is unable to say to prince Selwyn what she thinks truly about him or why prince Erwyn, the womanizer, is intends to change his true nature to be with her, to run away with her. The only thing she knows for sure is that she needs to find the man who warned her about not coming to palace and that look alike both princes. Is only one brother left to visit: Fidwen.
Fidwen is a powerful sorcerer and everyone is afraid of him. He has even made a spell to drive away everyone who wanted to go to his sacred sanctuary: the library. But Ciorstan is different. She does not feel the nausea or the fear everyone feels about entering the library and, most important, she needs to find out if Fidwen is the man of the forest. She needs to find someone who could help her with her princes.
Who would Ciorstan choose as her prince? Why has she this strange affection in both princes? Would Fidwen be the man of the forest? And most important, Why did Thaelestrar split?
All these questions would find their answers in the amazing prequel of the Souls Of The Stones, written by Kelly Walker.
Review:
Severed Stone is a wonderful story about why Thaelestrar is now split in three regions. We could have never imagined the reason of it until we read this prequel and we were stunned.
About the characters, we have to say that we did not understand why Ciorstan was behaving the way she did. We did not like that she was a little bit oblivious about the things that were going on with her life, until we know the reason why and we were a little sad for her. In the middle of the book you start to identify with her and feel pity for her. She is a strong, brave and stubborn character that would make your heart beat faster and faster as the story gets to the end.
Selwyn is a cocky, egoistic and cheeky prince who wants the crown more than anything else. We personally hated him. From the beginning until the end. Well, in the end even more. He does not care about anyone, just himself that our Ciorstan seems to be willing to marry that idiot! We just could not accept it. And the fact that he is also a womanizer adds more points to be in our black list.
Erwyn is the artist prince, the dreamer and the womanizer. Although Selwyn is also a womanizer, this brother is more kind and sensible. He is not as interest in hunt or battle as his oldest brother and he seems to have only eyes for his brother's betrothed. We almost fell for him. He is noble and looked like a good guy. But we were as fool as Ciorstan! So he is not in our black list, but neither in our we-would-want-to-marry-him list.
However, prince Fidwen hooked us from the first instant we met him. He has been neglected by everyone, specially her mother who he is certain that he is afraid of him. He is sensible and nobel and has not double intentions as prince Erwyn has. He is definitely in our we-would-want-to-marry-him list. And obviously we are Team Fidwen forever.
We were spellbound by the story. Our captivation was such powerful that we have read the book in two hours. W could not close the book without knowing what was going to happen with the characters and why Thaelestrar is split in the other books. But more about the characters. We were worried for Ciorstan's choices and that everything was so unfair that could not be real.
We also have to say that the ending left a big hole in our hearts. The faith the two of our favorite characters find are not what we were expecting at all. We were elated with the happy ending when everything changes in a second. We were heartbroken! And we had the need to read the third of the series! Because everything is related and to know the fate of our favorite characters we need to know what happens in that book.
To end up this review, we need to say that we are Team Fidwen forever and that we want to know more about him! We need to know! We have recently found about this series, but we cannot wait to know how it ends. Kelly Walker writing really surprised us and we did not expect what we have found: An epic series!! She has a writing style that we have never had the pleasure to experience and we are glad that we have found her books.
We strongly recommend this book to all the Souls Of The Stones fans but also the ones who have not had the honor to read them.
"Did he want a chance? Did he have one? In every competition, in every task, he has chosen his own personal victory over his brothers by means of declining to compete. Not this time. This -she- was worth fighting for."
Severed Stone (Souls Of The Stones) by Kelly Walker
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
About The Book:
Severed Stone is the prequel of the Souls Of Stones Series. The main character is not the characters we are familiar with from CornerStone or Second Stone. Meet Ciorstan, the daughter of a witch who terrifies everyone who has heard of her, whose destiny is going to change. Her mother offers spells in return of gossips, true gossips. They say that knowledge is power and her mother believes in this. One day, a costumer, tells her the great news she was expecting for: The Three princes are searching for a woman to marry them. The first in marry a woman would be the king of Thaelestrar.
The next day, Ciorstan wakes up in a field, alone, far away from home and confused as everyone can be in this situation. A handsome yet strange man warns her to stay away from the castle, but the only thing she knows for sure is that she needs to meet her prince.
As it was a prediction, prince Selwyn happens to be hunting in the forest when he sees a beautiful woman singing while picking flowers. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and, although he does not know anything about her, but he knows, deep down, that she is the one. She must be his betrothed.
Ciorstan has no time to answer something coherently when she realizes that she is headed to palace with a prince who soon is going to be his husband, or at least that is what he said to her.
If something unusual was about to happen to someone, that someone is Ciorstan. In palace she meets a bunch of noisy and gossip girls who are now her servants, a bewitched Queen whose nose is abnormally big and ugly, a dreamer prince whose dedication in live is to paint beautiful things and sleep with a lot of girls, her soon-to-be-husband/prince whose dedication to himself and the hunt is more important for him than anything else and the sorcerer prince who everyone is afraid of.
Ciorstan cannot understand why she is unable to say to prince Selwyn what she thinks truly about him or why prince Erwyn, the womanizer, is intends to change his true nature to be with her, to run away with her. The only thing she knows for sure is that she needs to find the man who warned her about not coming to palace and that look alike both princes. Is only one brother left to visit: Fidwen.
Fidwen is a powerful sorcerer and everyone is afraid of him. He has even made a spell to drive away everyone who wanted to go to his sacred sanctuary: the library. But Ciorstan is different. She does not feel the nausea or the fear everyone feels about entering the library and, most important, she needs to find out if Fidwen is the man of the forest. She needs to find someone who could help her with her princes.
Who would Ciorstan choose as her prince? Why has she this strange affection in both princes? Would Fidwen be the man of the forest? And most important, Why did Thaelestrar split?
All these questions would find their answers in the amazing prequel of the Souls Of The Stones, written by Kelly Walker.
Review:
Severed Stone is a wonderful story about why Thaelestrar is now split in three regions. We could have never imagined the reason of it until we read this prequel and we were stunned.
About the characters, we have to say that we did not understand why Ciorstan was behaving the way she did. We did not like that she was a little bit oblivious about the things that were going on with her life, until we know the reason why and we were a little sad for her. In the middle of the book you start to identify with her and feel pity for her. She is a strong, brave and stubborn character that would make your heart beat faster and faster as the story gets to the end.
Selwyn is a cocky, egoistic and cheeky prince who wants the crown more than anything else. We personally hated him. From the beginning until the end. Well, in the end even more. He does not care about anyone, just himself that our Ciorstan seems to be willing to marry that idiot! We just could not accept it. And the fact that he is also a womanizer adds more points to be in our black list.
Erwyn is the artist prince, the dreamer and the womanizer. Although Selwyn is also a womanizer, this brother is more kind and sensible. He is not as interest in hunt or battle as his oldest brother and he seems to have only eyes for his brother's betrothed. We almost fell for him. He is noble and looked like a good guy. But we were as fool as Ciorstan! So he is not in our black list, but neither in our we-would-want-to-marry-him list.
However, prince Fidwen hooked us from the first instant we met him. He has been neglected by everyone, specially her mother who he is certain that he is afraid of him. He is sensible and nobel and has not double intentions as prince Erwyn has. He is definitely in our we-would-want-to-marry-him list. And obviously we are Team Fidwen forever.
We were spellbound by the story. Our captivation was such powerful that we have read the book in two hours. W could not close the book without knowing what was going to happen with the characters and why Thaelestrar is split in the other books. But more about the characters. We were worried for Ciorstan's choices and that everything was so unfair that could not be real.
We also have to say that the ending left a big hole in our hearts. The faith the two of our favorite characters find are not what we were expecting at all. We were elated with the happy ending when everything changes in a second. We were heartbroken! And we had the need to read the third of the series! Because everything is related and to know the fate of our favorite characters we need to know what happens in that book.
To end up this review, we need to say that we are Team Fidwen forever and that we want to know more about him! We need to know! We have recently found about this series, but we cannot wait to know how it ends. Kelly Walker writing really surprised us and we did not expect what we have found: An epic series!! She has a writing style that we have never had the pleasure to experience and we are glad that we have found her books.
We strongly recommend this book to all the Souls Of The Stones fans but also the ones who have not had the honor to read them.
"Did he want a chance? Did he have one? In every competition, in every task, he has chosen his own personal victory over his brothers by means of declining to compete. Not this time. This -she- was worth fighting for."
July 28, 2024
A young woman, Ciorstan, is spelled by her sorceress mother and finds herself betrothed to the heir to the kingdom of Thaelestrar.
Prince Selwyn is, however, a nasty piece of goods and, even while entranced, Ciorstan doesn't want to go through with it.
Then there's the middle prince, Erwyn, who the Casanova of the kingdom. He's pleasant enough but not a keeper.
There's only the youngest son left. Fidwen is the strongest wizard around and he's immediately smitten. He's also the only one who can do anything to break the spell.
It doesn't take rocket science to figure out who she chooses.
And that's where “Severed Soul”, first prequel to the 'Souls of the Stones' series, gets very strange.
Without going into detail we have a HEA … followed by an Epilog set a decade later. The kingdom has gone to hell in a handbag and everyone blames Fidwen. Absolutely zero explanations are given and it is, for me at least, inexplicable.
The author, Kelly Walker, wrote:- “[it] is a prequel novella ... and can be read at any point during the … series. (But because it is designed to answer questions posed in Cornerstone and Second Stone, it may be more gratifying after reading those titles first.)”
Huh?
2 Stars.
Prince Selwyn is, however, a nasty piece of goods and, even while entranced, Ciorstan doesn't want to go through with it.
Then there's the middle prince, Erwyn, who the Casanova of the kingdom. He's pleasant enough but not a keeper.
There's only the youngest son left. Fidwen is the strongest wizard around and he's immediately smitten. He's also the only one who can do anything to break the spell.
It doesn't take rocket science to figure out who she chooses.
And that's where “Severed Soul”, first prequel to the 'Souls of the Stones' series, gets very strange.
Without going into detail we have a HEA … followed by an Epilog set a decade later. The kingdom has gone to hell in a handbag and everyone blames Fidwen. Absolutely zero explanations are given and it is, for me at least, inexplicable.
The author, Kelly Walker, wrote:- “[it] is a prequel novella ... and can be read at any point during the … series. (But because it is designed to answer questions posed in Cornerstone and Second Stone, it may be more gratifying after reading those titles first.)”
Huh?
2 Stars.
May 29, 2013
This is my first copy from Netgalley. I am quite intrigue from the blurb and this one's a prequel to the Souls of the stone plus the cover caught my attention.
As I read this book, I can't help but to notice the unique names...specially our heroine, Ciorstan. It even sounded like a word from the tongue twisters?! Can we do the tongue twister without reading aloud? I can't help but smile... and shook my head.
This story is supposed to sound like a regular faerytale but its not. Ciorstan here is a pretty maiden who lives in the middle of the forest with her witch mom. Yes, you heard me right... witch mom.. well, not the witch with broom type but one who mixes herbs and stuff to make potion and probably cast spells. And unlike, Rapunzel when her witch mom tried to hide her from the rest of the world... Ciorstan's mom wants her to marry a prince! It was talk of the town that the King of Thaelestrar challenge his sons that whoever brings home a bride and produce an heir will be the next rightful king. When her mom brought this up to her, she is hesitant with the idea. But then...
She found herself in the middle of the forest.. being approached by Prince Selwyn.. and eeeeeeep! ask for her hand just like that! Ciorstan did not say No but she did not say Yes either! Looks likes she's in daze? Probably shock? She is overwhelmed for sure! Next thing she knows she.. she is inside the castle to be presented as Prince Selwyn's bride to be! Wait! This is happening so fast! Can I even call this a whirlwind romance when I see no romance between them?!
Then she met Erwyn, and she felt instant attraction and vice versa. Hmmm, so I say, a love triangle in the making? And I was shocked she let him kissed her?! Then , Erwyn asked her to choose him over Selwyn?! What kind of mess is this??? But then, Ciorstan realized that they might be under a spell? She needs to undo this before its too late!
So, here comes brother # 3.. Fidwen. What can I say about him? He is the one hiding inside the palace library... studies magic , spells etc. Ciorstan approached him to help her undo the spell. But when Fidwen saw her , he felt something. He wants Ciorstan too! Arrrrgh! So, now 3 brothers are after her hand and heart?! I cannot really connect where this story is heading! Could there be such a thing as "love quandrangle"?! Well, this is it!
And at last , Ciorstan finally decided to choose Fidwen. And spell and enchantments follows. The brothers Selwyn and Erwyn left their kingdom . (Just because Ciorstan chose Fidwen?!) . And there's a spell to undo the past but not totally undo?! What... on earth is that?! I was really trying to follow .. but it seems that the story has been scattered and then compressed at the end. It did not make any sense at all. Yes, it somewhat explained how the three brothers choose to part ways and have their own kingdoms.. but I can feel that there's something missing there. I just wish that this story is going to a direction that I could follow...but I stumble and fall all along the way. I admit that first half of the book got my attention but the rest ..just came flat. I am waiting for something more but it was not even there.
As I read this book, I can't help but to notice the unique names...specially our heroine, Ciorstan. It even sounded like a word from the tongue twisters?! Can we do the tongue twister without reading aloud? I can't help but smile... and shook my head.
This story is supposed to sound like a regular faerytale but its not. Ciorstan here is a pretty maiden who lives in the middle of the forest with her witch mom. Yes, you heard me right... witch mom.. well, not the witch with broom type but one who mixes herbs and stuff to make potion and probably cast spells. And unlike, Rapunzel when her witch mom tried to hide her from the rest of the world... Ciorstan's mom wants her to marry a prince! It was talk of the town that the King of Thaelestrar challenge his sons that whoever brings home a bride and produce an heir will be the next rightful king. When her mom brought this up to her, she is hesitant with the idea. But then...
She found herself in the middle of the forest.. being approached by Prince Selwyn.. and eeeeeeep! ask for her hand just like that! Ciorstan did not say No but she did not say Yes either! Looks likes she's in daze? Probably shock? She is overwhelmed for sure! Next thing she knows she.. she is inside the castle to be presented as Prince Selwyn's bride to be! Wait! This is happening so fast! Can I even call this a whirlwind romance when I see no romance between them?!
Then she met Erwyn, and she felt instant attraction and vice versa. Hmmm, so I say, a love triangle in the making? And I was shocked she let him kissed her?! Then , Erwyn asked her to choose him over Selwyn?! What kind of mess is this??? But then, Ciorstan realized that they might be under a spell? She needs to undo this before its too late!
So, here comes brother # 3.. Fidwen. What can I say about him? He is the one hiding inside the palace library... studies magic , spells etc. Ciorstan approached him to help her undo the spell. But when Fidwen saw her , he felt something. He wants Ciorstan too! Arrrrgh! So, now 3 brothers are after her hand and heart?! I cannot really connect where this story is heading! Could there be such a thing as "love quandrangle"?! Well, this is it!
And at last , Ciorstan finally decided to choose Fidwen. And spell and enchantments follows. The brothers Selwyn and Erwyn left their kingdom . (Just because Ciorstan chose Fidwen?!) . And there's a spell to undo the past but not totally undo?! What... on earth is that?! I was really trying to follow .. but it seems that the story has been scattered and then compressed at the end. It did not make any sense at all. Yes, it somewhat explained how the three brothers choose to part ways and have their own kingdoms.. but I can feel that there's something missing there. I just wish that this story is going to a direction that I could follow...but I stumble and fall all along the way. I admit that first half of the book got my attention but the rest ..just came flat. I am waiting for something more but it was not even there.
May 28, 2013
2.5 stars
So, I don't have a whole lot to say on this book. I will try to say everything I have thought of, though.
My first impression was this is very interesting! My second was...wait what the heck just happened? I thought the beginning needed to be fleshed out a little bit more. It felt overall a bit rushed. I do like the authors voice and the somewhat original idea.
It is almost as if the author is a fabulist, but forgot that she was in the midst of a fable. There are morals to fables, yet I could not ascertain any type or morality in this story. Now, for those who don't get my comparison...I felt there was a lot of the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson influence within the work. However, it wasn't fully fleshed out as an overall piece. The story was decent enough to keep me reading it, but I felt there was something underneath that was missing. I think it was because, as an English major, I kept expecting to see some type of fable morality seep through.
So much happened in such a short time I couldn't fully connect with the characters. And the beginning just "chopped off" for me so I had no real involvement. However, I'll continue with my assessment.
The males of this book were rather ridiculous (and not in a good way) and came off as narcissistic a-holes. It also was very expected. What do I mean by that? Well, 99% of the book was completely transparent. The epilogue left me feeling like WTF? At the end I just kept going...wait! what? I-I-I don't even know where to begin. I'm confused and frustrated. I felt no connection with these characters, which left me feeling a little jipped. There was 155 pages and not one redeeming quality in the characters.
I am going to pick up the next book in the series and see if there is any improvement. I usually give series like this one more go. Just incase!
Rating: C-
So, I don't have a whole lot to say on this book. I will try to say everything I have thought of, though.
My first impression was this is very interesting! My second was...wait what the heck just happened? I thought the beginning needed to be fleshed out a little bit more. It felt overall a bit rushed. I do like the authors voice and the somewhat original idea.
It is almost as if the author is a fabulist, but forgot that she was in the midst of a fable. There are morals to fables, yet I could not ascertain any type or morality in this story. Now, for those who don't get my comparison...I felt there was a lot of the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson influence within the work. However, it wasn't fully fleshed out as an overall piece. The story was decent enough to keep me reading it, but I felt there was something underneath that was missing. I think it was because, as an English major, I kept expecting to see some type of fable morality seep through.
So much happened in such a short time I couldn't fully connect with the characters. And the beginning just "chopped off" for me so I had no real involvement. However, I'll continue with my assessment.
The males of this book were rather ridiculous (and not in a good way) and came off as narcissistic a-holes. It also was very expected. What do I mean by that? Well, 99% of the book was completely transparent. The epilogue left me feeling like WTF? At the end I just kept going...wait! what? I-I-I don't even know where to begin. I'm confused and frustrated. I felt no connection with these characters, which left me feeling a little jipped. There was 155 pages and not one redeeming quality in the characters.
I am going to pick up the next book in the series and see if there is any improvement. I usually give series like this one more go. Just incase!
Rating: C-
June 20, 2013
ARC provided by All Night Reads via Net Galley.
When seventeen year old Ciorstan wakes up in a field of flowers, with no memory of how she got there, it is no doubt she is a little confused. When a handsome stranger warns her not to go to the palace; more confusion, and the realisation that the palace is where she is meant to go. Rife with magic, love, lust, feuds, pride, and handsome young men, Severed Stone is a YA novella for the romantic at heart.
Severed Stone is the prequel novella to Kelly Walker’s Souls of the Stones novels. I have not yet read any of the novels in the series, and I feel that I would have gotten more from this novella if I had.
This novella progressed far too quickly for me, and I was left sort of unbelieving at the going ons of the characters. Three bothers, all in love with the same girl? I know there is magic involved, but it is still a tad, well, over the top for my liking (What is it? A love square? A love diamond? Rhombus?).
Of course Fidwen was my favourite brother (he’s the magical, nice one!) of the three that were introduced to us, but he fell in love with Ciorstan practically the moment he met her! I would have preferred some interaction before the development and declaration of feelings.
Overall, however, I thought this novella was cute, and romantic. It was fun to read, and I did enjoy reading it.
Severed Stone has piqued my interest in the other Souls of the Stones novels, and perhaps I will appreciate this novella more when I do end up reading the other novels in the series.
When seventeen year old Ciorstan wakes up in a field of flowers, with no memory of how she got there, it is no doubt she is a little confused. When a handsome stranger warns her not to go to the palace; more confusion, and the realisation that the palace is where she is meant to go. Rife with magic, love, lust, feuds, pride, and handsome young men, Severed Stone is a YA novella for the romantic at heart.
Severed Stone is the prequel novella to Kelly Walker’s Souls of the Stones novels. I have not yet read any of the novels in the series, and I feel that I would have gotten more from this novella if I had.
This novella progressed far too quickly for me, and I was left sort of unbelieving at the going ons of the characters. Three bothers, all in love with the same girl? I know there is magic involved, but it is still a tad, well, over the top for my liking (What is it? A love square? A love diamond? Rhombus?).
Of course Fidwen was my favourite brother (he’s the magical, nice one!) of the three that were introduced to us, but he fell in love with Ciorstan practically the moment he met her! I would have preferred some interaction before the development and declaration of feelings.
Overall, however, I thought this novella was cute, and romantic. It was fun to read, and I did enjoy reading it.
Severed Stone has piqued my interest in the other Souls of the Stones novels, and perhaps I will appreciate this novella more when I do end up reading the other novels in the series.
July 12, 2013
Severed Stone is the prequel to the Souls of the Stones series. The reader learns how Thaelestrar became torn apart into the three lands that it currently is. Ciorstan is the main character and her story reminds me of the fairytales I used to grow up on. She’s a beautiful daughter of an evil witch who is tricked with a spell into marrying the spoiled Prince Selwyn. While at the palace, she manages to break the spell and ends up falling in love with Prince Selwyn other brothers, Prince Erywn and Prince Fidwen. Now she finds herself in a love triangle and must figure out who her heart really belongs to. Severed Stone was a quick, light read that I found very enjoyable. As with most Disney-esque princesses, Ciorstan spends a great deal of the book confused and torn between doing what is right and her emotions.
There isn’t much depth to the characters (Prince Erywn has the least amount of back story), but I loved Prince Fidwen. What can I say? There’s still a little girl in me that secretly swoons over the Prince Charming coming in to say the day! P3 is the wayward child of the royal family and a sorcerer. I found Ciorstan and his part of the love triangle the most interesting and very romantic (I sighed happily at the end of the book, not kidding). If you’re a fan of the Souls of the Stones series or you’re looking for a fun, breezy romance that will make you smile, Severed Stone is for you.
There isn’t much depth to the characters (Prince Erywn has the least amount of back story), but I loved Prince Fidwen. What can I say? There’s still a little girl in me that secretly swoons over the Prince Charming coming in to say the day! P3 is the wayward child of the royal family and a sorcerer. I found Ciorstan and his part of the love triangle the most interesting and very romantic (I sighed happily at the end of the book, not kidding). If you’re a fan of the Souls of the Stones series or you’re looking for a fun, breezy romance that will make you smile, Severed Stone is for you.
October 25, 2013
1.5Stars
I haven't read any other books in this series and was excited to get approved for Severed Stone. I was hoping to get a nice intro into the series.
BUT the whole thing literally got busted for me with the writing style. I really didn't like it. It's written like a fable or a fairytale, just somehow I found the third person POV and once upon a time, really hard to connect to.
The storyline is much the same, a fairytale. It was rather predictable, I could have told you the outcome rather early on. I am not a fan of love triangle and here we had three men trying to get the interest of on girl. UGH! It was all spells, pride, lust and insta-love.
I couldn't connect to any of the characters. I am not sure if this is only connected to the writing style, since I found the male leads really narcissistic and was wondering what Ciorstan saw in any of them. To be honest I just couldn't care about any of them.
Saying all this I have read many good reviews about the series and am wondering if this is just the one off? So I might pick up Cornerstone to see what all the hype is about and hopefully like it more
ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read any other books in this series and was excited to get approved for Severed Stone. I was hoping to get a nice intro into the series.
BUT the whole thing literally got busted for me with the writing style. I really didn't like it. It's written like a fable or a fairytale, just somehow I found the third person POV and once upon a time, really hard to connect to.
The storyline is much the same, a fairytale. It was rather predictable, I could have told you the outcome rather early on. I am not a fan of love triangle and here we had three men trying to get the interest of on girl. UGH! It was all spells, pride, lust and insta-love.
I couldn't connect to any of the characters. I am not sure if this is only connected to the writing style, since I found the male leads really narcissistic and was wondering what Ciorstan saw in any of them. To be honest I just couldn't care about any of them.
Saying all this I have read many good reviews about the series and am wondering if this is just the one off? So I might pick up Cornerstone to see what all the hype is about and hopefully like it more
ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2013
Kelly Walker's Souls of The Stones series is an amazingly crafted series that will appeal to all fans of Fantasy and Romance, specially in the YA genre. And who doesn't love a novella, every once in a while?
Ciorstan is the reason the three kingdoms separated many years ago. But why? Why would one simple, pretty girl break up a kingdom? Spread hate and jealousy between three brothers? It's love, of course.
I NEVER really expect novellas to be as good as novels. They rarely are. The short length of novellas doesn't really give the author the liberty of plot development, or character development. I didn't notice a character development, not even one bit. Which I expected from the novella, so I wasn't disappointed at all.
I think this novella was essential to really understand why the huge kingdom separated, since this fact is referred to a lot of times in the actual novels of the series. This is a sort of prequel, and although too short for my taste, was a great built-up, and contained very silly, but cute romance. I liked it, but I am still not a fan of novellas.
May 17, 2013
What a bummer!
I was happy to received this book from NetGalley as I've read Souls of the Stones Series and liked it very much.
First few pages of the book got me hooked... it was kinda creepy.. I was like... "oh witches, kings, queen and prince's... but then it went down hill.. I don't know what happened but I just couldn't connect with all the characters. You see, it's important for me that I connect or to atleast understand them... and in here the story was not fully developed plus the love quadrangle did nothing for me. I don't get why all the prince's wants her. I was not emotional invested in the story. It just doesn't make any sense..
Don't get me wrong, It's a well written story and we get to see why the region is split into three but it didn't grab me like in the other series and found myself skimming the entire book.
Oh wells.. This is a great addition to the Souls of the Stones series.
I was happy to received this book from NetGalley as I've read Souls of the Stones Series and liked it very much.
First few pages of the book got me hooked... it was kinda creepy.. I was like... "oh witches, kings, queen and prince's... but then it went down hill.. I don't know what happened but I just couldn't connect with all the characters. You see, it's important for me that I connect or to atleast understand them... and in here the story was not fully developed plus the love quadrangle did nothing for me. I don't get why all the prince's wants her. I was not emotional invested in the story. It just doesn't make any sense..
Don't get me wrong, It's a well written story and we get to see why the region is split into three but it didn't grab me like in the other series and found myself skimming the entire book.
Oh wells.. This is a great addition to the Souls of the Stones series.
May 4, 2013
If you like romance and a crazy love quadrilateral, then you will for sure appreciate this prequel. This prequel takes place a couple generations before the events of Cornerstone and explains the background story to why the three kingdoms split up. An average girl goes from being a witch's daughter to becoming the most sought after woman in the land.
So I really did enjoy this book. As soon as I read the synopsis for the first of Kelly Walker's series, Cornerstone I immediately wanted to read it. I enjoyed that book so much that I moved onto her second book in the series, Second Stone. My suggestion though is to read the Cornerstone series first so that way things make sense. This series is really good, I am really into YA series and this one is a different take on some of the popular dystopian stories these days.
Seriously, read it. It will be worth your time!
So I really did enjoy this book. As soon as I read the synopsis for the first of Kelly Walker's series, Cornerstone I immediately wanted to read it. I enjoyed that book so much that I moved onto her second book in the series, Second Stone. My suggestion though is to read the Cornerstone series first so that way things make sense. This series is really good, I am really into YA series and this one is a different take on some of the popular dystopian stories these days.
Seriously, read it. It will be worth your time!
May 3, 2013
I received the ARC of this book via NetGallery for an honest review.
A recently made fan of the Soul of the Stones Series, "Severed Stone" was no disappointment.
It was everything a reader could have hoped for: a likable plot that explains how it all started, good pacing, and well developed characters.
"Severed Stone" captivated me from the beginning and was really a "taste of what was yet to come" in the follow up sequels. I was literally spellbound by it and had my family leave me alone for a good part of the afternoon so that I could read this without interruptions! lol.
If you all were wondering how things all began in the series then this is your chance to find out!! Pick up "Severed Stone" coming in June 2013. :)
A recently made fan of the Soul of the Stones Series, "Severed Stone" was no disappointment.
It was everything a reader could have hoped for: a likable plot that explains how it all started, good pacing, and well developed characters.
"Severed Stone" captivated me from the beginning and was really a "taste of what was yet to come" in the follow up sequels. I was literally spellbound by it and had my family leave me alone for a good part of the afternoon so that I could read this without interruptions! lol.
If you all were wondering how things all began in the series then this is your chance to find out!! Pick up "Severed Stone" coming in June 2013. :)
June 16, 2013
*I received a free ARC of Severed Stone (Souls of the Stones) from All Night Reads via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*
ARC received on May 23 - expected publication June 15
Severed Stone is the prequel in the series, and I don't know if it would have been better to actually know the story a little bit before reading this one. I had trouble getting into the story, there was insta-love, and a kind of strange love quadrangle.
Full review to come soon both here and on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews.
ARC received on May 23 - expected publication June 15
Severed Stone is the prequel in the series, and I don't know if it would have been better to actually know the story a little bit before reading this one. I had trouble getting into the story, there was insta-love, and a kind of strange love quadrangle.
Full review to come soon both here and on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews.
July 20, 2013
Um.... I can't believe this book took me so long to finish! I really really liked the story. The whole magic, evil mother trying to get back at old flame because she was rejected, and three triplet brothers, of which only one has fully captured the MC's heart. AND seriously, for a short novella, I felt the connection between the two. It was swoony! I hope you all give this book a chance.
4-stars in my book :)
4-stars in my book :)
June 6, 2013
This wasn't bad. It was just okay. I wish it could have gone into more depth because the insta-love was ridiculous and I just didn't feel connected to the story at all. It's very interesting though and a good set up to the series. I will say though, I'm not exactly sure why his decisions were selfish. I hope the series goes more in depth with this stuff
July 7, 2013
Even knowing the basic storyline for this as it was basically told in the trilogy, I still hoped for a happy ending. This was a nice companion novella to the Souls of the Stones, and I look forward to reading more.
May 24, 2013
4.5 stars
A witch's curse, magic, a beautiful and intelligent girl, princes vying for her hand, and a kingdom as the prize... what could be better? (Knowing that it's just the prequel for a series!)
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A witch's curse, magic, a beautiful and intelligent girl, princes vying for her hand, and a kingdom as the prize... what could be better? (Knowing that it's just the prequel for a series!)
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2013
Unusual love quadrangle. Unusual names. Unusual story. Unusual ending.
Worth 4 stars
Worth 4 stars
June 25, 2013
I give it a 3.5 out of 5. Full review can be read at http://talkingbookworm.com
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never-read
April 7, 2019Read the first book of the Soul of the Stones series, Cornerstone. 1 Star; therefore will not be continuing with the series.
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