Crack the Stone

A Classic Retold

by Emily Golus

Winner of the 2023 Kudos Award for Fiction. 2024 Realm Award Finalist, Novella category

I am Valshara, the black stone born of fire. Break me, and my edges turn into knives.

Condemned to a slave camp for her crimes, goblin convict Valshara Sh’a makes a death-defying escape to freedom. But navigating Vindor’s treacherous cavern system is only the beginning of her troubles. An encounter with a rogue king turns her world upside down, and a bargain with fairy tricksters leaves her with a human child she doesn’t know how to care for.

As she tries to smuggle the boy through the walls of a barricaded city, Valshara can’t let down her guard. Because somewhere in the darkness behind her, a bounty hunter rises—relentless as nightfall and merciless as death itself.

Emily Golus re-imagines Victor Hugo’s beloved Les Misérables as an epic fantasy adventure about suffering, redemption, and the extraordinary power of love.

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This clean fantasy adventure is set within the richly detailed world of Vindor and features a subterranean civilization, a Celtic fairy forest, and a West African-inspired empire. Read it on its own, or binge the entire A Classic Retold series for more uplifting and magical retellings of classical literature.

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings, Drama, Christian Fantasy

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2023

About the author

Emily Golus is an award-winning fantasy author with nearly 20 years of professional writing experience. Golus aims to engage, inspire, and show how small acts of courage and love can create meaningful change. Her books feature diverse cultures, authentic characters, and cinematic fantasy settings.

Her first novel, Escape to Vindor, won the 2017 Selah Award for Young Adult Fiction. A spin-off novel, Crack the Stone, won the 2024 Kudos Award for Fiction and was a finalist in the 2024 Realm Awards. Golus enjoys teaching workshops for teens and adults about storytelling, worldbuilding, and creativity.

Golus lives in Greenville, SC with her husband, Mike, who is her greatest supporter. They have two active little boys and enjoy hiking, making Thai food, and exploring small towns in the Carolinas.

Discover more at WorldofVindor.com and EmilyGolusBooks.com, and keep up with book news at Instagram.com/WorldOfVindor.

Reviews

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

This was such a fun story! I’m not super familiar with Les Mis, but I could see many fantastic nods to the original while adding a totally unique spin to the world building!

Magma is a hilarious protagonist to follow with her thoughts about the “Topside World” & her relationship with Kozi is simply precious.

And the themes!! Mercy, justice, forgiveness, and the power of love… they all hit home. Truly an excellent retelling that will keep you riveted!

[The Batman (Reagan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The author sent me this book for review consideration, but all opinions are my own*

Emily perfectly weaves a story that feels original and expands on the world she created for her previous books Escape to Vindor and Mists of Paracosmia), whilst still retaining the themes and integrity of the original story that inspire it. Hooked from the beginning.

[Sarah Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Crack the Stone is the perfect addition to Emily Golus’s world of Vindor. The retelling of Les Mis was beautiful, unique, and heartwarming, and I absolutely loved the relationship between Valshara and Kozi. I have read 2 other books in this series: Chase the Legend and Break the Beast (both of which are a FANTASTIC 5/5!). The other two were darker in theme and aimed for older readers. But I’m planning to read Crack the Stone with my elementary-aged son. I want to share with him the power of grace and redemptive love, and this would be the perfect story for that!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

*The author sent me this book for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.*

Because I love love love Escape to Vindor (one of my favorite books to share if someone asks me for recs), and because I had JUST read the unabridged Les Mis this year, I was thrilled to get a chance to read Crack the Stone, a Les Mis retelling set in the world of Vindor, but Jean Valjean is a female goblin convict.

The premise alone was enough to garner my interest. I found the book itself to be a quick, fun read (as opposed to its source material), full of creative Les Mis "Easter eggs" and connections, and at times laugh-out-loud funny. One highlight for me was Makozi's dialogue (Makozi is the Cosette stand-in for this novel, an utterly loveable character--unlike Cosette, who's more of a symbol and a MacGuffin than a character in the original). Another highlight, and always a favorite with me, was the delightful way goblins speak Vindorian. Finally, my favorite part was the hilarious and realistic portrayal of Valshara's moments of goblin culture shock with the above-ground world of humans. This element of Crack the Stone displays another instance of Emily Golus's gift for excellently thought-out cultures and her exploration of cultural implications that I've never seen in other middle grade fantasy.

As far as Les Mis's plot and themes go, this short novel is not designed to delve into the depths of Victor Hugo's ocean of a book. However, it does share themes and quickly (blessedly quickly! and creatively too) hits all the major plot points. I enjoyed the dramatic irony of having certain expectations based on the original story which Golus then played with to create suspense.

This would be perfect for middle grade readers who like Vindor, goblins, or Les Mis the musical, or for adults looking for a quick, fun read.

[Beilby_Book_Nook Bekki Beilby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fantasy retelling of the classic book Les Miserable. I have not read Les Miserable, but knew the synopsis of the story. That being said, I felt Emily Golus did a great job with Crack the Stone as it has similar themes of redemption, sacrifice, love, friendship and found family. This book was fast paced and with just the right mix of fantasy and action.

The book starts off with the main character Valshara, a goblin convict, who is actively escaping an underground goblin prison. The author does a great job of describing the goblin and what it might be like for her to break out from underground into the world above. The author’s attention to detail with Valshara’s experience above ground was very well done. Valshara think’s the moon looks stupid because it wasn’t a proper circle, trying to feed a human sticks, and that water just sometimes falls out of the sky are just a few of the examples of the alien experience she had being above ground. Through a series of events she comes across a human boy and rescues him from some fairies. Valshara names the boy Kozi and he names her Magma. It’s by taking him back to his village that Valshara forms a bond with Kozi that teaches her about love and purpose in life.

I appreciated Valshara’s (Magma) transformation from only caring about herself and her own goals, to caring for others and learning to love. This redemptive arc in the story brought me to tears near the end.

I would definitely recommend this book, and I will be reading her other books as well.

I want to say thank you so much to the author Emily Golus for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book! It truly was a pleasure to read this story. The author sent me this book for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

*The author sent me this book for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.*

Such a refreshing take on Les Mis! I enjoyed getting to see the themes of love and forgiveness in this lush world. I especially loved the relationship between Magma and Kozi, and getting to view human things from a non-human who had never seen or experienced them before. I would’ve liked to either get out of the cave in the beginning earlier, or to have spent a little more time getting to know what her life was like and what she herself was like before escaping.

Excited to get to read more of Vindor!

[D.T. Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big classics fan, but I loved this retelling of Les Miserables. Golus' choice to cast a female goblin as the main character was a wonderful choice, and reading Valshara's story was a wonderful experience. Themes of self-sacrificing love and the hope of redemption pervaded the book in a memorable way.

I so appreciated this book's focus on the love shown between parent and child.

The author sent me this book for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone

– this story occurs in the same world as Emily Golus’s World of Vindor series, but you don’t need to read the series to enjoy this book

– this is told from Valshara’s (also known as Magma) point of view

– there is some fantasy violence

Review:

*Please note that I’ve not read the original Les Misérables book, I’ve only watched the movie with Anne Hathaway in it and read a retelling of the tale prior to reading this one.*

This book was amazing! I could see parts of Les Misérables throughout the story and see the connections in this one and that. And I loved how Emily Golus made the Les Misérables tale her own in her own world with fantasy characters. It did take me a moment to get into it because of learning about this world through Valshara’s goblin eyes and the fact that she was on the run so she was more focused on getting away at the very beginning of the book (not telling us about her world at that point). I loved that the theme of mercy was so prevalent throughout the entire story and that it changed Valshara when mercy was shown to her. I laughed multiple times after she got to the Topside world and was learning about things like rain and how to care for a human child properly (because human children behave very different from goblin children). I almost cried multiple times towards the end and I adored how strongly Valshara loved her charge and wanted what was best for him, even if it meant it wasn’t her due to her circumstances.

Summary:

Valshara was imprisoned for crimes against goblin kind. Now, years after her imprisonment, she makes her desperate escape for a better life outside of the oppressive regime that has governed her every move and beaten her down for her placement in goblin society. She’s had to fight all her life and isn’t about to stop now. Especially not when she knows that one of the guards is hunting her down to return her to the pit she came from.

But Valshara’s journey brings her to the most unexpected of places and has her questioning things that she’s known to be true all her life. From rumored kings who save goblins from the pit being unlike any other goblin she’s ever met and humans that praise her for being kind, Valshara is finding herself changing to be someone she’s never known before. Throw in the fact that she made the odd decision to give away her one saving grace to save a human child from some fairies and is now on a journey to bring him safely home, Valshara is thrown head over heels into an embarrassing amount of unknowns while fearing for her own life. What on earth is happening to her?

[Leora Hagedorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it was a bit of a unique take, I was surprised how much I did enjoy this Les Mis retelling. Being significantly less intimidating in length, it hit well all, or at least most, of the main points of its origin. So it moved along at a good pace. The small twists that the fantasy setting provided I found fun and colorful. It also gave it a bit of suspense for the reader who is already quite familiar with Les Mis story, as it wasn't completely predictable. I found it personally entertaining to unravel how its story was condensed and taken a few liberties with. I loved also the bits of humor added. Which the gender swapped child seemed to have made available. So I minded less what that provided.
Though the ending was different. I'm still honestly trying to figure out if I'm ok with that or not. It fit the shorter story better perhaps. But it's also different while the rest of it stuck pretty well to its origins. But I'm also peeved that Javert's character wasn't shown to have as much of the heart wrestle and change. That might be smaller, but that's a big part of the book I love. Which I also think is a big part of what Les Mis represents, the heart being changed by acts of love.

[Shannon Hugo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The love of a mother is a beautiful thing, be she human or goblin!

Golus takes us back to Vindor, but in a different way in this fantastical retelling of Les Miserables. She still uses my favorite story telling device (creative language) and some one-liners make me laugh out loud. The themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption shine brightly.

[Althea Damgaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Golus spins a fantastical tale based on the classic Les Misérables using her world of Vindor as the setting. Follow Valshara, an escaped goblin prisoner, on her journey Top Side where goblins rarely go. I loved the characterization of Valshara and the details of the world building through the eyes of a goblin. I laughed through much of this book because of Valshara’s antics while helping a human child get home.

There is a deep story of learning new truths about the world and herself that enriches the characterization and story. It pulls at the emotions. Despite a great deal of humor with Valshara's antics, they helped lighten the story without downplaying the deeper meanings and themes.

If you love Les Misérables and a good fantasy romp, then you’ll enjoy this book.

I may have taken nearly two weeks to get through this book, but if I had a day mostly empty for reading, I could have devoured it in one sitting.

[Bryanna Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good story! I loved how Emily Golus kept the heart of Les Miserables but still made it very much her own. It was also extremely heartwarming to see a character that reminded me so much of one of my children! I would definitely recommend this book!

[Hannah Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

CRACK THE STONE is truly a treat to read. An epic tale of love and grace that pays tribute to Hugo’s masterpiece while still standing as one of the most original novels I’ve read in a long time. Valshara’s unique voice and unusual perspective undergird the story with sparkling originality. She is completely foreign, yet totally believable from page one.

As a mother of a little boy, I really appreciated Kozi’s natural childlike portrayal. His voice, thoughts, fears, and behavior were refreshingly true to life (a rarity in literary children.) Valshara’s love for (and occasional exasperation with) the little boy touched and tugged at my mama heart in all the best ways.

The setting is seamlessly woven into the established world of Vindor from Golus’s previous works, but full and rich enough to stand on its own even if haven’t read the Vindor duology. (Though, once you get a taste of Vindor, I doubt you’ll last long before you start planning your next visit.)

[Judith DeStefano · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I steal you away from darkness. I buy you for light. You are new." Golus purposefully weaves a story of redemption that explores the tug-of-war between the ideas of justice and of love. The message is timeless.

If you're wondering, will I be able to actually see threads of Les Misérables in this retelling? Yes! Granted, my experience with the original story is mostly through an audio dramatization, but the rescue of the orphan, a hound of justice, a heroic rescue, civil unrest, a place of sanctuary, a barricade: these elements are present.

There is also this growing sense of motherhood in the story. Valshara questions her ability to be the orphan's mom, but love and the affirmation of a couple of her new acquaintances encourage Valshara toward filling this role despite the unusualness of the situation.

But how does the fantasy enter into the story? There's goblins, fairies,

[Emily Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat of a read! This is a fabulous retelling of Les Mis for middle grade readers. It’s fast-paced and exciting, with relatable, memorable characters and an immersive fantasy setting. This is such a great way to introduce the themes and general plot arc of Les Mis to young readers without worrying about spoiling the original. It touches on themes of grace and law, adoption and family, forgiveness and redemption, and the way a single kind act can ripple out infinitely to change the world for good.

I was so grateful to be chosen as an advance reader; author sent me this book for review consideration, but all opinions are my own. (And I bought my own hard copy because I need this one on my shelves!)

[Elizabeth Lavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy. How valuable is it? Beyond measure if you’re on the receiving end of the gift. For Goblin convict Valshara, it topples her world. She may have escaped the physical shackles of her imprisonment, but it’s an act of mercy that truly frees her from the worst bondage. It’s one of her own darkness, the one that has dug its claw into her very soul for longer than she could fathom. Yet with this one she meets, it’s different. Where she expected condemnation, she received a pardon. Someone pierced the darkness of her soul and ignited the light that yearned to shine.
And where does the path take one? It prompts Valshara to reflect what she has been given. She extends the same gift to others because she has experienced how priceless it is. She takes on the care of the most vulnerable, a small boy, Makozi, after saving him from fairies. She is fiercely protective of him, even though she doesn’t have a clue how to care for a human and fully takes on the role of his mother until she can find his real one. The humans she cared nothing for before, she finds her perspective radically changed as the city comes under attack, and Makozi is put in danger.
Yet with all the good of this path, it’s a hard one to tread as Valshara discovers. It calls for a sacrificial spirit that is almost unfathomable, the kind that does what is best for the other person no matter the cost to oneself. It’s giving up what you only thought you needed for that person that matters. It’s diving into the depths to save the drowning soul and not knowing if you’ll see the surface again. It’s standing tall at the barricades and fighting the enemy monster to the last breath because those behind the barricade are worth protecting. Then there’s that moment when it appears it means you must let go and be willing to lay it all aside because it’s the only way to truly love. It’s a painful, tear-stained path many times.
Yet was it worth it? Valshara’s own words answer that:
“For while the Bandit King released me from the darkness within my soul, it was Makozi who lit my heart bright with love. And it was his love that opened up the world to me.”
Sprung from one act of mercy, her condemned soul finds redemption and true freedom. Then a simple child gives her another life changing gift, love.

[Vanessa Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: The author sent me this book for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.

Crack the Stone was a well-written adaption of a well-known classic. The combination of Les Misérables and the magical world of Vindor was briliiant!! (Especially if you’ve read the author’s other books before – Escape to Vindor and the Mists of Paracosmia.)

Having been familiar with her other works, it was especially neat to see some familiar characters on the side of the plot for Crack the Stone. I also loved some magical elements implemented in this story. Don’t worry, I won’t write any spoilers; but I must say that I absolutely loved the setting, the city of B’jeme, that if it were a real place, I would love to visit it myself.

Now, this is just my preference, but I would have loved to see the epic conflict/battle scene be a little longer. NOT to say that the story was lacking anything, but I enjoyed it so much I wasn't ready for the journey to end and the battle scene was so cool. Other than that this is a book easy to recommend!

[Rachel Greco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, fast-paced retelling of Les Mis. I loved the interactions between Valshara and the child. They were so adorable together! It was also a delight and very refreshing to read about a protagonist that's not human. They way Valshara sees the Topworld and humans was pretty amusing.

I would have liked to see Valshara more before she decides to pursue mercy over revenge so that I could have appreciated the changes in her more.

Also, a little more background/worldbuilding at the beginning would have helped me understand certain elements of the plot better, like what actually is the Pit? And what did Valshara do there? I assume something with minerals/gems, but it doesn't actually say. And I was confused about what was so wrong with being a blood hand and why she was a criminal.

But thankfully, these things weren't necessary to understand the main plot. And overall, it was a delightful read.

[Theplacesihavebeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crack the Stone by Emily Golus is a beautifully done fantasy retelling of Les Misérables. I was a little unsure going into it as to how they would add fantasy to this classic story but it turned out really well. Valshara has the expected character change after she is shown mercy, and goes on to try to live a changed life. The innovated way that Golus incorporated the “Cosette” character through Makozi was fun to read and helped to propel the story forward. Overall, this clean, fantasy version of a classic was enjoyable to read and well written. I would recommend checking out this classic retelling, that is the second book from the multi-author series: A Classic Retold.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book!

Emily Golus has managed to weave an incredible story for young and old alike. While staying within the basic framework of Les Miserables, there are many changes that keep this from being the same story. She's true to the original but truer to her characters and the world (from her other books) that she's used for the setting. Whether you've read Les Miserables or not, you will find yourself drawn into this retelling in a fantasy world.

Magma the goblin as the escaped prisoner is a brilliant choice, and she is written with artistic style, making you love her. Her story is all the more intriguing because of her confusion about the Topside (above ground) and reluctance to help the little boy, Kozi, while unable to walk away from him. Magma maybe doesn't have children, but her mother's heart persuades her jeopardize her own safety for the sake of Kozi.

There are lots of great elements in the storytelling including the way Magma talks and regards humans as well as Kozi's childish phrasings. It's a must read for sure!

"The author sent me this book for review consideration, but all opinions are my own."

[Dana Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Allison Tebo]

Reworking Les Miserables into a short retelling is a boggling feat for any author, but it is one Emily Golus handles not only with aplomb, but with an originality that defies conventional fantasy.

This take on the classic tale is told from a truly unique narrator: a female goblin. I cannot even begin to tell you how refreshing it was to read a fantasy that wasn’t narrated by the typical “hot and youthful” female. Valshara was one of the most original and lovable main characters I have read about in a long, long time!

This unique narrator (coupled with the refreshing lack of romance), were merely two small factors that make this book wonderful. Emily Golus is a master at world-building, and Crack the Stone is no exception! The meticulous attention to detail and culture makes a novel by Golus a rich reading experience. In addition, her themes never fail to move me to tears: Valshara's arc is guaranteed to make you cry.

This poignant story of sacrifice and maternal love will linger in your heart and mind long after you reach the final page. Once again, Golus knocks it out of the ballpark!

[Kendra Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would highly recommend Crack the Stone by Emily Golus. This book is a retelling of the classic Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. The fact that she turned this classic into a fantasy was a very intriguing idea to me. I’m not usually a fan of fantasies, but this book grabbed me.

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what an awesome story! I’m not a big fantasy fan, but when I saw that this book is a reimagining of Les Miserables I knew I HAD to read it! The author did a fantastic job retelling this classic, while also making it very much its own original story with some twists and turns I was not expecting!
When I started this book I wasn’t sure what I’d think of it, but I was immediately drawn into the story of Valshara the goblin and couldn’t stop reading because I had to know what would happen next!
Kozi was absolutely adorable! He brought so much joy to this story and I just loved him to pieces!
I loved how fast-paced this story is, the pages flew and the story never lagged!
Emily Golus is a new-to-me-author, but I loved her writing style and will definitely be checking out more of her books!
I really enjoyed Crack the Stone and highly recommend it!
If you love fantasy books with some magic and fantastical creatures you will love this book!



I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher.
My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crack the Stone by Emily Golus is a fantasy that revolves around Valshara, a goblin sent to a slave camp for her crimes. At first, I was not sure I was going to enjoy this book. But, the more I read, the more I found myself caught up in the story.

Valshara bravely escapes her prison, encounters a rogue king, plus finds herself caring for a human child altering making a deal with fairies.

The twists and turns the author takes the reader through will keep you reading. The characters and storylines are build a fantasy worth reading.

So, if you are looking for a fantasy, check out Crack the Stone by Emily Golus.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Amelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such is the power of love. It’s that small, trivial thing that the powerful sneer at and the selfish keep at bay. But allowed its course it will topple evil, transform cities, melt stone hearts, and bring the dead—like me—back to life.

Beautifully written and heartstring-tugging, Crack the Stone is drenched with feeling and mercy. Hopeful and richly imagined, this is a profound little book that’s well worth a read.

[Jamie (The Kansan Reader)]

Not catching my interest right now. Good story, but I'm in a romance mood.

[One Last Petal Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valshara is Prisoner One-Eight-Six-Two, a convict of the Pits in the goblin realm, deep underground. A daring escape leads her Topside, to the world of humans, a place of light, color, and smells she’s never experienced before.

But the Faceless is on her trail, determined to bring her back. As she seeks to keep out of his reach, Valshara stumbles across a community of goblins who’ve also escaped, where she first learns about mercy and forgiveness.

With these foreign concepts etched into her soul, Valshara rescues a young human boy trapped in a fairy ring. Her quest to reunite him with his mother sends her on a path to a new and vibrant city full of wonder and friends.

But will hate and fear triumph? Or will forgiveness and kindness lead Valshara to a new life?

“Instead of spending my brief liberty mindlessly running, I’d come alive in a way I never had before.”

This was such a delightful story! It’s not a full retelling of Les Misérables (no way that would fit in a novella!), but it shines a light on the core parts that make it a tale we love. I especially loved seeing nods to my favorite characters like Eponine and Gavroche.

It was really cool to see a goblin experiencing the human world for the first time. The relationship between Valshara and Makozi was delightful; he was such a joy to read, and his childish wonder and trust really brought the story to life.

This was a quick read, full of depth and heart, set in a vivid world.

5 Roses
No romantic elements. No swearing. There are a few injuries, but not glorified in any way, as well as some discussion of mistreatment.

[Sarah LaCourse · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC reader. The author sent me this book for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.

Emily did such a great job weaving this familiar tale into a world all her own. I loved her creativity incorporating elements of such a classic story into her novel. Something she did so well was allowing the reader to see our world - that is, the world of mankind - through fresh eyes. Things that are commonplace - for example, rain, the smell of spices, the colors of sunset - all became new and strange from our goblin heroine’s perspective. The mix of different cultures all in one place was really neat. She really captured the essence of a child in Makozi.

Aside from the very beginning of the book, I thought the story was really well paced. The first few chapters underground felt long. And I wasn’t really clear what drove Valshara back to the Pit after her flight from Ipktu. I also thought the sudden romance of Mareso and Etsuko toward the end was a little forced.

All in all, a great story with a powerful message about love, mercy, and forgiveness. Definitely recommend!

[TC692 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crack the Stone by Emily Golus was such an amazing storyline, which happened to be adapted from the classic Les Miserables. The reader can identify the main theme that carries over from Les Miserables, that of a criminal on the run that finds redemption in an unexpected and unlikely way. I have read the entire story of Les Miserables and this is an excellent retelling of the story in that book. This book was filled with giving and receiving mercy, which is one of the things that God tells us that we are to do in Malachai. It is also one of the things that God shows us over and over in his Word and that He grants to us, even when we do not earn it or deserve it. This book shows how love can soften even the hardest of hearts.
At one point in the book, the reader is shown how the characters try to gain salvation so to speak by works of asceticism or debasing oneself. God tells us in His Word that this is a false way to salvation that amounts to nothing. It is a false appearance of righteousness that can never even come close to saving the characters in the book and certainly no one in our reality. The only way to receive salvation is to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
The main character of the book is Valshara, who later is known as Magma to the human boy she agrees to return to his birth mother. As mentioned earlier she was a prisoner in an underground world. She is a goblin and in particular a bloodhand, which is an elite assassin class of goblins. She is in the minority as females usually are not bloodhands. She escapes prison and gets to the top world. Once there she encounters other goblins that have escaped. At this point the leader tells her that he steals her away from darkness and buys her for the light, therefore she is new. This reminds the reader of redemption in Christ. We are taken out of the dominion of darkness and put into the kingdom of light in Jesus. humans, of whom she has been told they are evil and vile. She encounters fairies that enchant people. They have put some sort of spell on a boy. Valhsara rescues him from them, and she sets out to find his mother or parents from whom he was separated. She is reluctant to do so since she knows there will be a bounty hunter looking for her, so she must try to escape the hunt. Along the way, the human boy begins to make her feel something that she has never felt before especially toward humans.
This retelling of the classic was excellently done. You will want to pick this book up as fast as you can and read it from start to finish in no time. The themes were familiar yet fresh and the world and culture building was first rate.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.