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Stories of Gereon #1
Stone of Shadows
In the slums of Gereon, sixteen-year-old Will struggles to survive and keep food on the table for his siblings. Working each day in the fields, he endures regular torment from privileged bully Tristan Arrington. But when a dragon snatches Will, he discovers a stone that grants him the power of invisibility.
Returning to the city, Will uses his new ability and stumbles across a much darker truth about Tristan and his powerful father. Suddenly, the world is no longer black and white. There are people who are much more dangerous than Will ever thought. As a tentative friendship forms amidst a web of secrets, one boy’s life hangs in the balance—and just how much of himself is Will willing to risk?
This novella contains some darkness and violence, a generous helping of hurt/comfort, a healthy dose of stupid boys, and a clean HBTQ relationship.
Returning to the city, Will uses his new ability and stumbles across a much darker truth about Tristan and his powerful father. Suddenly, the world is no longer black and white. There are people who are much more dangerous than Will ever thought. As a tentative friendship forms amidst a web of secrets, one boy’s life hangs in the balance—and just how much of himself is Will willing to risk?
This novella contains some darkness and violence, a generous helping of hurt/comfort, a healthy dose of stupid boys, and a clean HBTQ relationship.
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2023
24 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Vavruch
16 books33 followersMeet Camilla Vavruch, a multitasking marvel and dragon-lover extraordinaire! By day, she’s a medical doctor. By night (and early morning and lunch breaks), she unleashes her wild imagination as a writer of fantasy novels filled with magic and, of course, dragons of all shapes and sizes.
Camilla is the author of two series, The Elemental Saga and Stories of Gereon. Both are set in the same universe, but with entirely different characters and focus. All of Camilla’s stories include found family (her favorite trope!), at least a touch of hurt/comfort, and a healthy dose of fantastical creatures.
When she’s not slaying dragons on the page, Camilla is also a mom of three (who somehow still finds time to sleep), a web and graphic designer, and a lover of all things creative – from writing to drawing and photography. It’s a wonder she has any time left to breathe, but Camilla wouldn’t have it any other way.
Join her on her wild and fantastical journey through life!
Camilla is the author of two series, The Elemental Saga and Stories of Gereon. Both are set in the same universe, but with entirely different characters and focus. All of Camilla’s stories include found family (her favorite trope!), at least a touch of hurt/comfort, and a healthy dose of fantastical creatures.
When she’s not slaying dragons on the page, Camilla is also a mom of three (who somehow still finds time to sleep), a web and graphic designer, and a lover of all things creative – from writing to drawing and photography. It’s a wonder she has any time left to breathe, but Camilla wouldn’t have it any other way.
Join her on her wild and fantastical journey through life!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 14, 2024
This prequel novella packs a punch!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I found myself holding my breath on more than one occasion. Wellwritten and believable dynamic between our two male main characters, given their circumstances.
If you're looking for an epic fantasy story that has dragons, queer mc, no spice, and a mysterious, magical stone: this is the story for you.
•••
I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I found myself holding my breath on more than one occasion. Wellwritten and believable dynamic between our two male main characters, given their circumstances.
If you're looking for an epic fantasy story that has dragons, queer mc, no spice, and a mysterious, magical stone: this is the story for you.
•••
I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own.
August 16, 2023
I devoured this book! It was so good from start to finish. Great for the ya crowd. I binged it in a few hours. I highly suggest to all ya readers especially fantasy readers. LGBT friendly. No smut.
April 24, 2025
Дуже мила та затишна казка.
Головний герой - бідний хлопець Вілл. Одного дня він рятує сина аристократа Трістана від дракона, але сам опинився в його лапах.
Сама історія і те, як вона написана мені дуже сподобалися. Це історія про дружбу та перше кохання. Дуже мила і солодка, але і з проблемами, з якими можуть зіштовхнутися підлітки. Можна сказати, що це Heartstopper у світі фентезі.
Мені було цікаво слідкувати за пригодами Вілла, тож буду і далі знайомитися з цим циклом.
Головний герой - бідний хлопець Вілл. Одного дня він рятує сина аристократа Трістана від дракона, але сам опинився в його лапах.
Сама історія і те, як вона написана мені дуже сподобалися. Це історія про дружбу та перше кохання. Дуже мила і солодка, але і з проблемами, з якими можуть зіштовхнутися підлітки. Можна сказати, що це Heartstopper у світі фентезі.
Мені було цікаво слідкувати за пригодами Вілла, тож буду і далі знайомитися з цим циклом.
August 17, 2023
Stone of Shadows is such a well written and thoughtful novella. You truly get to know the characters through the short book, a beautiful story incased in a small amount of pages. There is plenty of world building, character development, and intriguing plot points throughout that have you guessing till the end.
While there are some tough topics discussed, they are not glorified or pushed away, rather brought to light how they make the characters truly feel. They go through so many emotions that are well worded you understand how it really impacts them and changes their life.
I am so glad I got an advanced copy to read , this has really brought me out of my reading slump when I needed it the most. I will be highly recommending this to all my friends.
While there are some tough topics discussed, they are not glorified or pushed away, rather brought to light how they make the characters truly feel. They go through so many emotions that are well worded you understand how it really impacts them and changes their life.
I am so glad I got an advanced copy to read , this has really brought me out of my reading slump when I needed it the most. I will be highly recommending this to all my friends.
May 11, 2025
While this book did deliver a healthy dose of boys being sweet and quite a bit of hurt/comfort, I found it a little rushed. I guess that could be because it’s novella-length, but I’d have liked a little more time to develop the relationship between Will and Tristan, because I did enjoy them being together at the end. Also a few plot holes, such as: what was with the dragon at the start of the book? What is the truth behind the shadow stone? Then again, maybe these things are explained in future books.
December 8, 2024
This was a thoroughly enjoyable coming of age fantasy tale. Will is a lovable character with a good soul who fights for his family, and his journey with Tristan is interesting and compassionate. With dragons, a castle, heroes, villains, a mystical stone with powers, and secret adventures hidden in the shadows, this is a lovely fantasy escape that keeps you enthralled to read on. I only wish it had been longer so I could keep reading more.
*MM romance (clean)
*Triggers for violence
(Arc reader review)
*MM romance (clean)
*Triggers for violence
(Arc reader review)
September 4, 2023
Note: I received an ARC copy of the novella in return for an honest review.
I think the biggest issue I had with this book was that I wanted/needed more of the story. It's a novella, not very long, and that means that the history and world-building couldn't be extremely developed or the actual story wouldn't be given center stage. Had this been a full length novel, I think more justice could have been given to the background of the world. What is the relationship with the dragons in their neighboring mountains? How much of a danger are they to the people, especially those who are forced to work outside of the city walls? We only had one interaction with a dragon, which are obviously sentient creatures, but I expected one to crop up again at least in mention.
Other details I would have loved included the hierarchy of the nobility in the land. At first, I thought the title of Overster was something like an overseer, or basically a manager of the fields hired by the noble who holds the land, but further into the reading it became obvious that the title is actually a high level of nobility and Tristan is basically among the peerage.
The titular stone was also a mystery. Where did it come from? How is it able to speak? Why is it subservient to its bearer and is there an ulterior motive to its aid?
There were a couple of grammatical errors that I spotted, but nothing that pulled me out of what was essentially a sweet story of a boy coming to terms with his feelings for another.
Again, I really think this could have made a wonderful novel, because I wanted more. I wanted to know more about the world; how the orientation of the two characters would be accepted among the "uppers" and "lowers"; how the dragons affect everyday life; will Will use the stone again? It makes me wonder about Camilla's other books and did I come into a story in a world that was already fleshed out in other novels? Guess I'll just have to read them.
I think the biggest issue I had with this book was that I wanted/needed more of the story. It's a novella, not very long, and that means that the history and world-building couldn't be extremely developed or the actual story wouldn't be given center stage. Had this been a full length novel, I think more justice could have been given to the background of the world. What is the relationship with the dragons in their neighboring mountains? How much of a danger are they to the people, especially those who are forced to work outside of the city walls? We only had one interaction with a dragon, which are obviously sentient creatures, but I expected one to crop up again at least in mention.
Other details I would have loved included the hierarchy of the nobility in the land. At first, I thought the title of Overster was something like an overseer, or basically a manager of the fields hired by the noble who holds the land, but further into the reading it became obvious that the title is actually a high level of nobility and Tristan is basically among the peerage.
The titular stone was also a mystery. Where did it come from? How is it able to speak? Why is it subservient to its bearer and is there an ulterior motive to its aid?
There were a couple of grammatical errors that I spotted, but nothing that pulled me out of what was essentially a sweet story of a boy coming to terms with his feelings for another.
Again, I really think this could have made a wonderful novel, because I wanted more. I wanted to know more about the world; how the orientation of the two characters would be accepted among the "uppers" and "lowers"; how the dragons affect everyday life; will Will use the stone again? It makes me wonder about Camilla's other books and did I come into a story in a world that was already fleshed out in other novels? Guess I'll just have to read them.
January 13, 2024
Stone of Shadows is a captivating fantasy novel that immerses you in its world through well-developed characters and an engaging setting. The story follows Will, whose life-changing encounter with a dragon and discovery of a magic stone sets the stage for a thrilling tale of self-discovery and adventure. Will's character is portrayed with depth and complexity I wasn't expecting, making him a compelling protagonist. And Tristian, the 'bully,' also foils with him effectively. Their growing relationship is the highlight of this book for me.
While this narrative excels in many aspects, there are a few shortcomings. The pacing can be uneven at times, especially near the beginning (despite this being a shorter novella), and some plot twists are a little predictable, possibly due to some familiar fantasy story beats. The book also occasionally reads closer to a middle-grade book than I was expecting. With Will and Tristian occasionally displaying behaviour and thoughts that appear younger than their actual ages, despite the inclusion of some graphic scenes.
That all said, the ending of this book more than compensates for any issues that arose during the first half and midpoint. The conclusion is emotionally moving, leaving a lasting impact on me. Probably thanks to how well these characters are written.
Overall, Stone of Shadows is a fantasy novel that offers a rich reading experience, with its strengths in character development. Despite some predictability and some story moments that may feel more juvenile, the book's powerful ending makes it a worthwhile read.
While this narrative excels in many aspects, there are a few shortcomings. The pacing can be uneven at times, especially near the beginning (despite this being a shorter novella), and some plot twists are a little predictable, possibly due to some familiar fantasy story beats. The book also occasionally reads closer to a middle-grade book than I was expecting. With Will and Tristian occasionally displaying behaviour and thoughts that appear younger than their actual ages, despite the inclusion of some graphic scenes.
That all said, the ending of this book more than compensates for any issues that arose during the first half and midpoint. The conclusion is emotionally moving, leaving a lasting impact on me. Probably thanks to how well these characters are written.
Overall, Stone of Shadows is a fantasy novel that offers a rich reading experience, with its strengths in character development. Despite some predictability and some story moments that may feel more juvenile, the book's powerful ending makes it a worthwhile read.
September 19, 2023
STONE OF SHADOWS is a standalone novella that I am really hoping will become a prequel novella to a series. This world is fascinating and I was drawn into it from the very beginning.
Will is a 'street rat,' living on the breadline and doing what he can to support his family. Tristan is the Overster's son and heir, living a life of luxury as far as Will can see. That all changes the day a dragon comes to town and tries to snatch Tristan. Will saves him and is taken instead. His adventure leads him back home with a prize, and he learns that life is not as simple as he thought.
Originally, I gave this story 4 stars as I wanted more! Told from Will's perspective, I wanted to hear Tristan's side of things. I wanted more about the world they live in. I wanted more about Will's family. I wanted more about that mysterious stone and its powers. I just wanted... more! However, that didn't seem fair as I am supposed to be reviewing what I've read, not what I want. So, for that, I can only give 5 stars, but I really do hope the author returns to this world so I can at least catch up with how Will and Tristan are getting on. 😁
A great novella that I absolutely recommend! And take a look at that beautiful cover! This is an author I want to read more of. 💙
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Will is a 'street rat,' living on the breadline and doing what he can to support his family. Tristan is the Overster's son and heir, living a life of luxury as far as Will can see. That all changes the day a dragon comes to town and tries to snatch Tristan. Will saves him and is taken instead. His adventure leads him back home with a prize, and he learns that life is not as simple as he thought.
Originally, I gave this story 4 stars as I wanted more! Told from Will's perspective, I wanted to hear Tristan's side of things. I wanted more about the world they live in. I wanted more about Will's family. I wanted more about that mysterious stone and its powers. I just wanted... more! However, that didn't seem fair as I am supposed to be reviewing what I've read, not what I want. So, for that, I can only give 5 stars, but I really do hope the author returns to this world so I can at least catch up with how Will and Tristan are getting on. 😁
A great novella that I absolutely recommend! And take a look at that beautiful cover! This is an author I want to read more of. 💙
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
September 11, 2023
In Stone of Shadows, 16-year-old laborer Will finds a stone that makes him invisible and extra strong. When he uses it to follow his bully and son of his overseer home to see what opulence he bathes in, he stumbles upon a gruesome secret after which he can never look at the boy again in the way he did before.
Stone of Shadows is a fluently written novella that is not special in terms of wording and writing style. What I find particularly strong about this story is the blossoming romance between Will and his former bully. Aside from the fact that it is hard to write a believable romance in the short number of pages a novella covers, it is even harder when it's about a bully and its victim. Still, the pace at which the feelings developed felt logical and the author managed to call up sympathy for both characters, without ignoring unacceptable behavior.
The pacing of the story was good as well; I was constantly motivated to read on. All in all, I enjoyed the story a lot because of the good structure and likable characters. 😊
Stone of Shadows is a fluently written novella that is not special in terms of wording and writing style. What I find particularly strong about this story is the blossoming romance between Will and his former bully. Aside from the fact that it is hard to write a believable romance in the short number of pages a novella covers, it is even harder when it's about a bully and its victim. Still, the pace at which the feelings developed felt logical and the author managed to call up sympathy for both characters, without ignoring unacceptable behavior.
The pacing of the story was good as well; I was constantly motivated to read on. All in all, I enjoyed the story a lot because of the good structure and likable characters. 😊
January 12, 2024
So sweet and beautiful
I rarely read YA, but this story caught me by surprise. Will was the cutest protagonist I've ever seen and Tristan was simply adorable. Some of the scenes utterly broke my heart, but luckily Will was there to heal it.
The only thing that got me confused was there was a dragon in the beginning of the story, and after that there was no mention of it. What happened to the dragon? I suppose I'll see in the next book (which I'm starting immediately!). And I can't wait to see how Will's and Tristan's relationship will unforld.
If you enjoy hurt/comfort in queer reads, you should give it a try. Highly recommend!
I rarely read YA, but this story caught me by surprise. Will was the cutest protagonist I've ever seen and Tristan was simply adorable. Some of the scenes utterly broke my heart, but luckily Will was there to heal it.
The only thing that got me confused was there was a dragon in the beginning of the story, and after that there was no mention of it. What happened to the dragon? I suppose I'll see in the next book (which I'm starting immediately!). And I can't wait to see how Will's and Tristan's relationship will unforld.
If you enjoy hurt/comfort in queer reads, you should give it a try. Highly recommend!
January 21, 2024
It was a sweet but way to short read. I’m happy there is another story to read. I wanted to know so much more than what was given during this book.
I didn’t read the synopsis before, which I should have because when I did read it everything made so much more sense!
There is the growing friendship between the two male characters, there is a dragon, there is agony and pain but also family relations. But it never go very deep. I guess because it was such a short story. I feel there is so much potential in this!
So I really liked it in the end, and now I want to start read the next “Boy of Shadows” where I hope I will get to know the characters better and also the world it takes place in.
I didn’t read the synopsis before, which I should have because when I did read it everything made so much more sense!
There is the growing friendship between the two male characters, there is a dragon, there is agony and pain but also family relations. But it never go very deep. I guess because it was such a short story. I feel there is so much potential in this!
So I really liked it in the end, and now I want to start read the next “Boy of Shadows” where I hope I will get to know the characters better and also the world it takes place in.
October 28, 2024
a heartwarming mm love story with a bad dragon
loved the whole story. thr chstscters the settings, Will a poor farm labourer is pucked on be the oversers son. life is not easy until he 7s captured by a dragon he discovers a mysterious stone. the stine can make him invisible for a short while in his invisibility he gets to know mire about Tristan. a well written story. cantvwait to read the others.
loved the whole story. thr chstscters the settings, Will a poor farm labourer is pucked on be the oversers son. life is not easy until he 7s captured by a dragon he discovers a mysterious stone. the stine can make him invisible for a short while in his invisibility he gets to know mire about Tristan. a well written story. cantvwait to read the others.
November 16, 2024
This was a lot of fun and packed a lot into its relatively short page count. It's my first introduction into this world and I had a blast.
I really like Will as a character, with the lack of brain to mouth filter at certain moments, and the way the relationship developed with Tristan as we learned more about his character was really well done and kinda sweet.
I am definitely going to be checking out the rest of the novellas in this series soon
I really like Will as a character, with the lack of brain to mouth filter at certain moments, and the way the relationship developed with Tristan as we learned more about his character was really well done and kinda sweet.
I am definitely going to be checking out the rest of the novellas in this series soon
September 22, 2023
I LOVED this novella and I devoured this story. The animosity between Will and Tristan keeps you guessing and trying to figure what they were going to do next. I hope hope HOPE that this story is continued. I will be recommending this to others.
LGBTQ+ friendly.
Enemies to Lovers Troupe
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review. Honestly, READ IT!
LGBTQ+ friendly.
Enemies to Lovers Troupe
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review. Honestly, READ IT!
November 20, 2023
Stone of Shadow had everything I could want in a novella. The two main characters are so relatable and real that I immediately got hooked in the story. The mystery of the stone, the development of the romance, and the overall strong storytelling made this is a wonderful little read and I would recommend it highly to anyone who wants a good MM romance.
May 27, 2025
dragons, then talking dragons? had me hooked. a talking stone that makes u invisible? yup I'm sold......bleh. I felt like it fell flat but had so much potential. it could be it's just been awhile since I've read the YA section but I wish they'd had more scenes/explanations with the dragons and talking stone. maybe that's talked abt more in other books since this was a novella.
November 3, 2024
Wow, I got this book on stuff your Kindle day and I definitely wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did.
Though Tristan's story is sad, his relationship with Will was heartwarming and so so cute!!
Though Tristan's story is sad, his relationship with Will was heartwarming and so so cute!!
December 28, 2023
Short, pleasant read. Not a lot of world building or justification for characters’ reactions / interactions. I’ll read the next book but I hope there’s a little more meat soon.
July 28, 2024
Single-handedly one of the best novellas I've read. It's sweet, cute, and it makes you giggle and kick your feet. Truly lovely, and it deserves more hype.
December 14, 2024
It was soooo short, if it had been longer I think it would have been boring.
And it was so damn cute, aside from the violence, I mean Will and Tristen were cute. <3
And it was so damn cute, aside from the violence, I mean Will and Tristen were cute. <3
August 30, 2025
Uses AI
February 5, 2024
My bestie did find stumble on an Instagram post with this book and it did caught our interest.
It is a book that you easily lose yourself in and have a hard time to put away. It is written in an easy flowing way, that dance for you over the pages.
You laugh, feel the pain and most of all the desire to survive and protect the ones near you.
Well written, lovely story and good character development. I can't wait to start reading the next book!
It is a book that you easily lose yourself in and have a hard time to put away. It is written in an easy flowing way, that dance for you over the pages.
You laugh, feel the pain and most of all the desire to survive and protect the ones near you.
Well written, lovely story and good character development. I can't wait to start reading the next book!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews