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Stone & Sky #2
Stone & Tide
Little can hold back the tide of war. Even stone becomes sand in the wake of the crashing waves. After their friends are kidnapped by a band of assassins from across the sea, Orin and his companions must mount a rescue party, teaming up with the Talon Squadron, the Griffin Guard’s elite warriors, and some “old friends” as they embark on an unprecedented quest.With the fate of their friends unknown, Orin and the others must brave unexpected dangers crossing the treacherous Gant Sea to save them. But the land of Kelvur holds secrets of its own.Pernden and those left back home, find themselves in the middle of another dark mystery. War is coming for them, and they must band together with ancient foes to save their peoples. Come sail across the sea! Explore a new land in the world of Finlestia in this epic fantasy adventure for readers looking for magic and mystery; a tale where friendships and deep-seeded notions are put to the test.Buy Stone & Tide to join the battle today!Book Two in the Stone & Sky series.
- GenresFantasy
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2024
33 people are currently reading
3766 people want to read
About the author
Z.S. Diamanti
12 books468 followersZ.S. Diamanti is the award-winning author of the Stone & Sky series, an epic fantasy adventure and the result of his great passion for fun and fantastical stories. He went to college forever and has too many pieces of paper on his wall. He is a USAF veteran of OEF and worked in ministry for over 10 years. He and his wife reside in Colorado with their four children where they enjoy hikes and tabletop games.
Connect with him on social media: @zsdiamanti
You can get a FREE series of his stories at zsdiamanti.com
Connect with him on social media: @zsdiamanti
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 5, 2024
Z.S. Diamanti has done it again! Stone & Tide was absolutely amazing! Without spoilers, I can easily say this story will be one of my favorites this year!
Diamanti took his already great characters and just continued to build onto them. They’ve really been fleshed out and you can’t help but to love and get attached to each of them as they embark on this journey. He also added a few new characters that are just as important and likable.
The story itself has more depth than the first and the stakes have never felt higher. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. There was magic, action, adventure, suspense, and even a few heartfelt moments. I need more!!
Not only was the story great, but Diamanti painted a beautiful backdrop for his characters. Through his writing, the already expansive world of Finlestia and Tarrine got even bigger and even more breathtaking. The world-building was totally on par with other epic fantasy novels.
I always worry that a sequel isn’t going to be as good. But that was not the case here! Thank you, Z.S., for sharing your beautiful fantasy world with me and everyone else that decides to adventure into this epic story. 10/10 recommend!
Diamanti took his already great characters and just continued to build onto them. They’ve really been fleshed out and you can’t help but to love and get attached to each of them as they embark on this journey. He also added a few new characters that are just as important and likable.
The story itself has more depth than the first and the stakes have never felt higher. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. There was magic, action, adventure, suspense, and even a few heartfelt moments. I need more!!
Not only was the story great, but Diamanti painted a beautiful backdrop for his characters. Through his writing, the already expansive world of Finlestia and Tarrine got even bigger and even more breathtaking. The world-building was totally on par with other epic fantasy novels.
I always worry that a sequel isn’t going to be as good. But that was not the case here! Thank you, Z.S., for sharing your beautiful fantasy world with me and everyone else that decides to adventure into this epic story. 10/10 recommend!
June 29, 2025
I did enjoy the first half of this book quite a bit. Garron and Pernden are becoming favorite characters, and I thought that all of their dialogue scenes were great. Pernden's love story with Nera is also delightful and sweet to read about.
The way that Diamanti includes so many Fantastical races and species is also quite a lot of fun. It makes the book feel very classic style fantasy.
Unfortunately, for the story Diamanti's trying to tell, I think he has too many POV characters and as such the story feels too broad and all over the place. This was particularly felt in the second half of the book.
Going back to positives, I will say that Diamanti's worldbuilding is most excellent, and feels very lived in.
Overall, a 7 out of 10.
The way that Diamanti includes so many Fantastical races and species is also quite a lot of fun. It makes the book feel very classic style fantasy.
Unfortunately, for the story Diamanti's trying to tell, I think he has too many POV characters and as such the story feels too broad and all over the place. This was particularly felt in the second half of the book.
Going back to positives, I will say that Diamanti's worldbuilding is most excellent, and feels very lived in.
Overall, a 7 out of 10.
September 21, 2024
My 40th book this year and I really enjoyed the first book so it was good to see where this story goes next. The stakes are raised and it feels a tad darker than the first one. For me its another enjoyable self published gem . Traditional fantasy is in safe hands with ZS Diamanti.
January 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🗡️ 🧙 🌊 🐢
“You don’t always have to be the hero, you need to be a king.”
THIS BOOK BLEW ME AWAY! If I could rate it 10/5 I would. It immediately earned a place on my 'favorites’ shelf right next to the 1st novel, Stone & Sky.
Follow your favorite Finlestia characters as they embark on another fantastic adventure! Tarrine is still in the shadow of their recent battles, dealing with the fallout when yet another threat arrives. Forced to take action, some of our group finds itself sailing across the sea to Kelvur while the remainders guard Tarrine as best they can.
Stone & Tide lets you see more of the world that is Finlestia! You discover new places and even new races of people in this installation. It added so much flavor to the world we already know from book 1. The battles were more intense, the magic more intricate, the relationships deeper. I had every single emotion whilst reading this book, it brought it ALL out. The way the author paced the relationships & their stories was perfection. The 1st book made me cry- this one absolutely made me weep. 🥹I enjoyed EVERY single page of this and do foresee myself re-reading this series in the future!
If you’re interested in the world of Finlestia, I suggest you start with the Stone & Sky Prelude Collection! You can find these short stories for free at ZSDiamanti.com.
🗡️ 🧙 🌊 🐢
“You don’t always have to be the hero, you need to be a king.”
THIS BOOK BLEW ME AWAY! If I could rate it 10/5 I would. It immediately earned a place on my 'favorites’ shelf right next to the 1st novel, Stone & Sky.
Follow your favorite Finlestia characters as they embark on another fantastic adventure! Tarrine is still in the shadow of their recent battles, dealing with the fallout when yet another threat arrives. Forced to take action, some of our group finds itself sailing across the sea to Kelvur while the remainders guard Tarrine as best they can.
Stone & Tide lets you see more of the world that is Finlestia! You discover new places and even new races of people in this installation. It added so much flavor to the world we already know from book 1. The battles were more intense, the magic more intricate, the relationships deeper. I had every single emotion whilst reading this book, it brought it ALL out. The way the author paced the relationships & their stories was perfection. The 1st book made me cry- this one absolutely made me weep. 🥹I enjoyed EVERY single page of this and do foresee myself re-reading this series in the future!
If you’re interested in the world of Finlestia, I suggest you start with the Stone & Sky Prelude Collection! You can find these short stories for free at ZSDiamanti.com.
February 6, 2024
This book was phenomenal! Stone and Sky was amazing, but this 2nd book is absolutely breathtaking. Just looking at the cover, makes me want to take to the sky and and go on adventure with these characters! Throughout Stone & Tide, we continue our adventure with our new friends we met in book 1. Even better, we meet new friends along the way through this book! The action never stops!
One of the things I like most about they way this author writes is his attention to detail when it comes to developing this world we call Finlestia and his wonderful cast of characters! The author paints very vividly the world we are reading about as if we are standing right there in the middle of it all!
If you enjoy fantasy, incredible characters (both good and evil), and great world building, then I recommend you pick this one up! Seriously, this book blew me away!!
ZS Diamante has blessed the reading community with this book and this series and I am soooooo excited for the 3rd installment of this amazing trilogy.
One of the things I like most about they way this author writes is his attention to detail when it comes to developing this world we call Finlestia and his wonderful cast of characters! The author paints very vividly the world we are reading about as if we are standing right there in the middle of it all!
If you enjoy fantasy, incredible characters (both good and evil), and great world building, then I recommend you pick this one up! Seriously, this book blew me away!!
ZS Diamante has blessed the reading community with this book and this series and I am soooooo excited for the 3rd installment of this amazing trilogy.
February 13, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend the series if you're a fantasy fan.
Admittedly, I wasn't sure after reading Stone&Sky if I was going to enjoy this story enough to continue reading it. AND perhaps I should rate 1st in fantasy series with a little more grace. The first book really set this book up to soar. Stone & Tide is an action-packed book that continues where Stone & Sky left off. Same characters, with more depth and relationship building.
We get the building of the relationship between the orcs and the humans. Once enemies, now on the same side to defeat a common evil. I enjoy that story line, its unique since orcs are generally evil or the bad guys.
We get a teeny tiny bit of romance, which I thought was perfect. It added depth to the story & characters without taking anything away. As the friendship develop and deepen, adding in a little of romantic interest seemed to fit.
The last few chapters and epilogue are "chef's kiss". Perfect! I was immersed and flying through the pages on my own griffin ;-) I almost don't mind the cliffhanger...Truly looking forward to next book.
Won an ARC copy from a Goodreads giveaway, thank you to Goodreads & the author!
Admittedly, I wasn't sure after reading Stone&Sky if I was going to enjoy this story enough to continue reading it. AND perhaps I should rate 1st in fantasy series with a little more grace. The first book really set this book up to soar. Stone & Tide is an action-packed book that continues where Stone & Sky left off. Same characters, with more depth and relationship building.
We get the building of the relationship between the orcs and the humans. Once enemies, now on the same side to defeat a common evil. I enjoy that story line, its unique since orcs are generally evil or the bad guys.
We get a teeny tiny bit of romance, which I thought was perfect. It added depth to the story & characters without taking anything away. As the friendship develop and deepen, adding in a little of romantic interest seemed to fit.
The last few chapters and epilogue are "chef's kiss". Perfect! I was immersed and flying through the pages on my own griffin ;-) I almost don't mind the cliffhanger...Truly looking forward to next book.
Won an ARC copy from a Goodreads giveaway, thank you to Goodreads & the author!
February 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book so much! It was so hard to put down with the stories and places and people all coming to life for me off the page. Highly recommend as the follow up to book 1!
February 7, 2024
I love this book! It has everything I enjoy in a good fantasy read. A quest, magic, mystery, rescue, mages, assassins, warriors, magnificent Griffins, wyverns, pegasus and more, fighting for survival, encountering danger at every turn and unusual alliances! I also enjoyed the point of views by the new king Pernden, his brother Orin and from Merrick. Z.S. Diamanti does an excellent job of weaving an epic tale that kept me immersed from beginning to end. The pace is excellent but for me it's the amazing characters that drew me in. A truly enjoyable and captivating read, one that will not be forgotten...... And I loved the maps too!
February 5, 2024
This is an amazing classic epic fantasy book with a great world and action packed adventure. The story picks up right after book 1 (Stone & Sky) and you’re immediately in a journey with a mission to conquer and save. The adventure takes onto new lands and new people.
If you like books with fantasy, adventure, battles, friendship, and magic you definitely need to read this trilogy. You’ll be captivated right from the beginning. Also, there are plot twist that you’ll never see coming and an ending that you’ll be shocked by.
If you like books with fantasy, adventure, battles, friendship, and magic you definitely need to read this trilogy. You’ll be captivated right from the beginning. Also, there are plot twist that you’ll never see coming and an ending that you’ll be shocked by.
February 6, 2024
Reading the first book in this trilogy was a truly awesome experience, and the author knocked it out of the park with this sequel! The love for the characters, the world, and the thrills are all here and I’d say even more fun than before! I’d highly recommend people give these books a read!
March 1, 2024
This was a fantastic read!!
This series has been really good but this book took the existing characters and world building and turned up the dial with more magic and more action!
I highly recommend this for fantasy fans, this series (including the prequel book) have some amazing writing and compelling characters!!
Makes me really love fantasy!
This series has been really good but this book took the existing characters and world building and turned up the dial with more magic and more action!
I highly recommend this for fantasy fans, this series (including the prequel book) have some amazing writing and compelling characters!!
Makes me really love fantasy!
January 2, 2024
This trilogy keeps getting better!
Stone & Sky brought together a band of unlikely friends and humble heroes. In Stone & Tide, those same characters are rushed forward on the waves of war.
Fast-paced without losing detail and development, this book satisfied my fantasy and adventure appetite. The world-building is top-notch, and I cannot wait to see how the author pulls all the thread of this story together in his third book.
Readers who love action, adventure, light fantasy, epic tales, fantastic worlds and characters who are both larger than life and relatable will love Stone & Tide.
Stone & Sky brought together a band of unlikely friends and humble heroes. In Stone & Tide, those same characters are rushed forward on the waves of war.
Fast-paced without losing detail and development, this book satisfied my fantasy and adventure appetite. The world-building is top-notch, and I cannot wait to see how the author pulls all the thread of this story together in his third book.
Readers who love action, adventure, light fantasy, epic tales, fantastic worlds and characters who are both larger than life and relatable will love Stone & Tide.
May 18, 2024
POV: Third Person
Easy of Reading: Easy
Spice Level: 0/5
This sequel slaps, if you felt distant or not totally in love with the characters in the first book this book will certainly change that or will expand on what you already felt.
In my previous review there were instances where I stated it was too "positive" and "happy go lucky" demeanor in some of the characters, I love that some of them in this one were balancing their own inner demons, developing romances, and the tale occasionally had some dark elements and violence that made this sequel hit the mark where the former was lacking.
I find myself often bored in reading combat and fighting, but Diamanti does an amazing job putting combat to words that holds my attention even more than that of a movie.
The writing has certainly improved as well, the characters are more complex and let us get to know them on a deeper level.
There are a few editing flaws, however - i.e. Ellaria getting off a boat when it was supposed to say Nera (Ellaria was NO where near this part of the story), Orin "unconsciously" touching a railing instead of "subconsciously" just to name a few.
The cast is entirely loveable and i've grown attached to most of the characters. Except Ellaria.... My BIGGEST issue with her is why is she a red-haired Irish talking chick, when her brother has dark hair and talks like everyone else... Shouldn't they both have the same accent? This honestly drives me crazy.
That being said the story is endearing and I can't wait to read the next one.
Given I read these two books pretty much back to back I remembered who most of the characters were, but in the future would love to see a glossary or index or all the characters with a cast this big.
Highly recommend for those who love classic World of Warcraft and Dungeons and Dragons style fantasy.
Easy of Reading: Easy
Spice Level: 0/5
This sequel slaps, if you felt distant or not totally in love with the characters in the first book this book will certainly change that or will expand on what you already felt.
In my previous review there were instances where I stated it was too "positive" and "happy go lucky" demeanor in some of the characters, I love that some of them in this one were balancing their own inner demons, developing romances, and the tale occasionally had some dark elements and violence that made this sequel hit the mark where the former was lacking.
I find myself often bored in reading combat and fighting, but Diamanti does an amazing job putting combat to words that holds my attention even more than that of a movie.
The writing has certainly improved as well, the characters are more complex and let us get to know them on a deeper level.
There are a few editing flaws, however - i.e. Ellaria getting off a boat when it was supposed to say Nera (Ellaria was NO where near this part of the story), Orin "unconsciously" touching a railing instead of "subconsciously" just to name a few.
The cast is entirely loveable and i've grown attached to most of the characters. Except Ellaria.... My BIGGEST issue with her is why is she a red-haired Irish talking chick, when her brother has dark hair and talks like everyone else... Shouldn't they both have the same accent? This honestly drives me crazy.
That being said the story is endearing and I can't wait to read the next one.
Given I read these two books pretty much back to back I remembered who most of the characters were, but in the future would love to see a glossary or index or all the characters with a cast this big.
Highly recommend for those who love classic World of Warcraft and Dungeons and Dragons style fantasy.
February 6, 2024
I loved this second installment of the Stone & Sky series! It's giving Lord of the Rings vibes (and I mean this in the BEST way possible) but without the long winded elvish and dwarvish songs throughout. It was so nice to catch up with my favorite characters from the first book and meet new ones throughout this epic adventure. Z.S.Diamanti does a wonderful job with character development and flawlessly weaves their stories together. I was once again rooting for our band of unlikely heroes to succeed against the relentless forces of evil. . The magic system and world building are also **chef's kiss**. This is a must read if you enjoy fantasy adventure!
February 18, 2024
I loved this book like I did the first one. The characters are amazing especially some of the new ones I really fell in love with. I’m so excited for June when the third book is released!
August 5, 2024
Excellent epic fantasy. The adventures from Stone and Sky continue as our cast of main characters splits between their home land and the foreign lands across the sea.
I’m excited to read what happens next in Stone and Ruin.
I’m excited to read what happens next in Stone and Ruin.
February 25, 2024
An incredible sequel to the best fantasy book written in 2023. This series has become such a magical part of my reading life. I cannot wait for more books in the series to be released. This book was just the most epic adventure that could possibly be had, and I’m so happy to be reading about it!
January 3, 2024
Amazing story! I thought Stone & Sky was great, but Stone & Tide was even better. Such incredible world building and dynamic characters you can't help but fall in love with. The second book in this series had me on the edge of my seat and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.
March 16, 2025
The world is bigger, more dangerous, and funnier.
Finished Stone & Sky on Wednesday, and I don't really go straight to the next one unless it's a novella. But i had to know what happened! And it was so good! The world evolves and gets bigger than book one, and the characters are even better with more banter and more character time of the others in the series.
All the characters are great, but I must say that after finishing this one. I'm roting even more for Pernden and Garron and can't wait to read more of them.
Will be going very soon into Stone & Ruin because this series is fantastic!
Finished Stone & Sky on Wednesday, and I don't really go straight to the next one unless it's a novella. But i had to know what happened! And it was so good! The world evolves and gets bigger than book one, and the characters are even better with more banter and more character time of the others in the series.
All the characters are great, but I must say that after finishing this one. I'm roting even more for Pernden and Garron and can't wait to read more of them.
Will be going very soon into Stone & Ruin because this series is fantastic!
January 21, 2024
As much as I loved Stone & Sky, I must say I enjoyed Stone & Tide even more. This story comes out swinging and I loved every minute of it. Great action and well written battle scenes. If you love Fantasy and aren't familiar with this series, let this be your welcome and encouragement. I'm already ready for the next adventure in the Stone & Sky series!!
April 1, 2024
THIS BOOK. Holy cow. Z.S Diamanti brought EVERYTHING to this sequel! He also wasted no time getting right into it! Loved this book more than the first and I didnt think that was possible. I hope this can be a movie because tha action, the imagination, just INCREDIBLE! Bring on the next book, Zac!
July 18, 2024
Stone & Tide is the second installment in the Stone & Sky trilogy.
This book was fantastic! It addressed my minor complaints of the previous book while building upon the story told as well! The characters, both new and old, are entertaining as ever! I enjoyed learning more about the world of Finlestia and how the two major continents of Tarrine and Kelvur are similar yet very different. This story hit every beat I could’ve wanted it to.
Now all that remains is the final book in the trilogy, super excited to read it!
This book was fantastic! It addressed my minor complaints of the previous book while building upon the story told as well! The characters, both new and old, are entertaining as ever! I enjoyed learning more about the world of Finlestia and how the two major continents of Tarrine and Kelvur are similar yet very different. This story hit every beat I could’ve wanted it to.
Now all that remains is the final book in the trilogy, super excited to read it!
July 30, 2024
To post a shorter review -
Just an absolute 10/10. Every moment of this felt important and impactful. The expanse of the character and world development was masterful and I loved every single line of this book.
As a lover of classic high fantasy - this has quickly become one of my favorite series, if not already my #1 on the list. Truly incredible.
Just an absolute 10/10. Every moment of this felt important and impactful. The expanse of the character and world development was masterful and I loved every single line of this book.
As a lover of classic high fantasy - this has quickly become one of my favorite series, if not already my #1 on the list. Truly incredible.
February 8, 2024
Captivating
While there is magic within the story, the story itself is magic. Wrapping and weaving it’s tendrils around you pulling you deeper into the world of Finlestia. A world full of fantastical creatures and characters that capture your heart. Prepare yourself to be so spellbound that you are unable to put this book down even though at moments you want to fling it from your hands as you fear the outcome of a particular scene. Many times I quite literally found myself holding my breath. There are very few books that have had this effect on me. I impatiently await Stone & Ruin. These characters and this world have me eagerly seeking more.
While there is magic within the story, the story itself is magic. Wrapping and weaving it’s tendrils around you pulling you deeper into the world of Finlestia. A world full of fantastical creatures and characters that capture your heart. Prepare yourself to be so spellbound that you are unable to put this book down even though at moments you want to fling it from your hands as you fear the outcome of a particular scene. Many times I quite literally found myself holding my breath. There are very few books that have had this effect on me. I impatiently await Stone & Ruin. These characters and this world have me eagerly seeking more.
February 14, 2024
Epic story
This series sucks a person in from the start and lasts till the end. Can’t wait to get the next one. Hopefully sooner than later.
Thank you for the awesome read
This series sucks a person in from the start and lasts till the end. Can’t wait to get the next one. Hopefully sooner than later.
Thank you for the awesome read
July 24, 2024
Z.S. Diamanti did it again. Tide picks up where Sky left off, adding to the secondary cast, the world, and the opposition. Though evil is gathering, it never feels insurmountable. The character relationships—platonic and romantic—grow and evolve through the trials and tribulations across Finlestia. Can’t wait to dive into book 3!
June 18, 2024
Stone & Sky #2
Epic Adventure Fantasy
What a wonderful continuation from book 1. The characters and world from book 1 are all here. Now we venture into new parts of the world and meet some new characters. The depth of previous characters and relationships are also expanded. The author really pulls you into the world and created some amazing characters to invest in.
This was a great adventure and I can't wait to read the conclusion in book 3. This series is great for anyone interested in classic epic adventure Fantasy. A vast cast of fantasy races make appearances. Flying creatures. Magic weapons. Classic battling of good vs. evil.
Epic Adventure Fantasy
What a wonderful continuation from book 1. The characters and world from book 1 are all here. Now we venture into new parts of the world and meet some new characters. The depth of previous characters and relationships are also expanded. The author really pulls you into the world and created some amazing characters to invest in.
This was a great adventure and I can't wait to read the conclusion in book 3. This series is great for anyone interested in classic epic adventure Fantasy. A vast cast of fantasy races make appearances. Flying creatures. Magic weapons. Classic battling of good vs. evil.
April 24, 2024
Z.S. Diamanti's Stone and Tide has left me wanting to know the rest of the story, go back and read Stone and Sky looking for clues, and read his Prelude series. The interactions between the characters, all the action taking place on multiple fronts and masterfully described locations at the same time is a testament to his skill in complete development and ability to engage the reader. Being a Marine Corps veteran myself, his tactics brought back fond memories of my time in the service as we prepared for training exercised and deployments abroad. A different fantasy, but definitely worth the read.
June 7, 2024
Stone and Tide hit on everything the first book did well, but amplified it. The characters interactions with each other. Their internal dialog. I loved the sense of unknown. Diamani really drove into that sense of fear and wonder. He has this compelling way of making every character’s emotions felt. In my mind scenes in this book played out like a TV show. This series is just so good.
March 8, 2024
Absolutely loved this sequel!
Engaging plot just like the prequel and the first book and I can’t wait for what’s to come with book 3!
Engaging plot just like the prequel and the first book and I can’t wait for what’s to come with book 3!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews