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Adamant in Dust
Stones of power and one princess to save them all.The Far Stone Endurant is broken, and a prophecy foretells doom…
She should have been the chosen princess to deliver them. But Pergi can’t love Prince Teyrnon, and that's a deal-breaker.
Pergi has prepared all her life to become the ruler that her father wants. Without sons, he knows she could only retain the throne if she marries the neighboring prince, combining their kingdoms. Yet the same prophecy that calls for the reunification also warns that they must join by love. Supplanted by her younger sister in this technicality, Pergi waits with ill grace for Sadira to marry Teyrnon and steal her birthright. No one expects that Sadira would do a runner on her wedding day. What starts as an impromptu rescue of the wayward bride leads to a desperate struggle against a deadly foe.
The dark lord Malchor ensnares Sadira in his opening bid to gain all the Far Stones of power. With them, he will subjugate all the peoples of Miran. At every turn, Pergi and her fellows run deeper into the conflict. Ancient lore, untold enemies, and secrets awaken to plunge them into overwhelming danger. They fight against evil and doubts in competing measures. Untried companions must trust each other with their lives and face the unknown together. Pergi again owns the responsibility to fulfill the prophecy, though it has become more unattainable. Can her adamant sense of duty rise above all the forces crushing her?
It's not a game of hearts as they try to stay ahead of Malchor’s ruthless schemes. Their world lies on the brink of dire conquest, and the crux is Pergi’s impossible burden. The answer might not be what anyone envisions.
Pergi’s epic journey begins in this first installment of the Far Stone Cycle!
She should have been the chosen princess to deliver them. But Pergi can’t love Prince Teyrnon, and that's a deal-breaker.
Pergi has prepared all her life to become the ruler that her father wants. Without sons, he knows she could only retain the throne if she marries the neighboring prince, combining their kingdoms. Yet the same prophecy that calls for the reunification also warns that they must join by love. Supplanted by her younger sister in this technicality, Pergi waits with ill grace for Sadira to marry Teyrnon and steal her birthright. No one expects that Sadira would do a runner on her wedding day. What starts as an impromptu rescue of the wayward bride leads to a desperate struggle against a deadly foe.
The dark lord Malchor ensnares Sadira in his opening bid to gain all the Far Stones of power. With them, he will subjugate all the peoples of Miran. At every turn, Pergi and her fellows run deeper into the conflict. Ancient lore, untold enemies, and secrets awaken to plunge them into overwhelming danger. They fight against evil and doubts in competing measures. Untried companions must trust each other with their lives and face the unknown together. Pergi again owns the responsibility to fulfill the prophecy, though it has become more unattainable. Can her adamant sense of duty rise above all the forces crushing her?
It's not a game of hearts as they try to stay ahead of Malchor’s ruthless schemes. Their world lies on the brink of dire conquest, and the crux is Pergi’s impossible burden. The answer might not be what anyone envisions.
Pergi’s epic journey begins in this first installment of the Far Stone Cycle!
292 pages, ebook
Published April 28, 2024
About the author
Willamette Sutta
7 books16 followersWillamette Sutta is the pen name of a former academic librarian who has always been more fascinated with the worlds of imagination than the STEM books that she curated. Now she combines her love of information and speculation to create fantastic stories that nevertheless give an air of a world truer than the one we see. Find the story beneath the story.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 15 reviews
January 15, 2026
Read for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely!
Adamant in Dust by Willamette Sutta
This was a fine enough read for me. I finished it without forcing myself, and there were parts I genuinely enjoyed, but it never quite crossed the line into favourite territory.
As an SPFBO entry and an indie fantasy, it sits in that familiar space where ambition and enthusiasm are clearly there, but the execution sometimes feels a bit rough. I like many self-published books, some of my all-time favourites are indie, but here the story often felt a little too safe and too close to familiar fantasy shapes.
Some of the characters worked well enough. I liked a few of them and was interested in following their journeys. Fu Ma, the foreign warrior woman, stood out as one of the most engaging characters, bringing a sense of history, competence, and quiet humour with her. One of the princesses also shows hints of complexity. Overall though, many characters felt either very good or very evil, with little space in between. That lack of nuance made it harder for me to really care when things went wrong for them, because they never fully felt like messy, complicated people.
Plot-wise, I often felt a step ahead of the book. Several moments of foreshadowing struck me as heavy-handed, and I suspect I already see at least one major future twist coming, even though it has not happened yet. That may partly be down to experience, I have read a lot of fantasy and am not easily surprised anymore, but here the signposting was especially obvious.
Partway through reviewing, I noticed the book being tagged as clean Christian fiction, and that explained a lot of my mixed feelings. I do not mind quiet books, gentle books, or stories without swearing or graphic violence. I love Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot series. But in a high fantasy setting with looming war, betrayal, and power struggles, the extreme kindness, restraint, and reluctance to truly harm enemies felt strange to me. The magic system, which only works through humility, faith, and not wanting recognition, also came across as more preachy than philosophical, something I struggled with before I even realised its religious roots.
I also wished for a more diverse cast. Fu Ma is essentially the only clear indication that this world extends beyond the familiar kingdoms we spend most of our time in. Through her, we get the sense that there are other cultures, traditions, and histories out there, but they remain largely unexplored. That felt like a missed opportunity, especially since she herself was one of the more interesting elements in the book.
On a lighter note, I did really enjoy the wyvern. I am always happy to see fantasy creatures, and its presence added a welcome spark of fun and wonder.
In the end, Adamant in Dust is not a bad book. It is readable, earnest, and clearly written with care. For readers who enjoy clean fantasy with clear moral lines and gentle handling of conflict, it may be a comfortable and satisfying read. For me, it lacked the sharp edges, moral complexity, and emotional depth that make an epic fantasy linger once the final page is turned.
Adamant in Dust by Willamette Sutta
This was a fine enough read for me. I finished it without forcing myself, and there were parts I genuinely enjoyed, but it never quite crossed the line into favourite territory.
As an SPFBO entry and an indie fantasy, it sits in that familiar space where ambition and enthusiasm are clearly there, but the execution sometimes feels a bit rough. I like many self-published books, some of my all-time favourites are indie, but here the story often felt a little too safe and too close to familiar fantasy shapes.
Some of the characters worked well enough. I liked a few of them and was interested in following their journeys. Fu Ma, the foreign warrior woman, stood out as one of the most engaging characters, bringing a sense of history, competence, and quiet humour with her. One of the princesses also shows hints of complexity. Overall though, many characters felt either very good or very evil, with little space in between. That lack of nuance made it harder for me to really care when things went wrong for them, because they never fully felt like messy, complicated people.
Plot-wise, I often felt a step ahead of the book. Several moments of foreshadowing struck me as heavy-handed, and I suspect I already see at least one major future twist coming, even though it has not happened yet. That may partly be down to experience, I have read a lot of fantasy and am not easily surprised anymore, but here the signposting was especially obvious.
Partway through reviewing, I noticed the book being tagged as clean Christian fiction, and that explained a lot of my mixed feelings. I do not mind quiet books, gentle books, or stories without swearing or graphic violence. I love Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot series. But in a high fantasy setting with looming war, betrayal, and power struggles, the extreme kindness, restraint, and reluctance to truly harm enemies felt strange to me. The magic system, which only works through humility, faith, and not wanting recognition, also came across as more preachy than philosophical, something I struggled with before I even realised its religious roots.
I also wished for a more diverse cast. Fu Ma is essentially the only clear indication that this world extends beyond the familiar kingdoms we spend most of our time in. Through her, we get the sense that there are other cultures, traditions, and histories out there, but they remain largely unexplored. That felt like a missed opportunity, especially since she herself was one of the more interesting elements in the book.
On a lighter note, I did really enjoy the wyvern. I am always happy to see fantasy creatures, and its presence added a welcome spark of fun and wonder.
In the end, Adamant in Dust is not a bad book. It is readable, earnest, and clearly written with care. For readers who enjoy clean fantasy with clear moral lines and gentle handling of conflict, it may be a comfortable and satisfying read. For me, it lacked the sharp edges, moral complexity, and emotional depth that make an epic fantasy linger once the final page is turned.
spfbo-xi
February 5, 2026Disclaimer: read 100% of this book as a judge for SPFBOXI. Opinion is my own.
This was quite readable, what I personally call a nostalgic, comfort read with all the tropes. This book would suit readers who like books with prophecies, relatively strong female characters, with budding romance on the horizon and a recognisable Christian styled religion (I was not surprised to read in the acknowledgements the author was a devout Christian). However there was way too much exposition in some chapters (scene in the garden for an example), too many easy escapes from danger - secret tunnels miraculously found and weapons handily invented just in time, also I could see many of the plot points coming well before they happened (and some misunderstandings that will no doubt be part of the plot in the sequel)
This was quite readable, what I personally call a nostalgic, comfort read with all the tropes. This book would suit readers who like books with prophecies, relatively strong female characters, with budding romance on the horizon and a recognisable Christian styled religion (I was not surprised to read in the acknowledgements the author was a devout Christian). However there was way too much exposition in some chapters (scene in the garden for an example), too many easy escapes from danger - secret tunnels miraculously found and weapons handily invented just in time, also I could see many of the plot points coming well before they happened (and some misunderstandings that will no doubt be part of the plot in the sequel)
May 13, 2024
Adamant in Dust is a fantasy with an oriental twist. Besides the usual royalty and dark lord, there is Fu Ma ("noble mother" in Chinese), an ageless wise woman with martial arts skills. She seems to understand the prophecies concerning the kingdoms of Pennith and Bertingold better than anyone.
The prophecies state that when the two kingdoms combine ruling houses, a kind of golden age will ensue. The king of Bertingold has two daughters and no sons; the king of Pennith has a single male heir, Teyrnan. Well, elder daughter Peregrine just simply does not find Teyrnan attractive. Younger daughter Sadira says she is willing to wed, but then she elopes with the handsome Sir Launfal—or was she abducted?
Meanwhile an ancient dark lord from the far north, Malchor, suddenly attacks the lands. He has kept to his frozen kingdom for centuries. The reason he suddenly takes an interest in the politics of the warmer regions has to do with some magic stones. He has one, and each of the kings has one. There are four altogether. If they were to be owned by one person, he or she could rule with true supernatural power.
There are therefore two or three quests. Malchor wants the stones. Another neighboring dukedom claims the throne of Pennith, so he raises an army. A search party from the two kingdoms goes over mountains trying to find Sadira. Oh, yeah, Launfal rides a wyvern. That dragon-like creature creates no small amount of consternation wherever he flies.
The battle situations are described really well here, and once past the introductory chapters there is a lot of action. Fantasy readers should get a kick out of it, and it may even pick up a few fans of historical romance. After all, Launfal's sweeping away Sadira is not unlike Lt. Wickham eloping with Lydia Bennet.
One suggestion to readers. Because there are so many characters in this tale of epic scope, the author has included a Glossary of Characters at the end of the book. Because I read this on a Kindle, I did not realize that until I finished. It would have been helpful to me to have bookmarked that cast list so I could have referred to it while reading the story. If you do read the book, note that appendix. You may find it will aid you.
The prophecies state that when the two kingdoms combine ruling houses, a kind of golden age will ensue. The king of Bertingold has two daughters and no sons; the king of Pennith has a single male heir, Teyrnan. Well, elder daughter Peregrine just simply does not find Teyrnan attractive. Younger daughter Sadira says she is willing to wed, but then she elopes with the handsome Sir Launfal—or was she abducted?
Meanwhile an ancient dark lord from the far north, Malchor, suddenly attacks the lands. He has kept to his frozen kingdom for centuries. The reason he suddenly takes an interest in the politics of the warmer regions has to do with some magic stones. He has one, and each of the kings has one. There are four altogether. If they were to be owned by one person, he or she could rule with true supernatural power.
There are therefore two or three quests. Malchor wants the stones. Another neighboring dukedom claims the throne of Pennith, so he raises an army. A search party from the two kingdoms goes over mountains trying to find Sadira. Oh, yeah, Launfal rides a wyvern. That dragon-like creature creates no small amount of consternation wherever he flies.
The battle situations are described really well here, and once past the introductory chapters there is a lot of action. Fantasy readers should get a kick out of it, and it may even pick up a few fans of historical romance. After all, Launfal's sweeping away Sadira is not unlike Lt. Wickham eloping with Lydia Bennet.
One suggestion to readers. Because there are so many characters in this tale of epic scope, the author has included a Glossary of Characters at the end of the book. Because I read this on a Kindle, I did not realize that until I finished. It would have been helpful to me to have bookmarked that cast list so I could have referred to it while reading the story. If you do read the book, note that appendix. You may find it will aid you.
September 29, 2024
This story is set in a quasi-medieval fantasy world with an imaginative type of magic: sacred stones that serve as conduits for the power of the Creator. I enjoyed watching the world unfold as the characters attempt to find and harness these stones while not getting killed.
Speaking of characters: although there are many people in this fantasy land, several were very thoughtfully constructed and held my attention:
- Princess Pergi, who is beginning to come to an adult awareness of her place in the universe.
- Adlaren, who is a mysterious figure (unknown origins) who seems to be a love match for Pergi. I hope this relationship continues into the next book.
- The third character I liked was Princess Pergi's trainer, a foreign-born older woman who knows a lot more than she lets on and has a great sense of humor.
This was a fast read. The story is clean and although there are some adult themes sprinkled throughout (murder, war, adultery, etc.), they are neither glorified nor excessively detailed.
I recommend this book!
Speaking of characters: although there are many people in this fantasy land, several were very thoughtfully constructed and held my attention:
- Princess Pergi, who is beginning to come to an adult awareness of her place in the universe.
- Adlaren, who is a mysterious figure (unknown origins) who seems to be a love match for Pergi. I hope this relationship continues into the next book.
- The third character I liked was Princess Pergi's trainer, a foreign-born older woman who knows a lot more than she lets on and has a great sense of humor.
This was a fast read. The story is clean and although there are some adult themes sprinkled throughout (murder, war, adultery, etc.), they are neither glorified nor excessively detailed.
I recommend this book!
May 7, 2024
Engaging plot and interesting characters on a great adventure! What more could you want? I know. Book 2!
I'm really glad I discovered a new author and a new series to read. At first I was bit confused by the new terms in the world, but they quickly became second hand.
I really enjoyed getting to know the main characters. All of them have flaws, depth and complex relationships within the group. Plus if you join the author's mailing list, she sends you pictures of them! How fun is that.
Can't wait for book 2 in this series.
I'm really glad I discovered a new author and a new series to read. At first I was bit confused by the new terms in the world, but they quickly became second hand.
I really enjoyed getting to know the main characters. All of them have flaws, depth and complex relationships within the group. Plus if you join the author's mailing list, she sends you pictures of them! How fun is that.
Can't wait for book 2 in this series.
April 6, 2024
Excellent epic clean christian fantasy story with fascinating characters and an awesome background to the main story. Love it!!!!! I cannot give details because I do no want to spoil the story. I got a review copy and I am happy to see that i am the first to review it it. Read it, you will love it.
The writing is perfect, the names are at first a bit difficult to memorize but this is as it should be in a fantasy world.
The writing is perfect, the names are at first a bit difficult to memorize but this is as it should be in a fantasy world.
August 27, 2024
This is a book that you'll want to read (at least) twice.
The first time the compelling story keeps you turning the pages as fast as possible to see what happens next. The Truths underpinning this story warrant a more leisurely, deliberate re-reading however.
Adamant in Dust is the first book of a series of four, and I can't wait to find out what happens next to Pergi, Fu-Ma and the rest of the endearing characters.
The first time the compelling story keeps you turning the pages as fast as possible to see what happens next. The Truths underpinning this story warrant a more leisurely, deliberate re-reading however.
Adamant in Dust is the first book of a series of four, and I can't wait to find out what happens next to Pergi, Fu-Ma and the rest of the endearing characters.
February 18, 2026
Great YA fantasy.
I read via audio. I enjoyed the story but not the audio of it and that is rough to say. Not that there was anything wrong with the narrator I just didn't enjoy how flat the emotions seemed and that is my personal opinion.
Pergi's story is a little heart breaking especially when she is pushed aside time and time again.
The stones are very interesting. Their magic and abilities cross great distances.
I look forward to diving into book 2.
I read via audio. I enjoyed the story but not the audio of it and that is rough to say. Not that there was anything wrong with the narrator I just didn't enjoy how flat the emotions seemed and that is my personal opinion.
Pergi's story is a little heart breaking especially when she is pushed aside time and time again.
The stones are very interesting. Their magic and abilities cross great distances.
I look forward to diving into book 2.
May 21, 2024
This was an amazing book. It was so well written that I was lost inside the book after only a chapter. It really is incredible. When it describes this book in the blurb it says it's an epic journey and so far it's right on the money. I can't wait to read more of this adventure. A truly amazing start.
May 16, 2024
I really enjoyed listening to this story and wasn’t ready for it to end. The world captivated my thoughts, even when I was supposed to be doing other things. The characters drew me deeper with almost every line. The audiobook narrator was excellent too.
August 6, 2024
"Adamant in Dust" by Willamette Sutta, narrated by Kathleen Li, is a gem in the fantasy genre. Sutta's writing is enchanting, and Li brings the tale to life with her captivating narration. This thrilling saga of duty and destiny sparkles with every twist and turn!
May 4, 2024
Excellent! The blurb that accompanies this book doesn’t really express how good the writing is. I am sure I will be reading this one again.
May 4, 2024
This was a nice clean fantasy adventure with small hints of future romance in later books. I liked the balance between good and bad and the positive Christian elements woven throughout the story. It ended with some closure, but also with hints at further adventures! The characters are well rounded and each one has both positive and negative traits, which gives them more dimension and potential.
May 8, 2024
What a fun story, lovers of Tolkienesque fiction will appreciate this one!
Such a relief to have such excellent writing, clean, with a positive Christian message.
Such a relief to have such excellent writing, clean, with a positive Christian message.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 15 reviews