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Stoneslayer: Book One Scandal
362 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 18, 2025
Scandal drops you into the island of Azgard with the kind of confidence that says, yes, there will be kings, priests, regiments, and a whole lot of people with impressive titles, and you are going to keep up. Haha. Somehow, I did.
This book opens with Lady Mary Atlas, an older narrator writing from a grim future, trying to record how her world went wrong and why the Stoneslayer matters. From there we’re pulled into Helen Andros’s story. Helen is a military physician, mixed race, and treated like an inconvenience by the powerful even when they need her most. When she diagnoses Sergeant Miklaz Aran with terminal stomach cancer and then gets pulled into a politically loaded mission to treat the desperately ill Prince Harnak, you can feel the trap closing around her.
What really worked for me was Helen herself. She is competent, stubborn, and painfully compassionate, the kind of person who promises a dying man she will not leave him alone and means it. Sigh. The book also nails the constant low level fear of living under Toltec rule, especially during the Kindling holiday scenes at the Andros farm, where warmth and ritual sit right next to the threat of uniformed men at the door. You know?
The worldbuilding is doozy level detailed. There are power bases, social ranks, houses, faith politics, and court maneuvering, and eventually Helen is dragged into a public proceeding where the Temple of Kronos is very much watching. That scope is impressive, and the religious pressure feels real, not decorative.
My only real quibble is that it can be a lot. Names, titles, factions, all at once. Yep, the book gives you support material, but I still had to reread a few sections to orient myself. Also, the ominous thread of the Stoneslayer and Helen’s green stone feels like it is setting up bigger trouble more than paying off right away, which will either delight you or frustrate you depending on your tolerance for long game plotting. Lol.
Overall, I’m glad I read this. It is intense, thoughtful, and quietly emotional under all the politics. 4.5 stars, but I’ve rounded up to 5.
This book opens with Lady Mary Atlas, an older narrator writing from a grim future, trying to record how her world went wrong and why the Stoneslayer matters. From there we’re pulled into Helen Andros’s story. Helen is a military physician, mixed race, and treated like an inconvenience by the powerful even when they need her most. When she diagnoses Sergeant Miklaz Aran with terminal stomach cancer and then gets pulled into a politically loaded mission to treat the desperately ill Prince Harnak, you can feel the trap closing around her.
What really worked for me was Helen herself. She is competent, stubborn, and painfully compassionate, the kind of person who promises a dying man she will not leave him alone and means it. Sigh. The book also nails the constant low level fear of living under Toltec rule, especially during the Kindling holiday scenes at the Andros farm, where warmth and ritual sit right next to the threat of uniformed men at the door. You know?
The worldbuilding is doozy level detailed. There are power bases, social ranks, houses, faith politics, and court maneuvering, and eventually Helen is dragged into a public proceeding where the Temple of Kronos is very much watching. That scope is impressive, and the religious pressure feels real, not decorative.
My only real quibble is that it can be a lot. Names, titles, factions, all at once. Yep, the book gives you support material, but I still had to reread a few sections to orient myself. Also, the ominous thread of the Stoneslayer and Helen’s green stone feels like it is setting up bigger trouble more than paying off right away, which will either delight you or frustrate you depending on your tolerance for long game plotting. Lol.
Overall, I’m glad I read this. It is intense, thoughtful, and quietly emotional under all the politics. 4.5 stars, but I’ve rounded up to 5.
November 11, 2024
Talmadge kicks off her Stoneslayer series with a bold and immersive tale of resilience and rebellion, set in a world where social divides run deep and power is tightly held. In the rigidly stratified realm of Azgard, where race and class dictate status, the story centers on Helen Andros, a mixed-race healer of illegitimate birth. Despite her extraordinary abilities, Helen faces relentless prejudice but is thrust into the spotlight when her talents are needed to heal Prince Harnak—an act that places her in the crosshairs of powerful factions within the kingdom. Using a magical stone, Helen’s successful healing of the prince incites the wrath of the Toltec elite, who view her actions as scandalous due to her "half-blood" heritage.
When her true parentage is revealed—she is the daughter of the influential Lord James Modecai—the stakes rise dramatically as Helen becomes a threat to Prince Seti, a figure determined to maintain his control over the Toltec and Turanian clans. Her unique abilities and complex heritage challenge the kingdom’s very structure, placing her at the center of a turbulent struggle between entrenched power and transformation.
The novel deftly balances intense political drama with insightful social commentary. Helen’s journey vividly illustrates the brutal consequences of prejudice, showing how talent can be stifled by societal constraints. Talmadge skillfully crafts Helen as a strong, endearing protagonist, whose wit and sharp tongue bring moments of levity to her challenging journey. Her resilience, quick retorts, and humor keep her compelling, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Her strained relationship with her father, Lord James, is marked by mistrust and tension, further complicating her navigation through Azgard’s oppressive hierarchy. This conflict between father and daughter mirrors her broader struggle with a rigid society, making Helen’s journey both deeply personal and politically charged.
The novel’s themes of power, identity, and the cost of resisting systemic oppression are explored with nuance. Helen’s healing gift, which should be a source of pride and strength, instead places her in grave danger, making her story a poignant reflection on the perils of challenging entrenched biases. Readers who enjoyed R.F. Kuang’s “The Poppy War” may find parallels here—both novels feature protagonists marginalized by their societies, wielding unique powers, and entangled in political unrest. However, while Kuang’s work blends military fantasy with supernatural elements, Talmadge’s novel grounds its magic in a more conventional political framework, enriching the narrative’s mysticism without overshadowing core themes of prejudice and resilience.
Though the novel is strongly character-driven, the writing style can sometimes feel inconsistent, with shifts between archaic and modern language that interrupt the flow. Nonetheless, the novel’s nuanced approach to complex themes and Helen’s captivating personal journey make it a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre. For readers who crave more than escapism, the novel delivers plenty to admire. Highly recommended!
When her true parentage is revealed—she is the daughter of the influential Lord James Modecai—the stakes rise dramatically as Helen becomes a threat to Prince Seti, a figure determined to maintain his control over the Toltec and Turanian clans. Her unique abilities and complex heritage challenge the kingdom’s very structure, placing her at the center of a turbulent struggle between entrenched power and transformation.
The novel deftly balances intense political drama with insightful social commentary. Helen’s journey vividly illustrates the brutal consequences of prejudice, showing how talent can be stifled by societal constraints. Talmadge skillfully crafts Helen as a strong, endearing protagonist, whose wit and sharp tongue bring moments of levity to her challenging journey. Her resilience, quick retorts, and humor keep her compelling, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Her strained relationship with her father, Lord James, is marked by mistrust and tension, further complicating her navigation through Azgard’s oppressive hierarchy. This conflict between father and daughter mirrors her broader struggle with a rigid society, making Helen’s journey both deeply personal and politically charged.
The novel’s themes of power, identity, and the cost of resisting systemic oppression are explored with nuance. Helen’s healing gift, which should be a source of pride and strength, instead places her in grave danger, making her story a poignant reflection on the perils of challenging entrenched biases. Readers who enjoyed R.F. Kuang’s “The Poppy War” may find parallels here—both novels feature protagonists marginalized by their societies, wielding unique powers, and entangled in political unrest. However, while Kuang’s work blends military fantasy with supernatural elements, Talmadge’s novel grounds its magic in a more conventional political framework, enriching the narrative’s mysticism without overshadowing core themes of prejudice and resilience.
Though the novel is strongly character-driven, the writing style can sometimes feel inconsistent, with shifts between archaic and modern language that interrupt the flow. Nonetheless, the novel’s nuanced approach to complex themes and Helen’s captivating personal journey make it a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre. For readers who crave more than escapism, the novel delivers plenty to admire. Highly recommended!
November 11, 2024
Talmadge kicks off her Stoneslayer series with a tense journey into a world ruled by power, loyalty, and hidden truths. In the divided world of Azgard, the story follows Lt. Helen Andros, a mixed-race healer whose very existence unsettles the overclass. When her hidden lineage is revealed, she faces the wrath of those who detest her heritage. Thrust into a volatile relationship with a father she neither knows nor trusts, Helen navigates a treacherous path shadowed by the looming threat of the Stoneslayer.
Talmadge brings depth to the story with rich character development, particularly in Helen’s evolving relationship with her father. Lord James Modecai’s internal conflict—balancing his duty to his daughter against the demands of his political role—adds emotional weight, as his choices expose the tension between personal integrity and societal pressure. Helen shines as a heroine defined by resilience, vulnerability, and a biting wit. Her strength, humor, and complex character arc draw readers in, making her journey through prejudice and danger both relatable and deeply engaging. Her interactions with the influential Toltec elite, who scorn her heritage but covet her abilities, bring sharp social commentary on race, power, and sacrifice.
The reincarnation motif introduces an intriguing layer, as Helen's journey echoes a legacy of women who have confronted a demonic force across lifetimes. The ending neatly resolves key plot points while leaving just enough intrigue to keep readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. An immersive blend of political drama and fantasy, the novel makes for a must-read for fans of both genres.
Talmadge brings depth to the story with rich character development, particularly in Helen’s evolving relationship with her father. Lord James Modecai’s internal conflict—balancing his duty to his daughter against the demands of his political role—adds emotional weight, as his choices expose the tension between personal integrity and societal pressure. Helen shines as a heroine defined by resilience, vulnerability, and a biting wit. Her strength, humor, and complex character arc draw readers in, making her journey through prejudice and danger both relatable and deeply engaging. Her interactions with the influential Toltec elite, who scorn her heritage but covet her abilities, bring sharp social commentary on race, power, and sacrifice.
The reincarnation motif introduces an intriguing layer, as Helen's journey echoes a legacy of women who have confronted a demonic force across lifetimes. The ending neatly resolves key plot points while leaving just enough intrigue to keep readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. An immersive blend of political drama and fantasy, the novel makes for a must-read for fans of both genres.
November 18, 2024
Talmadge’s Stoneslayer series begins in the rigidly stratified world of Azgard, where race and class dictate status. The main character, Helen Andros, is a mixed-race healer who is looked down on because of her heritage. Her life takes a huge turn when she uses a magical stone to save Prince Harnak’s life. Even though her actions are heroic, they anger the elite, who see her as both scandalous and dangerous.
Things get even more complicated Helen’s parentage is revealed. This discovery places Helen in the middle of a major political conflict.
The book tackles big ideas like power, identity, and systemic oppression. Helen’s resilience and sharp wit make her a compelling protagonist, and her interactions with Azgard’s elite depoct sharp social commentary on prejudice and sacrifice.
Talmadge’s magic system is rooted in a form of shamanism. She very briefly delves into the history of the magic system in the book, but the absolute hard turn into the magic system in the last few pages of the book after such a richly crafted political thriller is jarring and feels extremely out of tune with the rest of the largely excellent book. It was essentially what stopped me from rating it higher.
Balancing political intrigue with personal growth, Stoneslayer offers a unique blend of fantasy and social commentary. Its nuanced approach and captivating narrative make it a must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy with a sharp edge.
Will definitely look out for the next instalment of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Things get even more complicated Helen’s parentage is revealed. This discovery places Helen in the middle of a major political conflict.
The book tackles big ideas like power, identity, and systemic oppression. Helen’s resilience and sharp wit make her a compelling protagonist, and her interactions with Azgard’s elite depoct sharp social commentary on prejudice and sacrifice.
Talmadge’s magic system is rooted in a form of shamanism. She very briefly delves into the history of the magic system in the book, but the absolute hard turn into the magic system in the last few pages of the book after such a richly crafted political thriller is jarring and feels extremely out of tune with the rest of the largely excellent book. It was essentially what stopped me from rating it higher.
Balancing political intrigue with personal growth, Stoneslayer offers a unique blend of fantasy and social commentary. Its nuanced approach and captivating narrative make it a must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy with a sharp edge.
Will definitely look out for the next instalment of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2025
The first novel in the Stoneslayer series depicts a society governed by power and intolerance. Lieutenant Helen Andros, a talented mixed-race medical officer, encounters political intrigue, treachery, and danger when her ancestry is revealed. Her resilience shows through in the face of rising hardships. Candace Lynn Talmadge expertly combines intricate narratives, detailed worldbuilding, and emotional depth. This fascinating novel is captivating from beginning to end, with interesting twists, multifaceted characters, and a touch of imagination. It is a must-read for aficionados of political drama and strong female characters.
January 23, 2026
"Scandal delivers rich worldbuilding, political intrigue, and high-stakes fantasy. Helen’s journey is compelling, and the immersive setting kept me turning pages. Excited for Book Two!"
November 16, 2025
"The nightmare of nearly dying returns."
The story in Stoneslayer takes you to Azgard, a divided world ruled by power and prejudice. It tells the story of Helen Andros, a mixed-race healer whose life turns upside down when her true parentage is revealed. Thrown into political chaos, Helen must fight against unfairness to survive.
Helen is a strong and relatable character, and her complicated relationship with her father, Lord James Mordecai, adds a lot of emotion to the story. Mordecai’s struggle to balance his loyalty to his daughter and the powerful Toltec society shows the deep social problems in Azgard.
The author, Talmadge, does a great job building Azgard’s world, mixing political drama with fantasy elements like reincarnation and the Stoneslayer. While the sudden focus on magic near the end feels a bit quick, the mix of intrigue and mysticism keeps the story exciting.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
The story in Stoneslayer takes you to Azgard, a divided world ruled by power and prejudice. It tells the story of Helen Andros, a mixed-race healer whose life turns upside down when her true parentage is revealed. Thrown into political chaos, Helen must fight against unfairness to survive.
Helen is a strong and relatable character, and her complicated relationship with her father, Lord James Mordecai, adds a lot of emotion to the story. Mordecai’s struggle to balance his loyalty to his daughter and the powerful Toltec society shows the deep social problems in Azgard.
The author, Talmadge, does a great job building Azgard’s world, mixing political drama with fantasy elements like reincarnation and the Stoneslayer. While the sudden focus on magic near the end feels a bit quick, the mix of intrigue and mysticism keeps the story exciting.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews