Xenagogue

Pebble Stone Chronicles #1

by Huckleberry Rahr

After years of wanting to join her sister in California, Pebble’s future changes when she decides to train to become the next leader of the Wisconsin pack. Chosen to take over the Wisconsin werewolves once she graduates college, Pebble is excited, and a bit apprehensive. She knows she has years before the mantle is passed down to her. Despite starting training, her focus is on doing well in college, and spending time with her best friend.

As classes begin, Pebble loves living in the dorms, taking classes, and meeting new people. Her biggest distraction is a weird recurring dream … or is it a premonition? The thing is, her wolf never sent her visions in her sleep before.

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2025

Reviews

[Shula McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an ARC in return I m leaving an honest review. I enjoyed this book, partly though it’s because I am familiar with the universe having read the entire Jade Stone Chronicles. I know it says it can be read as a standalone novel, but really I think I’d be lost at the beginning with Pebble in California for Jade’s wedding. Even meeting Piper, and members of the Wisconsin pack is a richer experience for having read Jade’s books first.

Pebble is a fun character, and reading her take on college and preparing to become the top pack alpha one day is interesting. The book reads very quickly, and I was done in two days. It’s easy for the universe to pull you into that world, and it helps being a YA story because it’s not particularly complicated. Overall 4/5 stars.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant story. Definitely outside of the genres that I usually read, so I was quite excited to be given the chance to read and review the ARC of this book.

The story follows Pebble, who's an alpha and the future leader of her pack. She starts college, among friends and those who don't really like her. It was quite interesting to see how she navigates through the challenges of being a future leader.

""I know lesbians do the whole moving truck on the second date, but just no.""
I laughed so much at this line 🤣 kind of reminded me of watching The L Word 🤣🤣

The book was so diverse, it made my little sapphic heart happy. I also liked how fast paced it was. Definitely a nice palate cleanser if one needs to put the heavier (and adult) books and tropes a bit on a pause 😁

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xenagogue by Huckleberry Rahr is the first book in the Pebble Stone Chronicles. It follows the life of college freshman and future alpha of the Wisconsin pack, Pebble Stone. Although it chronologically follows her sister’s story in The Jade Stone Chronicles, it is intended to function as a standalone. I found the beginning somewhat confusing as I had not read Jade's story first. Being introduced to friends, family, and pack members was a lot to take in. There are also spoilers for the previous series. After a bit though, I was able to relax into it and enjoy Pebble's story.
This author's strength is in the way they portray complex teenage characters and do not succumb to stereotypes. These characters are thoughtful and intelligent, navigating the typical challenges of adolescence alongside the unique complications of shifter life. Rahr also excels at constructing a believable world in which fantastical beings coexist with humans.
This book is not a standalone in Pebble's series as it ends without wrapping anything up, leaving you waiting for the next one. I was aware of this beforehand, and I am excited to get ahold of the rest of the story. 
I enjoy this author's writing style and creative world-building. Pebble is sweet and interesting, and I am looking forward to seeing her grow into her leadership role. Kudos for teens figuring out their sexuality in a mature way within a safe and supportive environment. 
The cast of characters is queerly diverse, and the shifter world is expansive. The tale of college life seems accurate and exhausting. There are some engaging mysteries to follow and a bit of sweet romance. 
I recommend this great young adult urban fantasy by Huckleberry Rahr.
#shifters #urbanfantasy #youngadult #fatedmates #collegelife #Wisconsin #California #demisexual #demiromantic #nonbinary #collegecampus #dormrooms
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Tina K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book as it’s related to one of my favorite series - Jade Stone Chronicles. I was happy to see the opportunity to get an ARC which is what this review is related to.
The book presents a classic coming-of-age narrative with a supernatural twist, focusing on Pebble, a young werewolf balancing the ordinary challenges of college life with the extraordinary responsibility of future pack leadership. The premise is immediately engaging: a young woman, initially drawn to the allure of California, instead embraces her destiny as the leader of the Wisconsin werewolves. In fact it was so engaging I lost track of my location in the book and it unexpectedly ended. I usually like to keep track of my progress but was so involved I didn’t even pay attention.

The story effectively sets up Pebble's dual life. She's relatable as a college student navigating dorm life, classes, and friendships. Her excitement and apprehension about her future role as pack leader provide a compelling internal conflict. The author wisely emphasizes that Pebble has time before she assumes this responsibility, allowing the narrative to focus on her present experiences and growth.

Overall, this book presents a promising start to an engaging series. It offers a blend of relatable character development, supernatural intrigue, and coming-of-age themes. Readers who enjoy urban fantasy and stories about young adults discovering their destinies will likely find this book appealing.

[Eva Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xenagogue by Huckleberry Rahr is the first book in the Pebble Stone Chronicles. I read it as a standalone, but from what I've gathered from other readers, you get a richer experience if you read her sister's Jade Chronicles beforehand.

I typically don’t read books about werewolves, so my only experience in that realm is with the Twilight Saga. However, I really enjoyed this story. I liked the characters and the dynamics between them. The storyline was engaging, providing an excellent experience in a young adult dystopian world filled with complex teenage characters and a strong family culture.

Pebble Stone is the future alpha of the Wisconsin pack, and we follow her journey through college as she steers through the challenges of being a future leader.

This isn't my usual type of book, but I needed something for my alphabet challenge, and I love pushing myself to explore different genres. I'm glad I chose this one; it was a nice, relaxing break from thrillers!

[Dulaine Roode · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following the story since the Jade Chronicles, they are one of my favorite series and my go-to to read... this book and hopefully the rest of the series will be joining my pile of most read books.

Pebble going to college and living her life now is amazing, since we met her at five years old in Jade's story. Now we can read about her life in her own story. I love it. And I had a lot of chuckles with the goose dive bomb antics... I can't wait to read the rest of the story... I am counting the days until the next book is in my hands.

[Margaret R. Feuerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent continuation of the characters from the Jade Stone Chronicles. These folks are fierce, loving, open, smart, and desperate for coffee--my kind of people and the kind of people I'd like the young people in my life to befriend on the page. This was a quick read that took only few hours and made me eager to read more of the previous series.