Brass and Magic: Heart of Stone

by Clay Ashby

After losing his farmstead Caelan must fight to feed his family in the unforgiving outskirts of Brekstrand and the lands beyond. With a crossbow in his hand and a brass-handled torch clipped to his belt he is determined to find the remains of the only guardian ever known to be slain, Firkus, Guardian of the Wildlands. Why? Because where there are guardians there are artifacts, artifacts hold power, and power sells.
Delving is Caelan’s new profession. A profession which will bring him into the deepest depths and to the top of the tallest peaks. It’s the most dangerous profession known to society with the most lucrative outcome of all, money and power. But every delve is a dangerous game. Those who lose the game lose their lives.
Is the risk worth the reward?

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2025

Reviews

[Brianna Gittleson]

Clay Ashby creates a whole new world, filled with history, creatures of all kinds, and magic, completely immersing the reader, to where by the end, you want to know more and explore more avenues of this immense world. This steampunky fantasy is accessible for those that maybe don’t typically read the genre, while still adding new elements to the genre. Caelan takes on a new adventure as tragedy strikes: hunting for artifacts, in an Indiana Jones meets fantasy RPG video game, meeting Obie along the way, a tinkerer that will steal your heart! Overall; a fun and unique story.

[Mark Owen]

This story is pure adventure from start to finish! Caelan’s journey from a struggling farmer to a daring delver had me completely captivated. The world of Brekstrand feels alive harsh, mysterious, and full of wonder. The author masterfully combines danger, emotion, and hope into a gripping tale of survival. Every chapter builds intensity until you’re holding your breath by the end. A brilliant read that reminds you what courage truly looks like!

[Anna Waitley]

Brass and Magic: Heart of Stone delivers on everything a fantasy reader could want: danger, artifacts, power, and a protagonist you care about. The world felt alive, and each delve was described with enough detail to put me right there. This is a book I’d gladly recommend to anyone who loves immersive fantasy adventures.