The Dragon Stone

Tales of Tyrrath #2

by Lauren H. Salisbury

She’s looking for a cure… but will finding it heal her heart or break it?

Jocelyn Dalbot has spent the last two years supporting her sister’s rule while longing to escape the suffocating confines of palace life. Desperate for a way to break the sleeping curse on their father, she sets out to find a magical dragon stone with the power to restore him to health.

Unfortunately, the stone has been lost to the ages, and only a few scribbled notes in the margins of an ancient text provide a clue to its whereabouts. She ventures south, where she meets Theo, an enigmatic stranger who appears whenever she is most in need and also seems to be searching for the stone.

With war brewing and hidden parties working against them, Jocelyn must decide where her heart lies before the dragon stone, and her chance at happiness, is lost forever.

The Dragon Stone is a fantasy romance inspired by The Hare and The Tortoise.

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Lauren H Salisbury writes science fiction and fantasy stories about courage, love, and redemption. She includes all kinds of relationships in her novels but loves a good found family trope when she comes across one.

When she's not engrossed in fictional worlds, she enjoys crafting, nature, food, and sleep. She lives in Yorkshire, England with her husband and a rampant cheese plant but tries to follow the sunshine south in winter.

A one-time avid collector of physical books, she made the switch to an e-reader when she discovered they could hold far more than one large suitcase. Her only complaint about them is that they're no good for taking bookish pictures.

To find out more, go to laurenhsalisbury.com
Happy reading!

Reviews

[M.H. Elrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clean fantasy romance with a spunky heroine and a calm level headed hero...
Joss, Parker, and Theo are fantastic characters. I really loved Joss' impatient and adventurous enthusiasm, Parker's patient tolerance of her and consistent bravery, and how Theo showed his charming side. The adventure through the different lands and development of the fantasy world was more fleshed out this time around, and I enjoyed seeing the cultures, especially the Free Islands. The romance had a little more sizzle with descriptive kisses, but the passion was well earned with the love between them built on more than physical attraction. Although there were times where the plot felt like it dragged a bit, I think it was because of Joss' desire to get the Dragon Stone. That's how well her characters came across--you feel what the characters do. Plus, there were a few plot twists I didn't see coming and a few I did, so it was fun to see what I predicted and be surprised by other events. Overall, it was very engaging! I absolutely loved the sequel to Wolf King and can't wait to read Book 3!

[Jenelle Hovde · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun!

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jumping back into this world, I love that while some familiar characters from the first book are still around, this story stands on its own and further expands this world!

In this novel, you get to follow the adventures of the middle sister Joss as she travels across kingdoms to find a solution to wake her father up from his curse. She must work together with her guard sent to protect her and a strange man named theo they meet along the way to unravel the mystery around the dragon stone and save her father and kingdom.

This story felt like an epic adventure and having me dive right in. I loved Joss as a character and the pants wearing, outspoken and adventurous sister that you would least suspect in a princess that she is. I also really enjoyed the development of feelings between her and Theo as well as watching her slowly form a much closer bond with Parker her guard as well! The multiple viewpoints made following the storyline and how each character saw things and felt in different situations all the more interesting. I enjoyed getting to dive into new aspects of the kingdoms and explore more of the world and magic/curses, and cannot wait to see what will happen for this trio of sisters next! My rating 4.5/5!

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written story full of hidden sdentities, high stakes, vivid characters, and uncovered secrets.

Set on a mission to save her father from a curse, Joss and her long suffering guard Parker, set out to find the Dragon Stone as a last effort to cure him.

They soon run in to Theo who is also searching for the same stone to save his kingdom.

With danger coming from all directions, and the constant threat of attack looming the agree to band together to track the stone. But when being new friends look to become more, and uncovered secrets threaten their alliance, will Joss and Theo be able to risk their hearts to save their kingdoms.

While I frequently do read very spicy books. I love to also read a book where spice is not the point. This book is such a good example. There was plenty of moments where I was swooning over secret glances, a hand that trails to the waist, or a stolen kiss and I am a sucker for romance.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dragon Stone by Lauren H Salisbury 

Jocelyn Dalbot has spent the last two years supporting her sister’s rule while longing to escape the suffocating confines of palace life...

Very much enjoyed this one! What I actually love most is the author's writing style. This author not only  has a great story to tell, she also knows how to write it! This fantasy romance is loosely inspired by the Tortoise and Hare wirh our two main characters both on a quest for the same magical artifact. I really loved Joss and Theo and their adventures! And for the record, I think Parker's name is lovely. Already looking forward to book 3 which will be Olivia's story! Highly recommend this series!

Genre: Fantasy romance (just kisses)

Book 2 in Tales of Tyrrath (could be read as a standalone)

Favorite character: Theo (MMC)

Favorite scene: In the caves

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


ARC (will be published Feb 10, all opinions are my own)

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread The Wolf King before picking up this sequel and remembered how much I love Joss’ character arc. I definitely enjoyed the story but I wish it just had a little more. However, I do think it’s a great story if you want something light hearted with a fantasy twist.

✨ What to expect:
• No spice, kisses only
• No strong language

✨ Characters:
• FMC (Joss/Kit) – strong willed, hates confinement and restraints of being a princess, goes on a search to find a stone to heal her dad
• MMC (Theo) – reluctant noble, also goes on a search to find a stone to heal his land, sweet as pie/cinnamon roll character

✨ Content warnings:
• Very mild fighting scene

✨ Tropes:
• Hidden Identities
• He falls first
• Adventure/quest

Really sweet story but lacks a twist or memorable moments that give it more depth. Also, I felt a little button pushed with the phrasing “dragon stone” when dragons had nothing to do with the story lol

[nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dragon Stone was a nice fantasy read inspired by The Hare and The Tortoise. I loved how the book mixed an adventure with the fantasy- Joss was on a quest to find the dragon stone with a sidekick and love interest along the way. The world building was easy to follow and so engaging- got invested in the storyline pretty quickly! I honestly didn’t realise that this was the second book to a series but it worked well as a standalone! Each sister has their own book so I defo need to check out the other two 🤩

I loved that the book focused mainly on the adventurous side but it was nice to read the romance sub-plot. Theo was a perfect addition to the journey and he was so sweet to Joss throughout- they had amazing chemistry with a genuine connection without overshadowing the main adventure.

[Michael Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed my return to Egrea and the chance to explore more of the world as this second book in the series took us to Garrellion, the Free Isles and Iskaria. It's a fun, gentle, noblebright adventure. This book follows the quest of Joss, the spirited second sister, and her quest to find a mythical dragon stone that can save her father. But her quest is entwined with that of Theo, a mysterious southerner with his own mission. It is well-paced, if lacking some of the intensity I usually like in fantasy quests. It is romantic rather than spicy and contains many wholesome scenes and acts of unprompted kindness, which is a refreshing change from so much of the genre. I particularly like the relationship between Joss and her guard Parker, which is natural and well written. There isn't complete resolution at the end so I look forward to the third book in the series.

[Becci Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and read it pretty quickly.

Have I read book one no but I am led to believe that these are interconnected standalones so I will be going to read book one virtually straight away

I am definitely a fantasy girly and love a good romantasy but what I really enjoyed about this book is that the romance wasn’t the focus and there was only really kissing.

The story follows Jocelyn who has to go on a journey to find the Dragonstone to cure her father from a curse. Her guard Parker goes on the journey with her and soon they run into Theo. Theo is also looking for the Dragonstone to save his kingdom.

This story was beautifully written and I will definitely be reading more from this author.

[Szandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for the ARC opportunity for RR Book Tours and the author. As always, this is an honest, voluntary review.

This was such a lovely story. I really liked the world building and the romance. This book isn't spicy but there was definitely tension and steam at all the right places in more subtle way than full smut. Joss and Parker were a great pairing and when Theo joins them, I think they make a perfect team. The banter was great and I really enjoyed reading this. The only thing is that every now and then I felt like the story stumbled/dragged a little bit. Regardless, this was a fun read and I'll definitely check out the first book in the series.

[Its A Rebound · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I picked up this book immediately after finishing the first, which I purchased at a bookstore event where I had the chance to meet the author, and I was excited to continue the journey.

This adventurous retelling of The Tortoise and the Hare follows an impatient and occasionally careless female lead alongside a more cautious and thoughtful male counterpart. The juxtaposition between their personalities creates engaging chemistry that makes you genuinely root for them as a pair.

Lauren’s writing is beautiful and accessible, flowing in a way that feels effortless. Reading this book felt immersive and almost dreamlike, making it easy to become completely absorbed in the story.

[SketchyNewEngland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author to review and it did not disappoint. This is one of the best romantasy books I have read. It centered human stories over world building lore. So you could really feel the heart of the story. The two main characters were both interesting and realistic even in the fantasy setting. I enjoyed this book.

[Boras Bushayy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute story

I enjoyed this book a lot, and showed how much joss had grown and getting to really know herself and be herself throughout this story was great. I loved the first one as well but I do have to say this second book is even better and I can't wait for the third.

[Kathryn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS…

This is a sweet read. I love the sisters and their stories! It’s not a complex read but it did make me love the characters and actually feel the emotions of both Joss and Theo - and understanding their perspective of how the stone should be used.

[Rachael Ritchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

full review coming, but for the moment I'll share that this is a lovely fantasy fiction with loveable characters, a compelling plot, and evocative worldbuilding!