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Stoneheart
The city of Porenza is proud. Hardened by war. Unconquered...
That is, until Titans descend upon its ancient shores. The invaders are unlike any seen before. They are few; terrifying to behold, filled with inhuman strength and boundless cruelty. In times of suffering, of magic, and flame, three heroes will rise: A soldier who longs to leave the sword behind, an outcast discarded from the arena sands, and a warrior without peer.
One will lead when all seems lost.
One will forge a legend.
One will die, or doom them all.
That is, until Titans descend upon its ancient shores. The invaders are unlike any seen before. They are few; terrifying to behold, filled with inhuman strength and boundless cruelty. In times of suffering, of magic, and flame, three heroes will rise: A soldier who longs to leave the sword behind, an outcast discarded from the arena sands, and a warrior without peer.
One will lead when all seems lost.
One will forge a legend.
One will die, or doom them all.
- GenresFantasy
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2025
3 people are currently reading
1539 people want to read
About the author
Max Shepherd
4 books8 followersMax Shepherd lives in Hertfordshire, England with his wife, two sons, and a lunatic spaniel who promises to sit down (one day). In the midst of various pursuits: Ancient history academia, horticulture in all its guises, MMA, youth rugby coaching, chess, and a lifelong love of reading, Max spends his time writing sci-fi and fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 5, 2025
The very lands tremble at their arrival. Bringing their malice and savagery. Where most would flee at their terror there are others who stand defiant.
Filled with menace, doom & courage. An action packed Grecian flavoured resistance tale with heart. Titans are unnerving!
Much thanks to the author for providing this ARC.
Filled with menace, doom & courage. An action packed Grecian flavoured resistance tale with heart. Titans are unnerving!
Much thanks to the author for providing this ARC.
July 5, 2025
Thank you to the author and the publishers for making this arc available on Netgalley :)
Let’s start off by saying that the best way to go into this book is by not really knowing anything about it - the remarkable pacing, beautiful writing, and masterfully woven characters mean that you don’t need any prior knowledge of the story to fully fall into it and quickly become completely immersed.
But if you do want a little flavour - Stoneheart depicts a time where formidable, otherworldly Titans invade a Roman inspired city called Porenza, which has a complicated, bloody history, and a truly unique power source running through it called ‘the Bright’, which can be harnessed by a select few who can withstand a process to become ‘Brightened’. Porenza stands as the setting for the entire novel, and is a gathering point for a range of characters who find themselves there for a varying host of reasons, drawn from different corners of this world.
This story is told through this handful of character perspectives, and their differing backgrounds and personalities are what truly shape this world for you. You laugh alongside these people, feel their anguish when all seems lost, and their hope when paths finally cross and things fall into place, in a city whose invaders grow ever more terrifying, even when you don’t think it’s possible.
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys character driven fantasy stories such as Robin Hobbs Realm of the Elderlings - my comparison being made to the swift, gut wrenching depictions of magic, love and conflict in an classical world shaped by such intensely wonderful and awful characters. I would love to see the story continue and expand, and see what lies beyond Porenza’s walls, for the world that has been constructed is complex and deep rooted - you know that feeling when you finish book one unable to imagine how it can be topped, but by end of the series are able to look back fondly to it as the catalyst for all that comes next? Exactly that.
I hope that many others pick up Stoneheart and enjoy diving in to its world as much as I did!
Let’s start off by saying that the best way to go into this book is by not really knowing anything about it - the remarkable pacing, beautiful writing, and masterfully woven characters mean that you don’t need any prior knowledge of the story to fully fall into it and quickly become completely immersed.
But if you do want a little flavour - Stoneheart depicts a time where formidable, otherworldly Titans invade a Roman inspired city called Porenza, which has a complicated, bloody history, and a truly unique power source running through it called ‘the Bright’, which can be harnessed by a select few who can withstand a process to become ‘Brightened’. Porenza stands as the setting for the entire novel, and is a gathering point for a range of characters who find themselves there for a varying host of reasons, drawn from different corners of this world.
This story is told through this handful of character perspectives, and their differing backgrounds and personalities are what truly shape this world for you. You laugh alongside these people, feel their anguish when all seems lost, and their hope when paths finally cross and things fall into place, in a city whose invaders grow ever more terrifying, even when you don’t think it’s possible.
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys character driven fantasy stories such as Robin Hobbs Realm of the Elderlings - my comparison being made to the swift, gut wrenching depictions of magic, love and conflict in an classical world shaped by such intensely wonderful and awful characters. I would love to see the story continue and expand, and see what lies beyond Porenza’s walls, for the world that has been constructed is complex and deep rooted - you know that feeling when you finish book one unable to imagine how it can be topped, but by end of the series are able to look back fondly to it as the catalyst for all that comes next? Exactly that.
I hope that many others pick up Stoneheart and enjoy diving in to its world as much as I did!
July 3, 2025
This was such a fun unique fantasy book to read! I enjoyed it jumped straight into action; however I struggled to connect with the characters. Overall, I believe many fantasy readers will enjoy this fresh breath of air :)
Thank you NetGalley, Dead Cedar Press, and Max Shepherd for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, Dead Cedar Press, and Max Shepherd for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2025
Thanks for an ARC copy on Pen Pinery!
Max Shepherd’s Stoneheart is a brutal and richly imagined fantasy world, filled with endless arena combat, layered tension, and magical conflict. From the very first chapter, readers enter an unforgiving landscape where warriors fight for survival and glory. It’ll feel like the entire book is a constant battle but that’s war for you.
The setting of Porenza is detailed and atmospheric, it’s obvious the author cares for his world and the characters. I appreciate the ambition and if you’re someone who likes to read a lot of combat action you’ll love this.
Max Shepherd’s Stoneheart is a brutal and richly imagined fantasy world, filled with endless arena combat, layered tension, and magical conflict. From the very first chapter, readers enter an unforgiving landscape where warriors fight for survival and glory. It’ll feel like the entire book is a constant battle but that’s war for you.
The setting of Porenza is detailed and atmospheric, it’s obvious the author cares for his world and the characters. I appreciate the ambition and if you’re someone who likes to read a lot of combat action you’ll love this.
May 6, 2025
Absolutely incredible (no spoilers review)
*Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy via Bookfunnel from the publisher in return for my honest opinion and review.
Okay, I’m keeping this spoiler-free because part of the joy of Stoneheart is going in fresh and watching it all unfold. But I do want to give you an idea of why I loved it so much.
This is a gritty, high-stakes fantasy that drops you straight into a brutal world where survival isn’t guaranteed and everyone’s playing some kind of game, political, personal, or deadly. Yes, there’s a gladiator-style arena, but don’t assume it’s just non-stop fight scenes. There’s a whole web of intrigue and backstabbing behind the scenes, and the story takes you deep into both the action and the emotional undercurrents driving the characters.
The pacing is just right, it moves quickly but gives you time to breathe and get attached. I never felt lost or overwhelmed, even though the world has its own rules and magic system (which, by the way, is super cool and not like anything I’ve seen done before). The way the author reveals things bit by bit feels natural and keeps you hooked without dumping too much on you at once.
But honestly? What really made this book shine for me were the characters. They’re complicated, sometimes frustrating, sometimes lovable, sometimes heartbreaking, but always compelling. I found myself caring deeply about what happened to them, even when they made terrible decisions or walked into danger. Some of the friendships and rivalries really got under my skin in the best way.
Without spoiling anything, the ending landed hard. It was satisfying but left me hungry for more, and I really hope the author has plans to continue this world. There’s so much potential still to explore.
If you’re a fan of fantasy that balances tense action, meaningful character arcs, and a world that feels alive and unpredictable, give Stoneheart a shot. I’m so glad I picked it up, it’s one of those books that sticks with you after you turn the last page.
*Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy via Bookfunnel from the publisher in return for my honest opinion and review.
Okay, I’m keeping this spoiler-free because part of the joy of Stoneheart is going in fresh and watching it all unfold. But I do want to give you an idea of why I loved it so much.
This is a gritty, high-stakes fantasy that drops you straight into a brutal world where survival isn’t guaranteed and everyone’s playing some kind of game, political, personal, or deadly. Yes, there’s a gladiator-style arena, but don’t assume it’s just non-stop fight scenes. There’s a whole web of intrigue and backstabbing behind the scenes, and the story takes you deep into both the action and the emotional undercurrents driving the characters.
The pacing is just right, it moves quickly but gives you time to breathe and get attached. I never felt lost or overwhelmed, even though the world has its own rules and magic system (which, by the way, is super cool and not like anything I’ve seen done before). The way the author reveals things bit by bit feels natural and keeps you hooked without dumping too much on you at once.
But honestly? What really made this book shine for me were the characters. They’re complicated, sometimes frustrating, sometimes lovable, sometimes heartbreaking, but always compelling. I found myself caring deeply about what happened to them, even when they made terrible decisions or walked into danger. Some of the friendships and rivalries really got under my skin in the best way.
Without spoiling anything, the ending landed hard. It was satisfying but left me hungry for more, and I really hope the author has plans to continue this world. There’s so much potential still to explore.
If you’re a fan of fantasy that balances tense action, meaningful character arcs, and a world that feels alive and unpredictable, give Stoneheart a shot. I’m so glad I picked it up, it’s one of those books that sticks with you after you turn the last page.
May 6, 2025
This review is based on an advance reader copy provided by the author.
Stoneheart by Max Shepherd pulled me in much harder than I expected. On the surface, you might think you’re getting a straightforward survival fantasy. A crumbling world, divided factions, uneasy alliances... but then the Titan invasion drops like a hammer, and everything shifts.
What stood out most to me is how the author balances large scale catastrophe with intimate, human moments. Yes, there’s chaos, destruction, and the terrifying force of the Titans sweeping across the world, but the heart of the book is really about how people respond. The fear, the desperate negotiations, the sacrifices, and the fragile trust between characters who otherwise might be enemies.
The pacing is sharp; once the invasion hits, there’s no dragging or filler. But Shepherd is careful not to make it just an endless string of battles. There’s room for political tension, small character beats, and ethical dilemmas. I especially appreciated how no one feels purely heroic, everyone’s figuring things out under impossible pressure, and the mistakes feel painfully real.
The Titans themselves are genuinely unsettling. Shepherd doesn’t just make them giant monsters stomping around; they have weight and mystery, and their arrival reshapes everything. The magic system (without spoiling details) interacts with this invasion in clever ways, creating even more layers of tension.
This isn’t just a fantasy about fighting back; it’s about survival, loss, and the cost of resistance. It’s grim but not hopeless, and it sets up a world I’d be eager to return to in future books.
Stoneheart by Max Shepherd pulled me in much harder than I expected. On the surface, you might think you’re getting a straightforward survival fantasy. A crumbling world, divided factions, uneasy alliances... but then the Titan invasion drops like a hammer, and everything shifts.
What stood out most to me is how the author balances large scale catastrophe with intimate, human moments. Yes, there’s chaos, destruction, and the terrifying force of the Titans sweeping across the world, but the heart of the book is really about how people respond. The fear, the desperate negotiations, the sacrifices, and the fragile trust between characters who otherwise might be enemies.
The pacing is sharp; once the invasion hits, there’s no dragging or filler. But Shepherd is careful not to make it just an endless string of battles. There’s room for political tension, small character beats, and ethical dilemmas. I especially appreciated how no one feels purely heroic, everyone’s figuring things out under impossible pressure, and the mistakes feel painfully real.
The Titans themselves are genuinely unsettling. Shepherd doesn’t just make them giant monsters stomping around; they have weight and mystery, and their arrival reshapes everything. The magic system (without spoiling details) interacts with this invasion in clever ways, creating even more layers of tension.
This isn’t just a fantasy about fighting back; it’s about survival, loss, and the cost of resistance. It’s grim but not hopeless, and it sets up a world I’d be eager to return to in future books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
This ARC was provided to me by NetGalley.
Okay, so I think that this novel had so much potential a fantasy city dramatically invaded by monstrous creatures out of another world? What's not to lobe, or at least, in my cases be attracted by, but this book fell short for me in me many ways. There were too much PoV characters for one, and while some of them were highly entertaining (there's an important politicians son whom the Titan invaders involve and reveal their reasons behind the invasions for, humanising them a tad) others seems unnecessary and bog the story down. Is there a reason we need another survivors PoV when we have Lars'? The stuff with Drenians accessing power that was previously out of their reach before is interesting though, granted and it's not a bad story. It's dramatic and for some readers I'm sure it'll keep them on the edge of their seat...but it wasn't for me.
2/5
Okay, so I think that this novel had so much potential a fantasy city dramatically invaded by monstrous creatures out of another world? What's not to lobe, or at least, in my cases be attracted by, but this book fell short for me in me many ways. There were too much PoV characters for one, and while some of them were highly entertaining (there's an important politicians son whom the Titan invaders involve and reveal their reasons behind the invasions for, humanising them a tad) others seems unnecessary and bog the story down. Is there a reason we need another survivors PoV when we have Lars'? The stuff with Drenians accessing power that was previously out of their reach before is interesting though, granted and it's not a bad story. It's dramatic and for some readers I'm sure it'll keep them on the edge of their seat...but it wasn't for me.
2/5
June 16, 2025
This was a unique book, with an interesting magic system. Was a breath of fresh air compared to the recycled themes that seem so prevalent in recent books. That said, I struggled to connect with the story and characters. It all felt a bit surface level and I struggled to envision the world/setting and characters based on descriptions.
If you like fast paced story telling and action packed combat scenes, would recommend giving this a go. If you favor books that focus on character and relationship development, you may find this falls a little short.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
If you like fast paced story telling and action packed combat scenes, would recommend giving this a go. If you favor books that focus on character and relationship development, you may find this falls a little short.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2025
This was a very well written and unique fantasy world! It was definitely fun read which made it hard to put down. I enjoyed that it jumped right into action; however, I do feel that because of this a little world building and character development was put on the back burner. I struggled at first to remember who was who because there were a handful of characters introduced immediately and POVs kept shifting every chapter or so. Overall an enjoyable read! It gave Brandon Sanderson vibes at times which I enjoyed.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
June 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book, given to me kindly through the NetGalley arcs. The magic system is unique and the world actually reminds me a bit of Shadow of the Colossus. It's not a difficult read but it sets up a wonderful, cozy world even though it's fraught with dangers. I did find a few editing mistakes but it might have been because I had to read it in my NetGalley app on my phone since it didn't let me send it to my Kobo.
July 7, 2025
talk about hidden gems because this was seriously so good and everything i didnt know i wanted in a fantasy!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews