A Crack in the Stone: A Followed by Frost Short Story

by Charlie N. Holmberg

Death has shepherded souls for millennia. Once, he spared a woman cursed to be as cold as her heart. It saved her, but took its toll on him. When he meets another—a priestess of death who sees beyond his mask—will he risk it all again?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Short Stories, Romance

49 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2025

About the author

Charlie N. Holmberg is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of fantasy and romance fiction, including the Paper Magician series, the Spellbreaker series, and the Whimbrel House series, and writes contemporary romance under C. N. Holmberg. She is published in over twenty languages and is a Goodreads Choice Award, ALA, and RITA finalist. Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. A BYU alumna, she discovered in her thirties that she’s actually a cat person. She lives with her family in Utah. Visit her at www.charlienholmberg.com.

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Reviews

[James McRay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Followed by Frost is my favorite Charlie Holmberg novel, so heck yeah, Death deserves a happy ending.

[Sotu_ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing short story!!

I just finished Followed by Frost and I loved every bit of it. I felt so sad for Sadriel coz I could feel his pain, and I really wanted to see him get his happy ending!!!

Mrs. Holmberg never disappoints ♡♡♡

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute short story to follow up ‘followed by frost’

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique Story

Full of romance in another dimension, A Crack in the Stone tells a unique tale of a love from below. Charlie Holmberg writes with creativity and passion. I have enjoyed her other stories as well. Recommended for those who would enjoy something quite different

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Followed by Frost, this is a must read but can be read alone too. The story follows Death, Sadriel, as he encounters a strange woman who can see him. In this short story we are in Sadriel's head as he discovers himself anew through her eyes. very enjoyable but quick read.

[Eric Jewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Death comes as a friend

I read Followed by Frost maybe a year ago but it took no time to reacquaint with Sadriel as the messenger of Death.

While he was an important character there, he is the focus here. He paid a price then and is facing, or rather denying, his vulnerability.

Vee, as a local wisewoman, releases souls of those beyond healing. She has known Death all of her life, but only in the abstract. The glimpses of her strength and faith set her path.

Charlie writes with a gentleness and restraint that adds to, rather than distracts from the heart of the story.

[Pushpa Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short story about Sadriel from Followed by Frost. I suppose that he is an intriguing character in the book but one scene turned me against him in the original book. You will have to figure out what that was.

He is the Grim Reaper, Death but not death. He is the harvester of souls and like the lead in Death Takes a Holiday, he is lonely. He tried to assuage his loneliness by popping in and out of Smitha’s life, trying to tempt her to come with him of her own volition but to no avail.

We learn in this short story, that he does have a heart beyond the ruby in his amulet. That heart is tested again when he finds Vee. She is an acolyte in a Temple in another land far from Zareed. She can see him unlike most humans (except Smitha during her cursed period) and when on a whim he invites her to come with him, she says yes but only when you really mean it.

And thereby hangs the tale.

[Myra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short story. Very short. I would have liked it to be a little longer, I thought the characters and setting were interesting! It's been years since I read Followed by Frost so, well, now I need to re-read that :)

[Debs Crelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too short a short story!

I've read a few stinkers lately so I ran back to the surety of a Holmberg. This too short, short story, is a perfect jewel of deliciousness. Only too short because I didn't want it to end.

[Michele DiMarzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story. I loved Followed by Frost and to reintroduce this character was so enjoyable. No spoilers. Just a feel good ending.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting short story

[Alex Ingram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Characters new to me (I haven't yet read "Followed by Frost"), but Charlie's writing style touches me and finds a place within me.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Sharon Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I find myself reading a short story that’s an add-on to a book series, before reading the books. I fall for it every time. I’m glad I went for this, it was a sweet love story.

Charlie Holmberg is one of my favorite authors, and this story was well-written and unique. She has the ability to write in so many genres and voices that it never gets boring. I definitely need to check into the book from which this story was derived - Followed by Frost.