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Ravenblood: Shadows In The Stone
"Great fantasy that deserves recognition" - Reedsy Discovery.
On the edge of war, three soldiers must face what it means to belong and what it costs to survive.
Leonard has spent his life training to earn his place in the legendary Ravenblood Pact, desperate to prove his worth to the only family he’s ever known. At his side is Saran, grounded and unyielding, fighting just as hard to protect those who matter. Watching over them both is Darum, a scarred veteran whose quiet discipline hides deeper wounds.
When a routine mission on the border turns violent, the trio is thrown into a world of shifting loyalties, dangerous magic, and old scars that refuse to heal. Bonds are tested, trust is hard-won, and every step forward seems to reveal more about what they truly owe to each other, and to themselves.
As threats close in from both outside and within, Leonard, Saran, and Darum must decide how far they’re willing to go, and what parts of themselves they’re willing to risk, to protect what matters most.
Shadows in the Stone is a story of friendship, burden, legacy and the hard choices that shape us, where courage is forged not by prophecy or destiny, but by the people who fight beside you.
While this is the first part of a duology, Shadows in the Stone delivers a complete, character-driven arc
On the edge of war, three soldiers must face what it means to belong and what it costs to survive.
Leonard has spent his life training to earn his place in the legendary Ravenblood Pact, desperate to prove his worth to the only family he’s ever known. At his side is Saran, grounded and unyielding, fighting just as hard to protect those who matter. Watching over them both is Darum, a scarred veteran whose quiet discipline hides deeper wounds.
When a routine mission on the border turns violent, the trio is thrown into a world of shifting loyalties, dangerous magic, and old scars that refuse to heal. Bonds are tested, trust is hard-won, and every step forward seems to reveal more about what they truly owe to each other, and to themselves.
As threats close in from both outside and within, Leonard, Saran, and Darum must decide how far they’re willing to go, and what parts of themselves they’re willing to risk, to protect what matters most.
Shadows in the Stone is a story of friendship, burden, legacy and the hard choices that shape us, where courage is forged not by prophecy or destiny, but by the people who fight beside you.
While this is the first part of a duology, Shadows in the Stone delivers a complete, character-driven arc
- GenresAmazon
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2025
18 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Lukas Maertens
3 books1 followerI write grounded, character-driven fantasy with a darker tone, stories where the magic is subtle, the stakes are personal, and the people feel real. I don’t have a formal background in writing, but I’ve put in the time, studying the craft through online courses, breaking down the stories I love, and using whatever tools I can to sharpen my work. I’m drawn to stories that sit in the messier, more human corners of fantasy where choices matter more than chosen ones.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 24, 2025
“Sometimes the only way forward is through the things you left behind."
I really enjoyed this book! The characters, world building, and plot pulled me in right away. The MMC embarks on a journey of truth alongside his mentor and a loyal friend, forming a found family bond that’s truly unmatched. Fingers crossed we get a friends-to-lovers twist in book two!
Though the page count is short, every sentence packs a punch. The story wastes no time, diving straight in from page one. The writing is rich with detail and description, so much so that if your attention drifts, you might need to reread a paragraph to catch everything. There’s no fluff and no filler; every moment matters. The upside? A tightly woven, meaningful narrative. The challenge? It’s not a light or breezy read.
Overall, I loved the story and can’t wait for book two. The author states this is the first in a planned duology, and I’m already impatient for the conclusion.
I read this book as an ARC thanks to Booksirens. Thank you for the opportunity!!
I really enjoyed this book! The characters, world building, and plot pulled me in right away. The MMC embarks on a journey of truth alongside his mentor and a loyal friend, forming a found family bond that’s truly unmatched. Fingers crossed we get a friends-to-lovers twist in book two!
Though the page count is short, every sentence packs a punch. The story wastes no time, diving straight in from page one. The writing is rich with detail and description, so much so that if your attention drifts, you might need to reread a paragraph to catch everything. There’s no fluff and no filler; every moment matters. The upside? A tightly woven, meaningful narrative. The challenge? It’s not a light or breezy read.
Overall, I loved the story and can’t wait for book two. The author states this is the first in a planned duology, and I’m already impatient for the conclusion.
I read this book as an ARC thanks to Booksirens. Thank you for the opportunity!!
December 1, 2025
This military dark fantasy was an amazing story of devoted friendships, a sort of found family, the hidden history of the realm, and prophecies unknown. I was surprised by how quickly I was drawn into the story by its immersive world building. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the main characters and their resilient, adamant pursuit of the truth. The mystery of the past kept me thoroughly intrigued and wanting to know more.
In the midst of war, Ravenbloods Leonard, Saran, and Darum are sent on a critical assignment. Once they find the mysterious relic, they're shocked to learn that only Leonard can touch it without repercussions. The ancient Sages are astonished by this revelation, and demand to put him through tests to figure out why. When their fortress is ambushed, it's clear the assassins were only after Leonard, launching them on a journey to find the truth about his past, and the history of the realm.
What will it take for them to discover the hidden secrets that surround them?
I received a free copy with no expectation of a review.
All opinions are my own.
In the midst of war, Ravenbloods Leonard, Saran, and Darum are sent on a critical assignment. Once they find the mysterious relic, they're shocked to learn that only Leonard can touch it without repercussions. The ancient Sages are astonished by this revelation, and demand to put him through tests to figure out why. When their fortress is ambushed, it's clear the assassins were only after Leonard, launching them on a journey to find the truth about his past, and the history of the realm.
What will it take for them to discover the hidden secrets that surround them?
I received a free copy with no expectation of a review.
All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2025
Ravenblood
Shadows in the Stone
Lukas Maertens
This novel surprised me in a good way. The world building and character development were phenomenal. The way the stories characters were interwoven was masterful. While it took a little longer than I would have preferred I still found it enjoyable to experience.
The author does seem to have a distinct writing style that was, at first, hard for me to follow but it did seem to suit the story as I delved further into it. The story in and of itself was fascinating and I wish the author would have just added another 200 or so pages and finished it. I’m sure that just me being selfish and wanting to know the ending without having to wait for the next installment.
Because it matters to me (perhaps only to me) I found no typos, proofreading/editing mistakes.
All in all, I would recommend this novel. I am waiting for the next book!
I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Shadows in the Stone
Lukas Maertens
This novel surprised me in a good way. The world building and character development were phenomenal. The way the stories characters were interwoven was masterful. While it took a little longer than I would have preferred I still found it enjoyable to experience.
The author does seem to have a distinct writing style that was, at first, hard for me to follow but it did seem to suit the story as I delved further into it. The story in and of itself was fascinating and I wish the author would have just added another 200 or so pages and finished it. I’m sure that just me being selfish and wanting to know the ending without having to wait for the next installment.
Because it matters to me (perhaps only to me) I found no typos, proofreading/editing mistakes.
All in all, I would recommend this novel. I am waiting for the next book!
I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 4, 2026
Ravenblood: Shadows in the Stone is a deeply immersive dark fantasy rich with atmosphere, ancient magic, and haunting symbolism. Lukas Maertens creates a world that feels heavy with history, where blood, stone, and shadow shape both the land and its people.
The characters are layered and compelling, their journeys defined by sacrifice, legacy, and hard-earned resolve. The magic is subtle and dangerous, enhancing the story’s tension and emotional weight rather than overwhelming it. Every choice feels meaningful, every secret earned.
This is a beautifully crafted, lore-driven fantasy that rewards patient readers and leaves a powerful, lasting impression.
The characters are layered and compelling, their journeys defined by sacrifice, legacy, and hard-earned resolve. The magic is subtle and dangerous, enhancing the story’s tension and emotional weight rather than overwhelming it. Every choice feels meaningful, every secret earned.
This is a beautifully crafted, lore-driven fantasy that rewards patient readers and leaves a powerful, lasting impression.
January 7, 2026
No Fluff, All Fire: A Masterclass in Dark Fantasy
Ravenblood: Shadows in the Stone is a masterclass in atmospheric dark fantasy with zero filler. Every sentence packs a punch, trading "fluff" for a tightly woven narrative that demands your full attention.
The heart of the story is the "found family" bond between Leonard, Saran, and Darum. Their resilient pursuit of the truth—especially after Leonard is revealed as the only one capable of touching a mysterious relic—is deeply compelling. While the prose is dense and requires focus, the payoff is a rich, lore-driven journey through ancient prophecies and deadly magic.
Ravenblood: Shadows in the Stone is a masterclass in atmospheric dark fantasy with zero filler. Every sentence packs a punch, trading "fluff" for a tightly woven narrative that demands your full attention.
The heart of the story is the "found family" bond between Leonard, Saran, and Darum. Their resilient pursuit of the truth—especially after Leonard is revealed as the only one capable of touching a mysterious relic—is deeply compelling. While the prose is dense and requires focus, the payoff is a rich, lore-driven journey through ancient prophecies and deadly magic.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews