A fine line exists between redemption and ruin. A single choice can change the world.
As the harsh winter recedes, the heroes of Kelvur find themselves on the defensive. The wicked sorcerer Jaernok Tur continues to ravage the land with his evil army, forcing Karnak and his friends to abandon their new home.
Pernden and the Griffin Guard team up with the largest allied force ever gathered in Tarrine and rush across the sea to aid their friends. Unsure if they will make it in time, they are acutely aware that the greatest battle of their age looms before them.
Meanwhile, Garron and his companions seek out an ancient and powerful magic that may be the key to victory—if they can find it in the mysterious Nari Desert.
Mount up and take to the sky!
Discover ancient secrets and mysterious magics in the gripping conclusion to the award-winning classic style epic fantasy adventure trilogy; a tale about doing what is right, coming back from wrongs, and the friendships that strengthen us along the way.
Buy Stone & Ruin and join the battle today!
Book Three in the Stone & Sky series.
This is a new edition of a previously-published edition of ISBN 9781961580107
Z.S. Diamanti is the award-winning author of the Stone & Sky series, an epic fantasy adventure and the result of his great passion for fun and fantastical stories. He went to college forever and has too many pieces of paper on his wall. He is a USAF veteran of OEF and worked in ministry for over 10 years. He and his wife reside in Colorado with their four children where they enjoy hikes and tabletop games.
You can get a FREE series of his stories atzsdiamanti.com
Stone & Ruin was a great conclusion to this amazing story! Z.S. Diamanti not only continued to spin a fantastic tale in this book, but he did so in a way that reminded me of other epic fantasy novels!
There just aren’t enough superlatives to describe how much I enjoyed the Stone & Sky trilogy! The characters, the story arcs, the battles, the world building… all amazing, vivid, and memorable!
This is a trilogy you will want to have on your shelf! It’s a feel-good, epic fantasy adventure full of elves, dwarves, orcs, magic, and more. 10/10 recommend!
P.S. If you happen to read this, Z.S., know that I will never forgive you for that ending. You know what you did!
This book both broke and healed my heart! I'm an emotional wreck over here. The incredible ending to this exceptional series, it's just perfect.
The jeopardy ran right through until the last page. The plot took me in so many directions I was not expecting. The character development is fantastic, not just in terms of the actual character arcs but the development of the relationships with the varying groups. The over riding theme of friendship, hope and peace was as much of an important theme as in Stone & Sky. The writing itself is sublime. The imagination behind the world building and the different characters like the Chelons and the Meliors, as well as all the other magical creatures, is really special.
I was so emotionally investested in all of these characters. That, for me, shows exceptional writing, to be invested in all of them. There are so many characters, in different places, doing different things, but it all works. It doesn't feel disjointed and there are no 'filler' characters.
This has everything I wanted from the final book in the series, even though I didn't get all the outcomes I wanted, we got the ones we needed!! This book, and this series has my heart!
What an incredible ending to an epic fantasy series. I can't speak enough about how much I've enjoyed the Stone & Sky series from the very beginning. Stone & Ruin did not disappoint! The action hits from the beginning and doesn't let up. This is a nice bow to tie up an incredible Fantasy series and it may be my favorite book of the series overall. I was completely immersed in the battle scenes and the storytelling was quite engaging. If you're looking for a great fantasy series, this one comes highly recommended.
8th March i started this series, and today, I finished book 3. I haven't really burned through series this quickly since I was a kid, as I don't want to grow tired of the world. But thisone was too good to stop.
The last book of the Stone & Sky series is a classic epic fantasy. This was a fantastic end to a fabulous series.
I did not connect so much to this book as the two others, but it did not stop me from caring for our beloved characters and their journey in their hardest adventure yet.
This is a series that I think every fantasy lovers should read no matter the age. The series gets more romantic from the second book, but not in that way that I think children can't read it.
What an incredible finale to the trilogy! I was so invested in the characters on their journey. I laughed with them, I cried with them, I celebrated with them. Such a fantastic adventure that I wished would never end.
The perfect end to a truly perfect trilogy. If I could rate this 100 ⭐️ I would!
(This is the 3rd in a trilogy. I’d suggest starting with Stone & Sky Prequel stories.)
Catch up with all of our heroes as you dive into this final installment of the world of Finlestia. The war started in book 1 and hasn’t let up! It’s up to the brave souls we’ve all come to know and love to defeat the evil that will destroy all life as we know it.
I have never read a fantasy series as good as this one. Every aspect of this series has my interest piqued and kept me emotionally invested from the 1st page. I love the themes of unity and equality in these books, the final installment in particular. This book shows how a world can change when people choose to look past their differences and band together for the greater good.
The writing flow of this book was spot on and left no loose ends. The action in this book was intense! I yelled and pumped my fists as I paced around my house reading the last 30% of this book. The emotion you get in this book is so relatable and you genuinely feel like these characters are people you know, your friends, and you come to care about them so much. I cried so much during the end of this book. Tears that were both bitter and sweet. My cheeks are still tear streaked as I write this review.
I didn’t dream the ending could be as good as it was but I’m so happy it was better than I thought it would be. Finlestia has become a comfort world for me and I can say with my whole chest that I will read these again and again and again. I encourage everyone to read these books.
I want to thank the author for allowing me to step into the positively beautiful world that is Finlestia. For letting me find a safe haven within his pages and giving me a new favorite series. I’ve never enjoyed a fantasy series more than I’ve enjoyed this one.
Book three is the amazing conclusion to the Stone & Sky trilogy! I loved it! I caught up with characters I grew to love in the first two books (and prelude stories). There was so.much.ACTION! The battle scenes were ::chef’s kiss:: I could not turn the pages fast enough! I also appreciated the attention to detail with the magic system and how Diamanti rounded out the stories of every single character. It truly felt complete. I enjoyed this novel so much and hope there will be more stories to come from the land of Finlestia. Well done!
The conclusion to the trilogy! Wow what an ending! You have adventures, war, found family and so much more. Watching the characters continuing on their journey to fight the evil going on. This final book was so much fun. It had me so invested and intrigued the entire time. “You accept your fate.” This was a 5 star series for me and I’ll definitely remember this story for a long time. I’ll also be recommending it to everyone.
Wow wow wow. What a wonderful end to this amazing trilogy. Z.S. Diamanti is an excellent writer and I can’t wait to see what’s next from him. So glad I found him through BookTok!
Diamanti weaves a beautiful conclusion to the trilogy with twists and turns that ultimately feel inevitable. I enjoyed reading it. I cried once. It was a perfect conclusion.
I was so excited for this third book and it did not disappoint! I will say the first half of the book is really busy (but in a good way because it is action packed and there is a lot to work out)! I ended up making notes of who was where and with whom so I could sort it all out in my head! This last book shakes things up and has our friends divided up all over Finlestia. You see a little bit of everything from epic battles, to tales of the history of the world. I definitely shed some tears of laughter, joy, and sadness by the end. What a great way to end this epic adventure!
The final book in the Stone & Sky series is not just the culmination of the plots and characters working across three books, but also the best book of the series. Here the author's prose and plotting rise to the occasion to deliver a satisfying and action-packed ending.
Several characters become standouts in this book: Karnak as the unflappable battle leader, honor bound to finish the fight an entire continent away from his family. Garron, who is reeling from PTSD due to being mind-controlled by the Orc sorcerer villain in the first book. Merrick becomes surrogate father to a boy orphaned at the end of the second novel. Smarlo the Orc Mage tries to be there for Karnak's wife and son before having to cross the sea and join them. These characters shine in this book, multi-faceted but stalwart in their honor and heroism. Some were previously enemies but are no united in their battle against the dragon god trying to conquer Finlestia.
But the MVP of the entire trilogy is the least assuming: Ezel the mute gnome, who stole the show in the first book as a sort of Jedi in his magic use, but becomes the most interesting character by the end. His partnership with Garron and being the emotional pillar Garron can lean on to keep going and to keep from falling into a depression from which he can't emerge. I made mention of the character issues in the first book and while some of that still lingers in the writing, by this point the characters have become much more defined.
The plot still is by-the-numbers as far as fantasy goes, but that's not to its detriment, considering these books are an engaging all-ages affair (Lord of the Rings is considered all ages, lest we forget). And this trilogy would be a fantastic first fantasy for any kid interested in the genre.
Looking forward to the day we return to Finlestia in Guard in the Garden.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Stone & Ruin is the epic conclusion to the Stone & Sky trilogy. The heroes of Kelvur are scattered and reeling, but far from defeated. It’s a story full of magic, danger, loyalty, and hope.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s a fantastic finale to a series that’s been full of heart from the very beginning. The action is intense, the stakes are sky-high, and the emotional moments hit so well. I flew through it, completely pulled in from start to finish.
Merrick is hands-down my favorite character—his arc is just so good. I’ve loved watching him grow through the series, and he really comes into his own here. He’s powerful, flawed, and full of heart, and his journey in this book was everything I wanted.
One of the best things about this story is how heartwarming the friendships and relationships are. There’s so much love, loyalty, and genuine connection between the characters. It made even the toughest moments feel meaningful. I laughed, I teared up, and I came away feeling like I’d been part of something special.
And the ending? Absolutely perfect. It was emotional, satisfying, and left me feeling hopeful in the best way. It tied everything together beautifully and was the kind of ending that sticks with you.
If you've been reading the series, this final book is a must-read. It delivers on everything it’s been building toward and then some. I already miss these characters!
Stone & Ruin is the conclusion to an epic fantasy trilogy that has captivated readers from the very beginning. ZS Diamanti pulls out all the stops in this thrilling finale, delivering a breathtaking blend of action, emotion, and revelation.
The world-building in Stone & Ruin reaches new heights (and depths) in this installment, with even deeper exploration of the lore, history, and magic systems that make the world feel alive and “real”. Each setting is rendered with vivid detail, transporting readers to a realm of wonder and danger.
But perhaps the greatest strength of Stone & Ruin lies in its characters. As they face their greatest challenges yet, they are tested in ways that push them to their limits. It's a testament to the author's skill that these characters feel so real and so relatable, making their triumphs all the more satisfying and their sacrifices all the more touching.
Stone & Ruin is more than just a conclusion to a trilogy—it's a masterpiece of epic fantasy storytelling. With its thrilling action, richly imagined world, and deeply resonant themes, it's a book that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. Highly recommended for anyone who loves epic fantasy at its finest.
A bittersweet end to an amazing trilogy of books. Bitter sweet because I truly never wanted this story to end. The characters were vibrant and their friendships ground the story in such a way as to make it almost comforting to read, even as their risked their lives to stop the evil monolith dragon from corrupting their world. Lots of hideous creatures to fight and lots of love to go around even in the midst of sorrow. I would read a chapter each morning. It was something I looked forward to. A way to start my day off right, with something I could savor and a feeling that would carry me through the day. Diamanti has grown as an author throughout the writing of this story and he has become an author for whom an instant purchase is almost necessary for me. While I wouldn't describe this as a cozy fantasy, there are those elements here. There is darkness, horror, and death. In the end, however, it is the love these characters express to one another and the joy in the world around them that elevates it to a great story, not just a good one.
Stone & Ruin may be the best ending to a trilogy I've ever read. The epic mission that's spanned three books, two lands separated by a perilous sea and multiple people groups—each as realistic as the person next to me—escalates into a deep and beautifully written sacrifice scene.
Over the course of the series, the author brought together multiple story strands to a unified conclusion that hit all the right emotions and satisfied my many questions. This series is one I intend to revisit frequently over the years, and I've already recommended it to many readers.
The author has a gift for writing a variety of scenes—battlefield action, relationship drama, comedic slice of life and gut-wrenching loss—with excellence. Readers who enjoy epic fantasy, adventure, deep bonds of friendship and intentional character development will love this book and its siblings.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Stone and Sky series by Z.S. Diamanti. It is a clean, traditional fantasy series. Well developed characters and plot. While he does describe things well he doesn't over describe things. As someone with aphantasia I really appreciate that (I get lost when to much description goes into something in a book). Not giving how it finishes away, he does a good thing at wrapping things up nicely (as in not leaving any questions). It was such a fun read! If you are looking for an updated LOTR or Crown Duel feel (not in story line, but in feel) you will LOVE this series. Highly recommended.
An amazing ending to one of the best fantasy series I have read.
Throughout the whole trilogy you are transported into this world and meet a cast of great characters - each with their own different stories and motivations. One of my favorite things about this series was the characters themselves and how well they all fit into the broader story.
This was an amazing ending that paid off for those that have now read the two other books (and the preludes).
I am so thankful to Diamanti for creating this amazing world and I will be keeping all my signed copies on display on my shelves to remember this series! 🔥🔥
Stone and Ruin was fantastic!!! I was a little sad to get to the end of the trilogy because I was able to get lost in this story. I am definitely craving more from the world of Finlestia. I won't spoil this wonderful story for you, but I was so grateful to find a little room for continued adventures after finishing. I have my finger crossed that we will get to read more about this amazing world ZS Diamanti has created. Stone and Ruin was an epic conclusion to an epic adventure. The characters continue to grow and discover new things about their world, and themselves! I love how each character ended up. While I wanted more, I didn't have that awful feeling that the story was incomplete. The perfect way to end a series. I hope everyone else loves this story as much as I have.
This is the third and last in this series. I liked each book better than the last. Great creativity, and a unique and interesting story. Fantasy is not my usual genre, but i an really glad i discovered this author.
The end of the trilogy, the end of my unexpected journey. It is hard to express how amazing this book is without going into spoiler territory but I will do my best.
Stone and Ruin is a spectacular read with unexpected twists and turns along the way. Continuing after the event of Stone and Tide, Stone and Ruin expertly continues the story of all the characters and brings their stories to an emotional and exciting conclusion.
I cannot recommend this book enough!! It is a must read for any fan of fantasy.
Stone & Sky #3 Epic Adventure Fantasy The trilogy comes to an end. What a wonderful story. The characters really pull you into their world and adventures. This is a classic style fantasy. It's a feel good story with some heartbreaking emotional moments. I am so glad I stumbled across this series and decided to give it a go.
WOW!!! I enjoyed the earlier books in this series (Stone & Sky Prelude Series, Stone & Sky, and Stone & Tide). Stone & Ruin blew me away with how Diamanti drew me into the closure of this trilogy.
Throughout the series, Diamanti shows how different peoples/cultures can get along if they can look past their differences. The dialog of the characters often felt like they were talking directly to me. Stone & Ruin reinforces this "worldly community" as people all over Finlistia work together, battle together, mourn together, celebrate together, and live in harmony together.
The characters that Diamanti introduces you in the beginning will become more like family by the end of this book. The interactions between friends mimic interactions I have had with my friends making the story current and real.
If I could give it more than five stars, I would. This is one that I will probably read over and over.
Hands down, one of the best fantasy series I have read.
Stone & Ruin was the perfect wrap up to this epic series. The way the different storylines so perfectly interconnected while being fully fleshed out as individual journeys was masterfully handled. These are some of my favorite characters I’ve ever read and there are truly no small parts. You’ll be rooting for each of them as they navigate their unique dangers and challenges. This series is a must-read for any age group and Stone & Ruin is probably my favorite but you don’t want to miss any of this epic fantasy adventure.
For once I'm glad I'm a slow reader. I got to take my time enjoying this wonderful and satisfying conclusion to an already amazing series. I enjoyed the mysteries of the story and the relationship of the characters as they endured war, love, and friendship. My only complaint is that there isn't more of it left for me to read!
This was a very good ending to the Stone & Sky trilogy. I liked how everything from the previous books connected to this one and came to a nice conclusion. There were a lot of epic scenes, although some of the fights felt anticlimactic. Especially the ones towards the end. However, the story itself was great, and I enjoyed reading and following along on the adventures everyone went on for this final conclusion. I enjoyed this one more than the other two, but I still had the same feeling that I wasn't invested in it as much as I wanted. I don't think it's because of the story or characters; I think it's because of the type of fantasy it is. I've not read very much classic fantasy, and this series feels very much like classic fantasy. I'm not really sure how to explain it. There's just something about it that is stopping me from fully enjoying it the way others seem to. I think I just don't really vibe with classic fantasy the way I do with other types of fantasy. That being said, I was never bored reading it. Like I said, I enjoyed the story and characters enough, and how everything ended was satisfying. 4.5 stars.
Stone & Ruin, the third and final installment of Z.S. Diamonti’s Stone & Sky series, delivers a satisfying conclusion to this classic epic fantasy adventure. The book carries the weight of a grand finale, weaving together themes of redemption, friendship, and the consequences of choices in a way that resonates with readers who have journeyed alongside these characters from the beginning.
The story picks up as winter's grip begins to loosen, but the heroes of Kelvur are far from safe. The relentless sorcerer Jaernok Tur continues his campaign of destruction, forcing Karnak and his companions to abandon their newfound refuge. The tension is palpable as they rally with the Griffin Guard and the largest allied force ever assembled in Tarrine to face the looming threat.
Diamonti excels in world-building, and Stone & Ruin showcases this skill with vivid descriptions of battles, landscapes, and the mystical elements that define the series. The sense of urgency as Garron and his team venture into the mysterious Nari Desert in search of ancient magic adds another layer of excitement to the narrative. The stakes have never been higher, and the journey to find the key to victory is fraught with danger and intrigue.
The strength of Stone & Ruin lies not just in its action-packed sequences but also in the development of its characters. The friendships and bonds forged over the course of the series are tested to their limits, making the emotional beats hit hard. The theme of redemption is explored through characters who grapple with their past choices, highlighting the fine line between ruin and salvation.
While the book delivers on many fronts, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues, with some sections feeling a bit drawn out. However, these moments are quickly overshadowed by the gripping action and the satisfying resolution to the trilogy’s overarching conflicts.
Overall, Stone & Ruin is a must-read for fans of the series, offering a thrilling and emotional conclusion to a classic-style epic fantasy adventure.
Stone and ruin was an amazing conclusion to this truly outstanding story!
I found myself tearing up at the end when one of the main characters dies. That his sacrifice helped saved all those he loved and that there was a redemption arc for another character. The tale of friendship runs deep within the story along with sacrifice and the struggle to do the right thing.
This series really has become one of my favourites it’s up there with some of the best. It’s got enough old school fantasy to keep people who like lord of the ring happy but then it’s got new elements of fantasy being brought in.
Thought out this one you really get a different sense of jeopardy though out the book. That the odds were stacked against all in this world until the very end. The plot kept me guessing till the very end, although a part of me knew that the magical weapons would in some way play a part. But it wasn’t the weapons it was the stones within the weapons that tipped the edge of the outcome!