The Fruit of War, Book 1: Stone and Flesh

by Tamara S. Harker

For readers who like their fantasy intelligent, immersive, and simmering with ghosts of the past – both figurative and literal.

“Nothing truly dies – it merely changes.”

The War of the Six and the Plague of the Bitter Hand unleashed at its peak has left the kingdoms of Ícalar in tatters. Years after a tenuous peace is made, the last surviving member of the heroic Hidden Company, Iknaïs, succumbs to the plague. Wearied Shepherd of Leaving Fîeron Eburos is called to attend the body and release Iknaïs’ soul, yet insodoing, he discovers a message pointing to the very artifact that began the war. Most confusingly of all, this message states that Iknaïs was entrusted with the artifact by the enemy and that Fîeron needs to find it at any cost.

Fîeron's reluctant duty leads him to Devatska, an elderly, brilliant engineer-strategist living in anonymity after the mysterious culling of her family. But in solving the riddle of Iknaïs' last request, they are only met with more questions – about the war, their alleged enemy, and the very nature of their world.

Genres: Fantasy

608 pages, ebook

Published March 1, 2026

About the author

Tamara was born in the Deep South of the U.S. and spent twelve formative years in the mid- and southwest of England, where she earned her BA Creative Writing, First Class Honors from Bath Spa University. After returning to the South, she became a freelance editor to subsidize her writing – prose and poetry that reflect her multicultural upbringing and explore themes of family, loss, identity, and their reflection in the natural world. The Fruit of War: Stone and Flesh is her first published novel, and if nothing else has made her nine-year-old self very happy.

Reviews

[Nawell Ponson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a voluntary ARC Review.

First let me say that I am not a typical fantasy reader. I do enjoy Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time, Game of Thrones, (the big blockbuster types), but I am not the typical audience for this genre. With that said, I think it speaks very highly to this novel and its author that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. AND that I want to know what’s next.

As far as fantasy goes, the world-building is exquisite; the detail given to the world—its creatures, its languages (!), customs and cultures, even units of measurement—is seriously impressive. And while quite detailed, I don’t think long-time fantasy readers will have a hard time becoming naturalized citizens of Icalar. For those who aren’t long-time readers of the genre, there is a very helpful glossary (and map!) included.

As far as fiction in general, I think it’s the characters who really draw the reader in. There are six main characters and a host of side characters that are beautifully fleshed out and well-rounded, plus a villain that is … oh, baby. Nightmarish in the best possible way. Each and every one is perfectly complex, the dialogue is natural and balanced well with the action, and their relationships to one another are superbly woven in a realistic and believable (!) way. There is a character for every reader to relate to, to favorite and root for, and I think this is the broader appeal of this novel. Like old bad-ass ladies? Got ya covered. Like high-spirited teens? Check. Want a jaded ex-military guy just trying his best? Yup. And this isn’t a found-family situation, either. I appreciated it so much that this novel doesn’t fall into the trap of Tropes.

I will say that this isn’t an *easy* read. It’s an intelligent and complex book with multiple plot lines the reader has to pay attention to. And this is a big book. However, it is very much a page-turner. The writing style (while very beautiful) is not overly-complicated nor does it take itself too seriously, while simultaneously trusting that the reader has a brain.

All in all, it’s a pleasure to be immersed in this magical, gothic world, and I really look forward to Book 2.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader review:
The Fruit of War, Book 1: Stone and Flesh is a unique fantasy book with gothic horror vibes and an intricate plot that keeps the pages turning — all of which takes place in a world with a deep and storied history that stretches back far before the events on the first page of this book. You’ll read about historic wars, recent political machinations, and countless fauna and sentient creatures that you won’t find in other fantasy books. The world of Ícalar is home to a diverse cast of characters, including scholarly young men, brave old women, warriors, priests, warlocks, thieves, savages, humans, humanoids, and demonic entities. If all of this sounds like your kind of story, consider checking out Tamara S. Harker's debut novel.

Stepping into the world of Ícalar, you truly feel like you’ve been transported into a different world. While you won’t find your classical dwarves, elves, and orcs, you’ll instead get to discover never before seen races and their distinguishing features; from the flying feline Kōza and their glaive-wielding warrior riders who rule the skies, down to the ground where you’ll share the roads with animalistic Ẽova, Faun, and Eisorcei.

I’ll leave the fun of discovering each race for yourself throughout this book, but I want to highlight one race in particular that I absolutely adore, the Nae’cthosai. These beautiful beings with plant-like features walk among the other inhabitants of Ícalar for much of their life. But, when that comes to an end, they experience The Resting — during which they literally put down their roots, and take on a new form, transforming to that of a sturdy tree to continue their life cycle rooted in place.
Tamara’s attention to detail and her intricately designed fauna are truly praiseworthy.

Now, if you’re like me and sometimes struggle to keep track of all the names and locations and creatures that complex fantasy stories tend to throw your way, the author has included a detailed Glossary of Terms and Peoples for easy reference. This allows the plot to draw you in and lets the diverse cast of characters to saturate the pages; not that the eager and hot-blooded Kōtia (or her totally badass but sometimes pedantic granny Devatska) need to be referenced in the Glossary.

Speaking of plot, let my closing statements touch on that a bit. Fruit of War has a well defined plot that keeps the pages turning and the story flowing. There are clear goals that the main cast of characters work towards, while also including a good chunk of mystery and even some gothic horror vibes sprinkled in to keep readers on their toes.

This book is truly for the avid fantasy fan, and I cannot wait for you to dive in to explore Fruit of War’s Ícalar first-hand.

[Cat Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.

If you love a deep, heavy world that will draw you in (as I do) then you are going to love this. The pages are dripping with history, beliefs, culture and all the things that make a world feel lived in. You can tell a lot of thought went into developing this world and it pays off immensely!

It took a bit of doing for me to learn to balance the characters and plot. There’s a lot going on in both so if you’re not used to epic fantasy, this probably isn’t your best choice for a first one. You have to keep a lot of facts in mind throughout the read which while intimidating for some is a great fun challenge for another.

If I had to offer some critique, it would probably be I wish more description of the characters were given early on. We get lots of description and explanation the deeper we go into the story but I’m one that likes to be able to imagine our characters early and it felt like I was a bit sparse for details for a bit.

This book sets itself up for a series brilliantly while also resolving the conflict of the book in its own, something a lot of writers fail to do. I really look forward to seeing where this storyline goes!

[Ashlyn Tickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC! This does not affect my honest review.

My mind is genuinely blown by the attention to detail in this book. Consider walking in the woods and think about things you would probably notice. Tamara brings light to details you’d likely never consider. It was truly astounding the image they illustrated with just words. Now cross this incredibly described world with such a detailed plot, multiple character POVs and they’ve all got their own harrowing backstories.

Wow this epic fantasy is TRULY epic and probably one of the most high level stories I’ve read. We primarily follow Fîeron on his journey as an undertaker to recover this lost/hidden artifact. It’s not described as a found family book but I definitely think that’s a theme. Devatska was fun to follow as an older character with so much experience in this world yet she’s not always forthcoming with her knowledge so I felt like I was hanging on to her every word.

This world and magical beings is certainly one you’ve never seen before. I can’t fathom the amount of plotting and organization required to write this and it’s only book 1!! I will say this is NOT an easy read, it’s very dense. Sooo if you’re not looking for an epic fantasy then don’t read an epic fantasy and leave a poor review :/ this book deserves all the love!!!

And I cannot emphasize enough… REFERENCE THE GLOSSARY

[Tiffany Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to have received an ARC of this book. If I had to give this book a one-word review, that word would be “WOW”. If you enjoy high fantasy books, this is the book for you. I have read the book twice so far. The second time was to take in all the details that I missed during my first read.

I was hooked on Chapter 1. The characters draw you in quickly, and you get to know them like you would get to know a friend. The author truly gives you everything that you need to know about the world, the characters and the plot. The world building that happens from the very beginning can be overwhelming if you aren’t used to books like this, but the author paints a picture that is easy to imagine. And that’s saying something, because I have zero imagination when it comes to picturing descriptions of characters in books.

I loved the diverse set of characters that made the tale. They come in all shapes and sizes with different personality types. The Koza were adorable, I loved them so much.

The buildup from the start of the book to the climax was riveting. The climax of the book was unforgettable. The ending of the book was a perfect mix of closure and cliffhanger. It leaves you satisfied but also wanting more.

The only thing that I would have liked would be to maybe put note after the table of contents to let readers know that there is a glossary of terms and glossary of people. I didn’t learn this until I was more than halfway through my first read. It was an extremely helpful tool to learn terms, lingo and characters.

I will be recommending this book to my fellow readers.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and look forward to seeing what the rest of the series will bring!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fruit of War: Stone and Flesh is an ambitious and richly imagined fantasy debut that confidently stakes its claim as the opening chapter of a much larger saga that I was pleased to have early access to as an ARC reader. For readers who enjoy immersive worldbuilding, layered plots, and character driven storytelling, this novel delivers an experience that feels both familiar to the genre and refreshingly its own.

One of the standout strengths of the book is its character development. The cast is varied, compelling, and thoughtfully constructed, each with motivations that feel grounded in the world’s political and emotional landscape. While the characters are already strong, I found myself wanting to dig even deeper into their complexities. There’s a sense that Harker has laid the groundwork for future instalments to explore these personalities further, so I hope that comes into fruition in future books.

The plot is another major triumph. Complex without becoming confusing, it weaves together multiple threads that build tension steadily and effectively. There is a glossary of names and terms which is helpful to support the reader, though I found that the description within the narrative supported this well enough. I found it genuinely hard to put down, not because of cliffhangers or big reveals, but because the narrative momentum is well sustained. Every chapter feels purposeful, and the stakes rise in a way that keeps the reader invested in what comes next.

After a high intensity build up and a powerful climax, the conclusion offers a welcome sense of relief while still leaving the door open for the next book. I haven’t felt such a sense of feeling so uncomfortable (in a good way) when reading fiction for a long time – the descriptive writing was particularly noteworthy at this point.

It’s worth noting that this is a long read, but the length feels justified in my opinion. Harker’s greatest success lies in their ability to paint vivid, cinematic images through their prose. The world feels tangible, with its landscapes, cities, and cultural textures described with such clarity that I could easily picture every location. The interactions between characters and their environment feel natural and lived in, giving the world depth.

If there is one area where the book can grow, it’s in pushing even further into the emotional and psychological layers of its characters. The foundation is excellent, and I’m eager to see how the author expands on these dynamics as the series progresses.

Overall, The Fruit of War: Stone and Flesh is an excellent read and a superb debut. It’s the kind of book that reminds you of the joys of classic fantasy, with it’s intricate storytelling, memorable characters, and a world that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page. I had to give myself a few days before moving on to my next read as I had to take time to process and ‘come down’ from what I’d just read! Highly recommended for fans of immersive, character rich fantasy who want to get stuck into a new series.

[Ashley B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC review.

This dark fantasy is an immaculately thought-out work, built with a level of care that shows on every page. Multiple plot lines are carefully woven together, the narrative flowing from one set of characters to the next until their individual journeys intertwine. The story is rich with twists and turns, with each revelation serving a purpose.

The inclusion of a glossary, covering both terminology and key figures, further enhances the experience, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves without losing momentum or clarity.

Most striking is the book’s ability to completely pull the reader in; once inside its pages, it’s easy to forget the real world exists at all. The novel delivers a true sense of closure by its final chapter, while the epilogue sets expectations for what comes next. A gripping, immersive beginning to a dark fantasy series that will pull you in from the very beginning.

[Danielle Cintron · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader review:
The Fruit of War: Stone and Flesh is a fantastic, amazing, and dark debut from Tamara S. Harker. The first in a series has set up a deeply rich world of complex characters and world building that will pull you in and make you want to learn more. Happily, Ms. Harker has provided us with a Glossary of knowledge to give the reader all of the information you could ask for including a deeper history of this world. This cast of characters are incredibly intelligent, flawed, and generally badass allowing the reader to connect with multiple plot points through differing perspectives.

While a lengthy read, I think any fantasy reader would happily lose themselves in the world of Ícalar. Highly recommend and can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy once this one publishes. Congratulations Tamara and thank you for sharing Ícalar with us all.

[Aimee Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review:

This dark fantasy coils around you like a living shadow, blending ancient culture and deeply human fear into a story that feels both epic and intimate. The world is richly imagined, with a dark undertone of dread, whispered prophecies and moral decay slowly sinking its claws in deeper as mysteries are unravelled into disturbing truths.

What truly struck me was the emotional weight; characters not just scarred not just by their past, but the choices they must make to survive. Threads of fate intertwine in the darkness, creating a world that draws you in and keeps the pages turning in a spectacular debut that leaves you wanting more.

[bry’s corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and I’m writing this review voluntarily. The book just draws you in from page one. It is a long read but totally worth it. I highly recommend.