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Sprigs & Stone
In a world bound by power and submission, a single sprig can crack stone.
Bound to serve ten years in the fortress of Rockspire Hold, Nova Stormont wants to keep her head down and survive. She wants nothing to do with the political games that rule Loxosceles, but when she sees the mighty exploit the powerless, obedience feels like betrayal.
As cracks spread through the regime, Nova’s defiance takes root, along with her resolve to challenge the world that claims to own her. The deeper she becomes entwined in Loxosceles’ web of control, the harder it is to tell friend from foe or freedom from another kind of cage. To change her fate—and ignite something greater—she’ll have to risk everything she’s become.
Bound to serve ten years in the fortress of Rockspire Hold, Nova Stormont wants to keep her head down and survive. She wants nothing to do with the political games that rule Loxosceles, but when she sees the mighty exploit the powerless, obedience feels like betrayal.
As cracks spread through the regime, Nova’s defiance takes root, along with her resolve to challenge the world that claims to own her. The deeper she becomes entwined in Loxosceles’ web of control, the harder it is to tell friend from foe or freedom from another kind of cage. To change her fate—and ignite something greater—she’ll have to risk everything she’s become.
376 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2026
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Kalleigh Royn
5 books44 followersKalleigh Royn lives in a beautiful mountain town in Southern Alberta, where she balances her work as a middle school administrator with her passion for writing. Drawing from her experiences, she weaves themes of resilience and leadership into her stories. When she's not writing or working, she can be found hiking, running, biking, or spending time with her partner and their adventurous corgi, Corgmander Riker.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 13, 2025
This book does something right from the start. The opening recap of Roots and Rubble is woven so naturally into the story that it never feels like an info dump. It gently reminds you of what happened and how things unfolded, without slowing the pacing for even a second. I read book one about six months ago, and within moments I had that perfect oh right, that’s what happened feeling. Not too long, not too short. Just right.
And then the story starts. Immediately. From page one, it grabs you and does not let go. By page thirty, I knew I was done for. I started reading around one o’clock and finished by five. One sitting. No breaks. Déjà vu, because book one did the exact same thing to me.
Throughout the story, there are subtle hints and easter eggs that make you think you know where things are heading. And then… you don’t. Something else happens entirely. The ending left me completely unwell in the best possible way. And then Leon says that line, the one that makes you question everything you just read. Is he being petty? Is he right? Is this setting us up for something much bigger in book three? Because there has to be a book three.
The characters are what truly make this story shine. Every single one of them feels layered, intentional, and alive. They don’t feel like characters anymore, they feel like people you know.
• Oron, with his fierce loyalty to those he serves.
• Bradger, the absolute goofball who brings much needed levity.
• Crux, the grumpy, foul-mouthed neighbor archetype who secretly cares more than he lets on.
• Kieran, whose development hints at a path that could go beautifully right… or catastrophically wrong.
• Leon, who is complicated, a little toxic, undeniably protective, sometimes patronizing, but also clearly driven by genuine love for Nova.
This book pulled me in again and again, keeping me fully engaged from start to finish. I was left speechless, emotionally invested, and desperate to know what comes next.
As for tropes? Absolutely nailed.
Trials.
Enemies-to-friends.
The underestimated warrior rising through the ranks.
Every single one delivered perfectly.
If you loved Powerless, Crowns of Nyaxia, or even ACOTAR, this book sits firmly in that same addictive, high-stakes, emotionally charged fantasy space. If you enjoyed any of those, Sprigs & Stone is one you should not miss.
Five stars. No notes. I’m not okay, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
And then the story starts. Immediately. From page one, it grabs you and does not let go. By page thirty, I knew I was done for. I started reading around one o’clock and finished by five. One sitting. No breaks. Déjà vu, because book one did the exact same thing to me.
Throughout the story, there are subtle hints and easter eggs that make you think you know where things are heading. And then… you don’t. Something else happens entirely. The ending left me completely unwell in the best possible way. And then Leon says that line, the one that makes you question everything you just read. Is he being petty? Is he right? Is this setting us up for something much bigger in book three? Because there has to be a book three.
The characters are what truly make this story shine. Every single one of them feels layered, intentional, and alive. They don’t feel like characters anymore, they feel like people you know.
• Oron, with his fierce loyalty to those he serves.
• Bradger, the absolute goofball who brings much needed levity.
• Crux, the grumpy, foul-mouthed neighbor archetype who secretly cares more than he lets on.
• Kieran, whose development hints at a path that could go beautifully right… or catastrophically wrong.
• Leon, who is complicated, a little toxic, undeniably protective, sometimes patronizing, but also clearly driven by genuine love for Nova.
This book pulled me in again and again, keeping me fully engaged from start to finish. I was left speechless, emotionally invested, and desperate to know what comes next.
As for tropes? Absolutely nailed.
Trials.
Enemies-to-friends.
The underestimated warrior rising through the ranks.
Every single one delivered perfectly.
If you loved Powerless, Crowns of Nyaxia, or even ACOTAR, this book sits firmly in that same addictive, high-stakes, emotionally charged fantasy space. If you enjoyed any of those, Sprigs & Stone is one you should not miss.
Five stars. No notes. I’m not okay, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this second book in the Scattered Seeds series just as much as the first. The tug of the heart and the mind are highlighted through Nova's realization of the bigger picture. She is finding her purpose, all while navigating the feelings of passion and loyalty. I love that the garden is healing, both for Nova's regulation as well as providing plant properties to heal others. Nova continues to learn about the deeper understanding of people, seeing beneath the surface, figuring out how past experiences affect current actions. She links those lessons into fulling seeing characters (and the contrast between Kieran and Leon).
The last line of the epilogue is perfection! I look forward to seeing where Nova goes as she continues to grow.
The last line of the epilogue is perfection! I look forward to seeing where Nova goes as she continues to grow.
January 2, 2026
In Sprigs & Stone, Nova is thrown into another adventure, this one focused on navigating life as an indentured servant to the General of Rockspire Hold in Loxosceles.
While The General (AKA: Kieran/Leon’s brother) is a firm disciplinarian and tough shell to crack, we wonder: Is the man a monster or has he been made one? The question is explored in the constant contrast between Kieran and Leon.
As Nova tries to figure out her role in Echelon, she becomes entrenched in training to fight, conquering the faction’s cadet obstacle course, and learning to shoot. She uses her training to find control and to forget her lack of freedom and life as an indentured for a while.
She makes risky moves to try to prove herself and shed her servitude status. And most importantly, she really wants to make a difference for lower class citizens of Loxosceles.
Be prepared. Loxosceles’s political games hurt, its surprises injure, and heartwarming moments in this dangerous place are so fleeting, they ache.
Dangerous enemies resurface and new ones come to light in this second book of the Scattered Seeds series. It has an ending you won’t see coming but do not want to miss.
While The General (AKA: Kieran/Leon’s brother) is a firm disciplinarian and tough shell to crack, we wonder: Is the man a monster or has he been made one? The question is explored in the constant contrast between Kieran and Leon.
As Nova tries to figure out her role in Echelon, she becomes entrenched in training to fight, conquering the faction’s cadet obstacle course, and learning to shoot. She uses her training to find control and to forget her lack of freedom and life as an indentured for a while.
She makes risky moves to try to prove herself and shed her servitude status. And most importantly, she really wants to make a difference for lower class citizens of Loxosceles.
Be prepared. Loxosceles’s political games hurt, its surprises injure, and heartwarming moments in this dangerous place are so fleeting, they ache.
Dangerous enemies resurface and new ones come to light in this second book of the Scattered Seeds series. It has an ending you won’t see coming but do not want to miss.
January 4, 2026
Book two of the Scattered Seeds series was as good—if not better—than the first.
I absolutely loved the continued character development of the Valric brothers and Nova; they showed complex and vulnerable sides of themselves. The secondary characters were well portrayed; some I loved and others I completely hated (because I was supposed to).
The twists and turns kept me fully engaged and eager to see what would happen next. The final 100 pages completely caught me off guard in the best way—I truly did not see it coming, and I loved every minute of it.
I’m beyond excited for book three, sign me up as an ARC reader, because I’m not sure I can wait that long!
I absolutely loved the continued character development of the Valric brothers and Nova; they showed complex and vulnerable sides of themselves. The secondary characters were well portrayed; some I loved and others I completely hated (because I was supposed to).
The twists and turns kept me fully engaged and eager to see what would happen next. The final 100 pages completely caught me off guard in the best way—I truly did not see it coming, and I loved every minute of it.
I’m beyond excited for book three, sign me up as an ARC reader, because I’m not sure I can wait that long!
December 28, 2025
Sprigs & Stone is a decadent slow burn set in a pressure cooker!
Nova has to be careful in her new role as an Indentured to the Legion, under the General. Leon’s brother. But that doesn’t stop her from wanting to right the injustices she sees in the Lower Sector.
She’s not sure who to trust but she’s determined to earn her place, to earn her freedom! With that, she’s determined to be a part of the Legion, to be accepted as one of their own. To no longer be an outsider. To make a difference.
And when an opportunity presents itself she must decide which brother is the one to follow: the one who loves her or the one who sees her. A decision which burns a bridge that she may never mend but that just might sow seeds for a brighter future.
Nova has to be careful in her new role as an Indentured to the Legion, under the General. Leon’s brother. But that doesn’t stop her from wanting to right the injustices she sees in the Lower Sector.
She’s not sure who to trust but she’s determined to earn her place, to earn her freedom! With that, she’s determined to be a part of the Legion, to be accepted as one of their own. To no longer be an outsider. To make a difference.
And when an opportunity presents itself she must decide which brother is the one to follow: the one who loves her or the one who sees her. A decision which burns a bridge that she may never mend but that just might sow seeds for a brighter future.
January 17, 2026
Such a great second book in The Scattered Seeds series! Nova is still a strong, determined, and intelligent FMC who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in and I love her for it. I also really enjoyed the development of the Valric brothers and have officially become a Kieran fan.
The Trials were exciting and fast-paced, keeping the story moving while also giving us a solid look at the politics and power dynamics without feeling overwhelming.
The epilogue wrapped things up nicely while setting the stage for a return to Whitebark Haven, and I can’t wait to see what Nova runs into once she’s back home.
The Trials were exciting and fast-paced, keeping the story moving while also giving us a solid look at the politics and power dynamics without feeling overwhelming.
The epilogue wrapped things up nicely while setting the stage for a return to Whitebark Haven, and I can’t wait to see what Nova runs into once she’s back home.
January 19, 2026
I love how this book kinda took everything from the firstone and turned it upside down. Nova still stayed the strongand smart girl from the first book. She knew what shewants and where her morals stands and she wasn't willing
to let anybody move her. She knew how to turn thesituations around and analizez everything with precision.I loved how she didn'tlet down hard decisions because theywere hard.She knew what she had to do to protect herslefand still do what she thought right. And some times theright decisions is not beautiful but you still have to do it.
And this is what this book showed us.
you need to be strong and not let anybody think less of you!
to let anybody move her. She knew how to turn thesituations around and analizez everything with precision.I loved how she didn'tlet down hard decisions because theywere hard.She knew what she had to do to protect herslefand still do what she thought right. And some times theright decisions is not beautiful but you still have to do it.
And this is what this book showed us.
you need to be strong and not let anybody think less of you!
January 15, 2026
I NEED MORE KIERAN!!!! ♥️ I enjoyed this book so much. It’s fast paced and draws you in. Loved the trials aspect. My only complaint is that I found it to be super impractical that Nova never got a single target and then suddenly did in the trials. I also found some of her panic attacks to not have any build up and left me confused. But it’s a fantastic book & I can’t wait to read book 3!
January 5, 2026
This was so good. Definitely looking forward to the next book!
Is it just me or am I the only one starting to like Kieran more?
- forbidden love
- strong FMC
- coming of age
- dystopian fantasy
Is it just me or am I the only one starting to like Kieran more?
- forbidden love
- strong FMC
- coming of age
- dystopian fantasy
January 19, 2026
In the previous volume, Nova Stormont was locked up in a cell, only allowed to serve King Valric's - Loxosceles' descendant - subordinates.
Now, we have a more sombre situation, so convoluted that it has become disturbing in the eyes of the girl.
Not only does she harbour forbidden feelings for Leon, but he also turns out to be Lord Valric's youngest son and General Kieran Valric's brother. During her imprisonment, she is assigned tasks that reveal the horrors surrounding the court. She learns that the resources collected are not distributed fairly among the citizens, but are instead used as a slow and subtle abuse of power by those who disobey orders from above, either explicitly or implicitly. These people are then forced into labour as a warning to others.
At first, Nova finds the dynamics of Rockspire Hold difficult to understand compared to those of Whitebark Haven.
However, after delving deeper into the daily events and the General's books, she realises that all the good preached by those in power is merely a means of overpowering those they consider inferior and seizing the resources and secrets of other surrounding communities by force.
Ladies and gentlemen, if I had hoped to avoid a situation similar to The Hunger Games, here it is. It's not a question of hunger, but of voluntarily slaughtering each other to achieve dominance, which provides economic and psychological relief for some. For others, it's a question of overthrowing despots who have gone too far.
The coin is flipped and it is no longer possible to undo your moves — the die has been cast🔥
Now, we have a more sombre situation, so convoluted that it has become disturbing in the eyes of the girl.
Not only does she harbour forbidden feelings for Leon, but he also turns out to be Lord Valric's youngest son and General Kieran Valric's brother. During her imprisonment, she is assigned tasks that reveal the horrors surrounding the court. She learns that the resources collected are not distributed fairly among the citizens, but are instead used as a slow and subtle abuse of power by those who disobey orders from above, either explicitly or implicitly. These people are then forced into labour as a warning to others.
At first, Nova finds the dynamics of Rockspire Hold difficult to understand compared to those of Whitebark Haven.
However, after delving deeper into the daily events and the General's books, she realises that all the good preached by those in power is merely a means of overpowering those they consider inferior and seizing the resources and secrets of other surrounding communities by force.
Ladies and gentlemen, if I had hoped to avoid a situation similar to The Hunger Games, here it is. It's not a question of hunger, but of voluntarily slaughtering each other to achieve dominance, which provides economic and psychological relief for some. For others, it's a question of overthrowing despots who have gone too far.
The coin is flipped and it is no longer possible to undo your moves — the die has been cast🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW: THE SCATTERED SEEDS SERIES
Book one : Absolute blockbuster ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book two : Also absolute blockbuster 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I'd give this series ♾️/10
Have you ever read a book and thought....ahhh this book should be adapted into a movie????....
It's THIS ONE!! 🫠
Packed with fantasy, adventure, survival, romance all in one!! 👀
The series is set in a post-apocalyptic setting; where instead of countries separating the world, there are rival factions..... A brand new & fresh concept. Where a curious & unsatisfied character decides to break all boundaries & set foot outside her small world (her comfort zone) and then things get messier.....She comes across a ruthless enemy & her new journey begins.....Tune into the story and find out if she achieves her goal !
If I give you *my honest review* it totally felt like I was in some kind of movie watching it unfold on the sidelines. The writing is totally immersive it just connects with you right away! The characters felt so real at some point I started to relate with it! The main attraction of this series when the Love triangle starts 🤭 it's all Valric brothers & Noah!! It grabbed my attention further & I never felt the urge to put the book down!
NO BORING PARTS, SERIOUSLY!! 🤩
✨ IF YOU LOVE BOOKS WITH :
- Ancient v/s modern lifestyle
- Kidnapped FMC
- Survival
- Enemies to Lovers
- Found family
- Love triangle
- Deadly trials
- No spice / closed door
- Romantic tension
- Jealousy
- Fierce FMC
- Morally gray men
YOU FOUND THE BEST BOOK!!!
Book one : Absolute blockbuster ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book two : Also absolute blockbuster 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I'd give this series ♾️/10
Have you ever read a book and thought....ahhh this book should be adapted into a movie????....
It's THIS ONE!! 🫠
Packed with fantasy, adventure, survival, romance all in one!! 👀
The series is set in a post-apocalyptic setting; where instead of countries separating the world, there are rival factions..... A brand new & fresh concept. Where a curious & unsatisfied character decides to break all boundaries & set foot outside her small world (her comfort zone) and then things get messier.....She comes across a ruthless enemy & her new journey begins.....Tune into the story and find out if she achieves her goal !
If I give you *my honest review* it totally felt like I was in some kind of movie watching it unfold on the sidelines. The writing is totally immersive it just connects with you right away! The characters felt so real at some point I started to relate with it! The main attraction of this series when the Love triangle starts 🤭 it's all Valric brothers & Noah!! It grabbed my attention further & I never felt the urge to put the book down!
NO BORING PARTS, SERIOUSLY!! 🤩
✨ IF YOU LOVE BOOKS WITH :
- Ancient v/s modern lifestyle
- Kidnapped FMC
- Survival
- Enemies to Lovers
- Found family
- Love triangle
- Deadly trials
- No spice / closed door
- Romantic tension
- Jealousy
- Fierce FMC
- Morally gray men
YOU FOUND THE BEST BOOK!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this book SO FAST!!!! It's a post-apocalyptic romantic adventure with no spice but alllll the tension and angst. I love Nova so much and how much she's grown and continues to develop and how hard she fights for herself!! This second book does an amazing job of continuing the momentum from the first, but with the addition of extra yearning (my favorite!!!) and TRIALS!! I'm not going to add any spoilers and ruin the fun, so let me just say that I absolutely love the direction that the author took the story and I was practically screaming in empathy in some parts, cheering in others. This is a series where I'm picking up the next book as soon as humanly possible to find out what happens next.
On that note, I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this book because I loved the first one so much haha. I'll be signing up for the next one too!!
On that note, I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this book because I loved the first one so much haha. I'll be signing up for the next one too!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sprigs & Stone pulled me in from the start and kept me invested the whole way through. The character development really shines in this installment, especially for the FMC, whose emotional journey feels natural and well-earned. The MMC is no longer placed on a pedestal either, and seeing his flaws and vulnerabilities made him far more compelling and relatable.
The author does a wonderful job of deepening the world and expanding the emotional stakes, and the addition of the mysterious, brooding brother brought a quiet, simmering tension that added an extra layer of intrigue to the story. I’m a sucker for that slow, moody build, and he delivered exactly that.
While the beginning takes its time setting things up, the atmosphere and groundwork it lays only make the rest of the story more immersive.
I’m eagerly looking forward to what comes next in this series.
The author does a wonderful job of deepening the world and expanding the emotional stakes, and the addition of the mysterious, brooding brother brought a quiet, simmering tension that added an extra layer of intrigue to the story. I’m a sucker for that slow, moody build, and he delivered exactly that.
While the beginning takes its time setting things up, the atmosphere and groundwork it lays only make the rest of the story more immersive.
I’m eagerly looking forward to what comes next in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC read of part 2 of the Scattered Seeds series, and like the first book I was immediately drawn in.
The FMC had some significant growth in this book, and the MMC became less perfect and the author does a great job of peeling off the layers of the characters so you can see more of who they are at their cores. The introduction of the dark broody brother was the slow burning intrigue that I love in a male character, so he was a much appreciated addition.
The first bit of the book was a slower start but there was so much necessary world building that took place in there that it didn’t hurt the book at all.
Cannot wait for what happens next!
The FMC had some significant growth in this book, and the MMC became less perfect and the author does a great job of peeling off the layers of the characters so you can see more of who they are at their cores. The introduction of the dark broody brother was the slow burning intrigue that I love in a male character, so he was a much appreciated addition.
The first bit of the book was a slower start but there was so much necessary world building that took place in there that it didn’t hurt the book at all.
Cannot wait for what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a sequel to Roots and Rubble this book didn’t disappoint, at all. Full of action, character growth and change, plot twists, cliffhangers! It wasn’t my plan to binge the book in a few sittings, but I couldn’t put it down, I couldn’t absorb the words fast enough. Each chapter flowed to the next and I had to know what happened to Nova! Her growth and self-realization in this book is staggering, and her arc was unexpected. This genre of book is not my usual flavour to read but Kalleigh’s writing style takes you there and you feel a part of it, you feel the heat, the cold, the terror, the other kind of heat too… it kept me engaged throughout each chapter and I can’t wait for more!
January 14, 2026
What. A. Ride!!! The Scattered Seeds sequel, Sprigs & Stone, is an immersive read. A story I never wanted to end! The return to Loxosceles is full of adventure, high stakes, and deadly trials. The characters continue to impress me with their resiliency, inner strength, and adaptability. I LOVE Nova! The plot kept my heart racing, with so many unexpected twists and turns. On several occasions throughout the story, my jaw literally dropped. From start to finish, I was locked in and finished reading this book in a few hours. The action scenes, court schemes, enemies from all sides, the strategic brilliance, and romance made this story an incredible 5-star page-turner!
January 14, 2026
Even better than book one. Just give me a moment—I’m still riding the rollercoaster that was Song of Sprigs and Stone.
The way this author writes a love triangle that completely hooked me without any spice is a testament to her writing. This book goes to the next level. I got serious Hunger Games vibes—like when they sing The Hanging Tree. There are some truly beautiful, powerful moments in this story, especially with the FMC.
Seriously, please just read this book. It’s YA, it’s spice-free, it’s fast-paced, and it has both banter and heartache. I’m already excited to buy this in paperback so I can highlight it. So much I want to say..but...seriously, just go read it!!
The way this author writes a love triangle that completely hooked me without any spice is a testament to her writing. This book goes to the next level. I got serious Hunger Games vibes—like when they sing The Hanging Tree. There are some truly beautiful, powerful moments in this story, especially with the FMC.
Seriously, please just read this book. It’s YA, it’s spice-free, it’s fast-paced, and it has both banter and heartache. I’m already excited to buy this in paperback so I can highlight it. So much I want to say..but...seriously, just go read it!!
January 23, 2026
Rated 5 but it's more like a 4.5 to me. Again, like the first book, I enjoyed myself so much reading this ! A tiny bit less in the first part of the book. I like journeys so the first book was perfect for that. But in this one plunging into Echelon, it was a bit slow for me. Anyway, I can't wait for the next one :D
January 14, 2026
Oh my goodness! The second in the series, Sprigs and Stone is SO good! I absolutely loved this one and am already desperate for #3. The author did an incredible job and I will recommend this series to everyone I know.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews