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Gargoyles of Stonehaven #1
The Stone Initiation
Fans of dark academy fantasy and enemies-to-lovers tension will devour this gritty romantasy series from Debbie Cassidy.
They say half-bloods don’t belong at the gargoyle table.
I’ve been my father’s secret shame my whole life, hidden to protect his spotless reputation. The only thing that kept me going was my half-brother, my protector, my family.
Until the day he died.
They call it an accident. I know it’s a lie. And the only way to uncover the truth is to enter Romi’s Stonehaven Academy, the training ground of the elite guardians.
Here, survival is a test I was never meant to pass. Pureblood gargoyles want me broken. The Council wants me silent. And then there’s Serath—the dangerously magnetic sigma leader of Romi’s unit, the one man I should never want.
If I want answers, I’ll need to get close to the sigma. I’ll need to play with fire and be prepared to get burned.
But there’s a reason Serath is off limits.
A reason that could mean the difference between life and death.
Because the Stone Council is hiding something far darker than Romi’s death.
And if their secret gets out, it won’t just shatter Stonehaven.
It will tear our world apart.
They say half-bloods don’t belong at the gargoyle table.
I’ve been my father’s secret shame my whole life, hidden to protect his spotless reputation. The only thing that kept me going was my half-brother, my protector, my family.
Until the day he died.
They call it an accident. I know it’s a lie. And the only way to uncover the truth is to enter Romi’s Stonehaven Academy, the training ground of the elite guardians.
Here, survival is a test I was never meant to pass. Pureblood gargoyles want me broken. The Council wants me silent. And then there’s Serath—the dangerously magnetic sigma leader of Romi’s unit, the one man I should never want.
If I want answers, I’ll need to get close to the sigma. I’ll need to play with fire and be prepared to get burned.
But there’s a reason Serath is off limits.
A reason that could mean the difference between life and death.
Because the Stone Council is hiding something far darker than Romi’s death.
And if their secret gets out, it won’t just shatter Stonehaven.
It will tear our world apart.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2023
668 people are currently reading
1294 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Cassidy
137 books2,902 followersDebbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
May 30, 2023
This was a disappointment to me. DNF.
I stopped shortly after she couldn't pass the first and only task required of them, to enter the training grounds, without the help of THREE other gargoyles, while the requirement was to do it on your own. She got help from 2 others to carter her around (fly) due to a technicality in the wording of the task, since she couldn't even fly. Which is one of the most basic requirements of a qualified guardian. That didn't seem to bother anyone. What... will she just be carried around during areal battles in the future?!
Secondly, one of the trainers had to save her from a poisonous fish. But she went on as if she was so clever and amazing for passing the first task when in my, the reader's opinion, she failed miserably!
Then she ogled the trainer, after almost confessing her love for another man less than 24hrs earlier (even though she never even asked him what he was, when he confessed he was similar to herself! So much for love when you're not even interested in detail like that).
And then no one even bothered to mourn those that were lost in this idiotic task that kills off half the entrees, when they're in a war!
Why kill them at all? Why not have a task where they loose and are sent packing? Are they such evil monsters that care so little for young lives, that are kinda socially pressured into this, where you just end up dead for NO REASON??
What about rather testing the skills AND preserve their lives, because you can have one class where 90% are amazing and another where only 10% are of the same skillset. Thus you can choose a larger number of the 90% class. But no, you send them into a fight where at least some will be picked off, whether they were actually still worthy or not.
What a stupidly designed test. Surely the writer could've come up with something better? Even moreso, why not train those at the bottom rung as backups in the war instead of just killing them off like they were worse than flies on a pile of dung?
That was enough stupidity, callousness and idiocy for me so I stopped reading shortly after.
I stopped shortly after she couldn't pass the first and only task required of them, to enter the training grounds, without the help of THREE other gargoyles, while the requirement was to do it on your own. She got help from 2 others to carter her around (fly) due to a technicality in the wording of the task, since she couldn't even fly. Which is one of the most basic requirements of a qualified guardian. That didn't seem to bother anyone. What... will she just be carried around during areal battles in the future?!
Secondly, one of the trainers had to save her from a poisonous fish. But she went on as if she was so clever and amazing for passing the first task when in my, the reader's opinion, she failed miserably!
Then she ogled the trainer, after almost confessing her love for another man less than 24hrs earlier (even though she never even asked him what he was, when he confessed he was similar to herself! So much for love when you're not even interested in detail like that).
And then no one even bothered to mourn those that were lost in this idiotic task that kills off half the entrees, when they're in a war!
Why kill them at all? Why not have a task where they loose and are sent packing? Are they such evil monsters that care so little for young lives, that are kinda socially pressured into this, where you just end up dead for NO REASON??
What about rather testing the skills AND preserve their lives, because you can have one class where 90% are amazing and another where only 10% are of the same skillset. Thus you can choose a larger number of the 90% class. But no, you send them into a fight where at least some will be picked off, whether they were actually still worthy or not.
What a stupidly designed test. Surely the writer could've come up with something better? Even moreso, why not train those at the bottom rung as backups in the war instead of just killing them off like they were worse than flies on a pile of dung?
That was enough stupidity, callousness and idiocy for me so I stopped reading shortly after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2025
I went into this one with zero expectations, so imagine my surprise when this turned out to be as good as it did! The characters were engaging and entertaining. There was enough intrigue that it kept me on my toes. Although I would have loved it even more if the world-building had been turned up a bit, because at times it was a bit too vague and did lose me. Overall, this was a fantastic gargoyale read! Be warned though that it wasn't all that spicy due to circumstances pertaining to the story. Hopefully, it heats up as the series progresses!
April 20, 2023
3.5⭐️
I love me some gargoyles. This book had something unique in it tho. I’ve never read about an FMC being one (or half gargoyle) which was a pleasant surprise. We need more monster FMCs.
Cameron (FMC) was a woman on a mission at the academy, searching for answers when she meets her mate?! Now this is where I have the biggest issue as it’s one of the biggest plot points in the book. Sigmas (Seraph the MMC is this designation) cannot take mates. It makes no sense 😅. It makes this tough, elite soldier who used to be reliable into someone barely able to function because he’s rejecting a huge part of himself. Basically it makes him an unreliable elite soldier. Thus I don’t get why they can’t take mates. Let the man be with his fated so the academy can have back their strong soldier!
I enjoyed reading other POVs from minor characters throughout the book. It’s not often I see that. Surprisingly, they didn’t blur together, they all had their own voices. This was very much a slow burn so I agonized in each perspective seeing the tension build lol. Next book better get 🌶️🌶️ 😉
The cliffy was fun but a tad predictable and fast.
I love me some gargoyles. This book had something unique in it tho. I’ve never read about an FMC being one (or half gargoyle) which was a pleasant surprise. We need more monster FMCs.
Cameron (FMC) was a woman on a mission at the academy, searching for answers when she meets her mate?! Now this is where I have the biggest issue as it’s one of the biggest plot points in the book. Sigmas (Seraph the MMC is this designation) cannot take mates. It makes no sense 😅. It makes this tough, elite soldier who used to be reliable into someone barely able to function because he’s rejecting a huge part of himself. Basically it makes him an unreliable elite soldier. Thus I don’t get why they can’t take mates. Let the man be with his fated so the academy can have back their strong soldier!
I enjoyed reading other POVs from minor characters throughout the book. It’s not often I see that. Surprisingly, they didn’t blur together, they all had their own voices. This was very much a slow burn so I agonized in each perspective seeing the tension build lol. Next book better get 🌶️🌶️ 😉
The cliffy was fun but a tad predictable and fast.
May 26, 2023
Ok I officially need all the gargoyle shifter books! 👀 I loved everything about it! From them having powerful stone forms to their ledges for landing and adapted spaces.
This is a paranormal romance with an academy setting! ❤️ We follow the story of Cam, a fierce female lead that helps keep society safe by hunting down supernatural creatures while hiding her true nature; she’s a half blood. That is, until her pure blooded gargoyle brother turns up dead. To discover the truth about his death, she has no choice but to enroll at the deadly and competitive Stonehaven academy. The story is told in multiple POV which I absolutely love as we get to see what’s going on the other side of the coin 👀
I love the found family trope ! Touron was definitely a favorite ❤️ the forbidden romance was slow burn and very mysterious, I don’t want to spoil anything but let’s just say that there are dark secrets and beasts hiding in Stonehaven 💀 a great start to the series I’m excited for the next book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
This is a paranormal romance with an academy setting! ❤️ We follow the story of Cam, a fierce female lead that helps keep society safe by hunting down supernatural creatures while hiding her true nature; she’s a half blood. That is, until her pure blooded gargoyle brother turns up dead. To discover the truth about his death, she has no choice but to enroll at the deadly and competitive Stonehaven academy. The story is told in multiple POV which I absolutely love as we get to see what’s going on the other side of the coin 👀
I love the found family trope ! Touron was definitely a favorite ❤️ the forbidden romance was slow burn and very mysterious, I don’t want to spoil anything but let’s just say that there are dark secrets and beasts hiding in Stonehaven 💀 a great start to the series I’m excited for the next book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
September 23, 2024
Obsessed with Stovehaven Academy!!
This was one of my favorite reads of this year to date, I absolutely freaking loved it! This is my first book of Debbie Cassidy’s and I’m so impressed, hands down a 5 star read. The world building was top notch, complex but, also easy to understand and picture as you read along.
The Stone Initiation is an angsty, monster, gargoyle romance. But, that’s just surface level and as you read it goes way deeper than that. It has the one of the ultimate tropes of all time, fated mates…but, it’s also a story of forbidden love, family secrets, societal secrets, and found family.
Cameron is a half human/half gargoyle and has spent her entire life hiding her gargoyle nature from the few human friends she has in her life. But, when she finds out her half brother, Romi has been killed, she decides it’s time to embrace her gargoyle side and get to the bottom of his murder. This leads her to Stonehaven Academy, where only the best and strongest gargoyles (The Alpha) get the chance to become guardians.
To say it’s a rocky start is an understatement. She has to get through an insane trial or test if you will, to even make it to the gates of the Academy.. and not even full Gargoyle’s make it half the time. But, she finds that not all want to see her fail and she makes a few friends along the way. Along with her friends, she meets Sareth.. her fated mate. But, there are strict rules in place which can never allow them to be together. And we still don’t know why, ahhhhh!
So all the while she has to figure out how to train to become a potential guardian, find out why/how her brother was killed, try to avoid her mate and survive the academy while being half human? Oh, did I mention Sareth was one of the gargoyles in her brother’s elite squad? Eeeek! The tension is unreal, if you catch my drift. The few spicy scenes we had so far were giving and I can’t wait for more.
At the end of this book there is a major truth bomb dropped that I will not spill but, we are left with more questions than answers and I can’t wait to find out those answers in book two! I highly recommend this book it was so damn good.
This was one of my favorite reads of this year to date, I absolutely freaking loved it! This is my first book of Debbie Cassidy’s and I’m so impressed, hands down a 5 star read. The world building was top notch, complex but, also easy to understand and picture as you read along.
The Stone Initiation is an angsty, monster, gargoyle romance. But, that’s just surface level and as you read it goes way deeper than that. It has the one of the ultimate tropes of all time, fated mates…but, it’s also a story of forbidden love, family secrets, societal secrets, and found family.
Cameron is a half human/half gargoyle and has spent her entire life hiding her gargoyle nature from the few human friends she has in her life. But, when she finds out her half brother, Romi has been killed, she decides it’s time to embrace her gargoyle side and get to the bottom of his murder. This leads her to Stonehaven Academy, where only the best and strongest gargoyles (The Alpha) get the chance to become guardians.
To say it’s a rocky start is an understatement. She has to get through an insane trial or test if you will, to even make it to the gates of the Academy.. and not even full Gargoyle’s make it half the time. But, she finds that not all want to see her fail and she makes a few friends along the way. Along with her friends, she meets Sareth.. her fated mate. But, there are strict rules in place which can never allow them to be together. And we still don’t know why, ahhhhh!
So all the while she has to figure out how to train to become a potential guardian, find out why/how her brother was killed, try to avoid her mate and survive the academy while being half human? Oh, did I mention Sareth was one of the gargoyles in her brother’s elite squad? Eeeek! The tension is unreal, if you catch my drift. The few spicy scenes we had so far were giving and I can’t wait for more.
At the end of this book there is a major truth bomb dropped that I will not spill but, we are left with more questions than answers and I can’t wait to find out those answers in book two! I highly recommend this book it was so damn good.
May 20, 2023
Really enjoyed this one!
I’ve never read a book with gargoyles as a main character so I had absolutely no idea what to expect. When I think of the word gargoyles, I imagine the stone statues on the Beast’s castle in Beauty and the Beast 😂 thankfully, my metal image was quickly replaced with THESE gargoyles after reading this book.
This is a multi-POV paranormal romance with a strong FMC, fated mates and a forbidden romance, found family, and an academy setting! I love a good academy setting 😍 really really enjoyed it!!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve never read a book with gargoyles as a main character so I had absolutely no idea what to expect. When I think of the word gargoyles, I imagine the stone statues on the Beast’s castle in Beauty and the Beast 😂 thankfully, my metal image was quickly replaced with THESE gargoyles after reading this book.
This is a multi-POV paranormal romance with a strong FMC, fated mates and a forbidden romance, found family, and an academy setting! I love a good academy setting 😍 really really enjoyed it!!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2023
I wasn’t ready for this ending!! I screamed! I knew a certain someone was going to reappear! So much happened in this book, I am shook! Love every single character! I laughed out loud so many times. This book was just pure enjoyment! The plot, perfection. But it’s Debbie!! Need I say more! Ugh I need the second book. But I am patient.
May 11, 2023
I can’t tell you how much I loved this book! Cameron or Cam for short is probably one of my favorite FMCs I’ve read in a while. She’s half human, half gargoyle and an outcast to both of her kind. She’s gone so long hiding her true identity and has been playing the human role for most of her life…until now. After learning of the death of her brother, Romi, she takes off on an adventure to find the truth!
She decided to become a guardian, but it’s not that simple. She has to go through a gargoyle academy, to train with the best of the best, a training that could ultimately kill her as she’s not a full blooded gargoyle.
Aside from Cam we have an array of amazing characters, each proving their importance and uniqueness to the story! Levi, Shar, Touron, and so many more help to make this story absolutely spectacular!
In pure Debbie Cassidy fashion there IS a cliffhanger, but if this isn’t your first rodeo with this author, you already knew that was coming! The cliffhanger isn’t AWFUL (like you won’t throw things and cry right away, I promise) but it’s there and it WILL leave you wanting to know what comes next. You should all definitely grab this book…and then the next.. and the next, cause it’s one hell of a story and you won’t be let down!
She decided to become a guardian, but it’s not that simple. She has to go through a gargoyle academy, to train with the best of the best, a training that could ultimately kill her as she’s not a full blooded gargoyle.
Aside from Cam we have an array of amazing characters, each proving their importance and uniqueness to the story! Levi, Shar, Touron, and so many more help to make this story absolutely spectacular!
In pure Debbie Cassidy fashion there IS a cliffhanger, but if this isn’t your first rodeo with this author, you already knew that was coming! The cliffhanger isn’t AWFUL (like you won’t throw things and cry right away, I promise) but it’s there and it WILL leave you wanting to know what comes next. You should all definitely grab this book…and then the next.. and the next, cause it’s one hell of a story and you won’t be let down!
May 5, 2023
I have to go through some of the older books I've read by this author, as this feels very much like a Universe we've seen before with the Gray and the Guardians. That said, it doesn't matter to reading enjoyment if there is a connection, as this is the start of a new tale and a new story, and wowsers - what a start!
First, Cameron is a kick@ss FMC with enough baggage to sink a ship. I am honestly surprised that she doesn't have a chip on her shoulder, as this girl has been dealt a poor hand my genetics and fate. Not a bad hand, exactly, as she had family that stepped up and helped her when her mother died, but still, her youth and future are dictated my rules she barely knows in a society that reveres pure bloods of both the goyle and human varieties.
The story really kicks off when Romi, Cameron's brother, is lost on a mission. This galvanizes Cam to seek out answers, and perhaps justice, for the only family that's ever really cared for her. That leads her to The Stone Academy, which lands her at the feet of goyles who think she is beneath them, teachers who agree and a mate that can't be what either of them needs. It's a mess of a good time, and it's just getting started.
It ends on a cliffhanger, and like most Cassidy novels, I am left with a bucket load of questions and curiosity. The biggest one though = IS THIS GOING TO BE RH??? Because, come on.... it really, really, REALLY needs to be!! Yeah, it'll be decent with just the mate bond, but.... ugh!
Can't wait to see what's next!
First, Cameron is a kick@ss FMC with enough baggage to sink a ship. I am honestly surprised that she doesn't have a chip on her shoulder, as this girl has been dealt a poor hand my genetics and fate. Not a bad hand, exactly, as she had family that stepped up and helped her when her mother died, but still, her youth and future are dictated my rules she barely knows in a society that reveres pure bloods of both the goyle and human varieties.
The story really kicks off when Romi, Cameron's brother, is lost on a mission. This galvanizes Cam to seek out answers, and perhaps justice, for the only family that's ever really cared for her. That leads her to The Stone Academy, which lands her at the feet of goyles who think she is beneath them, teachers who agree and a mate that can't be what either of them needs. It's a mess of a good time, and it's just getting started.
It ends on a cliffhanger, and like most Cassidy novels, I am left with a bucket load of questions and curiosity. The biggest one though = IS THIS GOING TO BE RH??? Because, come on.... it really, really, REALLY needs to be!! Yeah, it'll be decent with just the mate bond, but.... ugh!
Can't wait to see what's next!
May 20, 2023
Interesting start to a new series by author, Debbie Cassidy. Cameron is a half gargoyle who has been living her life the best she can posing as a human and working as a hunter. She doesn't know a lot about the gargoyle world, apart from the information she has found out from her half-brother, Romi, which isn't a lot.
Cam throws herself in at the deep end, when she's told her brother is dead with a plan to join the gargoyle academy so she can find out more about what happened to her brother, but she gets more than she bargained for along the way.
There are a few twists and turns in the story, that had me continuing to turn the pages so I could find out more about what was going to happen with Cam on her journey through the academy as she tries to uncover what happened to Romi.
Can't wait for book two, especially after that cliffhanger ending.
Cam throws herself in at the deep end, when she's told her brother is dead with a plan to join the gargoyle academy so she can find out more about what happened to her brother, but she gets more than she bargained for along the way.
There are a few twists and turns in the story, that had me continuing to turn the pages so I could find out more about what was going to happen with Cam on her journey through the academy as she tries to uncover what happened to Romi.
Can't wait for book two, especially after that cliffhanger ending.
December 15, 2024
I want to say a lot but also don't know what to say.
I do know I like the concept, and I like the characters, I like the FMC and her sass. But the whole romance angle is full of angst, forbidden fated mate, and insta-lust. But I keep hoping it turns into an RH. I don't think it will. Do I love the romance part, I don't, but I am invested and hoping for more.
There are so many questions, secrets, and lies, and I am looking forward to the revelations and truth bombs in the next couple of books.
Oh, and she has a boogie man guard who is so sweet. There is spice, smex, and okay smut... I think the smut is always okay in the first book or so with this author and get better or simply doesn't happen towards the end of the series.
4 stars
I do know I like the concept, and I like the characters, I like the FMC and her sass. But the whole romance angle is full of angst, forbidden fated mate, and insta-lust. But I keep hoping it turns into an RH. I don't think it will. Do I love the romance part, I don't, but I am invested and hoping for more.
There are so many questions, secrets, and lies, and I am looking forward to the revelations and truth bombs in the next couple of books.
Oh, and she has a boogie man guard who is so sweet. There is spice, smex, and okay smut... I think the smut is always okay in the first book or so with this author and get better or simply doesn't happen towards the end of the series.
4 stars
April 30, 2024
I am smitten with this exceptionally captivating story, in particular due to the fact that it is a rare occurrence to come across the concept of female gargoyles. I loved the complexity of the story, the magic behind the mythology and history of those species. The hierarchical structure is rather strict and rigid and I wonder whether such strong shackles would yield to the force of the changing world.
Debbi Cassidy is truly an exceptional story teller and I cannot wait to see how Cameron navigates this unknown world as she explores her true nature, creates strong friendships and struggles with her love for Levi and the undeniable bond with Serath.
Debbi Cassidy is truly an exceptional story teller and I cannot wait to see how Cameron navigates this unknown world as she explores her true nature, creates strong friendships and struggles with her love for Levi and the undeniable bond with Serath.
April 3, 2025
The storyline is good, the characters are really likable. I loved and hated the fated mates that can't consummate, I was desperate for them to take that next step even if not meant to! I really liked Serath,.
Looking forward to book 2.
Looking forward to book 2.
April 10, 2023
Cameron is a half gargoyle half human. She has lived all of her life in the human world, away from the gargoyle world. But when her full-blooded gargoyle brother is killed in an accident, she decides to go to Stonehaven Academy to figure out what happened, but the truth comes with a burden. Here, she is pitted against other gargoyles, but luckily Cameron is not one to discourage. She finds other gargoyles who can see past appearances and they form a friendship, and friends are what she needs when Serath makes an appearance.
I was screaming at the chemistry between Cameron and Serath! Come on, what could the secret be? I need to know. And Levi? What will happen with him??? The next release can't come out soon enough.
I was screaming at the chemistry between Cameron and Serath! Come on, what could the secret be? I need to know. And Levi? What will happen with him??? The next release can't come out soon enough.
September 22, 2023
Me encanto!
October 4, 2024
Kinda goofy but really fun
April 22, 2023
This delightful world of elite gargoyles needs some serious shaking up and Cameron is just the lady to do it. I love feisty heroines and Cameron has that in spades. I also really love many of the side characters. I can't wait for the twist and turns of this series to play out. It is definitely one I will enjoy immensely.
April 23, 2023
I love it when this author pens a new series as I don’t think she’s started one I haven’t loved, this one being no exception. Cameron is interesting as a half-gargoyle human, and they aren’t exactly revered in this world. When her brother dies, she has to find out how and why, and she is giving up her anonymity by trying to enroll in the all-gargoyle school. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and like every book this author writes, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one in the series. Well-written, fun characters, and an overall engaging plot; this author has done it again. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
November 13, 2024
Man was I wishing this was a reverse harem… there was legit multiple times that it read like it was going to go that way too. Many of her series are, I’m feeling sad to these other guys. I also felt bad for the shade/tilupa when he got left behind, why didn’t she tell him to go with that guy (her contact guy).
My note: created shades
My note: created shades
June 2, 2023
It’s been a while since I read a gargoyle story! And as always Debbie Cassidy does an amazing job with her paranormal romances. I loved Cam and Serath so much!
Loved the intrigue of Cameron’s search for a mate. Definitely one of my fav aspects of the book. The Academy aspect added more to the whole gargoyle romance, I loved how they were incorporated in the story. The fact that they can’t have mates makes it more intriguing to see the development between Cam and Serath!
So many of the side characters were likable, definitely perfect for found family lovers! This story will have you hooked. Super fast paced. Can’t wait to read more.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy. All opinions are my own.
Loved the intrigue of Cameron’s search for a mate. Definitely one of my fav aspects of the book. The Academy aspect added more to the whole gargoyle romance, I loved how they were incorporated in the story. The fact that they can’t have mates makes it more intriguing to see the development between Cam and Serath!
So many of the side characters were likable, definitely perfect for found family lovers! This story will have you hooked. Super fast paced. Can’t wait to read more.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy. All opinions are my own.
May 11, 2023
The Stone Initiation by Debbie Cassidy is book one in the series, Gargoyles of Stonehaven. I was instantly drawn to this book by the cover. (Have you seen it!?!) I know the old saying, don’t judge a book by its cover… but this book was amazing. It was so well done plus it’s a romance with gargoyles. Yes, gargoyles!
So the story starts out as a revenge story, with a sister wanting to avenge the death of her best friend… her half brother. Cameron is the hybrid of a powerful Gargoyle and a human. She is different then from what her half brother was. Cam leads with her heart in pretty much every situation only for her mind to have to clean up the messes it leaves behind. But she needs answers and the best place to get them is by going to the last place he was… StoneHaven Academy. There is where she meets Serath Halle an elite warrior and apparently her pureblooded mate. I loved reading the both of them… sometimes it drove me crazy and I just wanted to shake the both of them. I really liked how you get the sense there’s something there for you to find but it’s just out of reach. This book was an incredible read from the plot, the world, the lore and the characters. I can’t wait for book two, to find out even more. This was an amazingly good read, I recommend it!!!
Final review
5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The characters and lore
5 out of 5 books 📖📖📖📖📖
So the story starts out as a revenge story, with a sister wanting to avenge the death of her best friend… her half brother. Cameron is the hybrid of a powerful Gargoyle and a human. She is different then from what her half brother was. Cam leads with her heart in pretty much every situation only for her mind to have to clean up the messes it leaves behind. But she needs answers and the best place to get them is by going to the last place he was… StoneHaven Academy. There is where she meets Serath Halle an elite warrior and apparently her pureblooded mate. I loved reading the both of them… sometimes it drove me crazy and I just wanted to shake the both of them. I really liked how you get the sense there’s something there for you to find but it’s just out of reach. This book was an incredible read from the plot, the world, the lore and the characters. I can’t wait for book two, to find out even more. This was an amazingly good read, I recommend it!!!
Final review
5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The characters and lore
5 out of 5 books 📖📖📖📖📖
July 8, 2023
Great gargoyle book
I enjoyed this book about gargoyle guardians, their training academy, and their way of life. All the characters are interesting, and even Curi has some redeeming qualities after all. Serath and Orix and Selas are an elite team missing Romi, her brother. Cameron is desperate to seek the truth about his death but get way more than she bargained for when she joined the Academy. Filled with monsters, vampires, mageri, witches, and gargoyles, this book is action-packed with adventure and sweet sexy moments, in the midst of an all out war between the monsters and the monster hunters.
I enjoyed this book about gargoyle guardians, their training academy, and their way of life. All the characters are interesting, and even Curi has some redeeming qualities after all. Serath and Orix and Selas are an elite team missing Romi, her brother. Cameron is desperate to seek the truth about his death but get way more than she bargained for when she joined the Academy. Filled with monsters, vampires, mageri, witches, and gargoyles, this book is action-packed with adventure and sweet sexy moments, in the midst of an all out war between the monsters and the monster hunters.
March 16, 2024
Serath and Cam
Straight to the point there was too much love triangle or things left unknown for my liking but the story after all that was well written. Need to get to the point more
Straight to the point there was too much love triangle or things left unknown for my liking but the story after all that was well written. Need to get to the point more
January 1, 2026
What can I say about a Debbie Cassidy read, except that EVERY book series is so utterly unique! Each and every series is so different from any of her others that it's a delight and absolute pleasure to not know what to expect. Because, you see, Ms Cassidy DOESN'T do "same old, same old" in any of her books, and therein lies the beauty! And the capability of this incredible author is immensely impressive. This book started out lighthearted -ish, that is, if you can't "see" between the lines, you'd think it was light-hearted and fun but the complexity is evident from the start, just wrapped up in fun prose, where I'm not sure if I should smile or feel gutted. I end up doing both...
Part human, part gargoyle, Cameron is all awesome. Only, she can't divulge who she is, what she is and the anxiety of keeping her creature side under wraps is... challenging. She can't let anyone in, she can't have real friends based on a lie. Even the crew she runs with to keep baddies off the streets, have no idea. Her "love" interest has no idea. I really liked Levi, hunky, gorgeous and wanting all in, but....yeah, Cam can't let him in. Which , of course, Ms Cassidy, turns on it's head....I really love how real this author is, she lets her prose churn up all the emotions in me. She gets me loving all her characters, she gets me fully immersed right from the start to the very end.
Devastating news propels Cam to enter a world her mother took great lengths to keep her from, a dangerous world, for her own safety, but Cam, non the less, needs answers and those she hopes to find at the Gargoyle academy, she just needs to survive the trials first...First she had to keep her gargoyle side a secret, now she has to keep her parentage a secret from the gargoyle's at the academy. Oh hells do I love her spunk! She might be a half-blood but she has more hutzpah than full bloods! I was cheering with her when she said "Ha, take that, pure bloods! If I weren’t so wiped, I’d have gotten up and twerked." Unlikely friendships form and the unthinkable happens, Cameron is the fated mate, wait for it...to someone who SHOULDN'T and COULDN'T have a fated mate, some boogie woogie law prevented it. Oh did I adore the effect they had on each other and I loved the support Cam gets from her new friends. Even Sharniza, who claims friendship is not on the agenda, she, Tourin and the twins are with her all the way, and boy is their support welcome! And then there's Serath, who just blew me away! He's the epitome of control, in a situation totally OUT of control! And his team, his friends, hell, as protective as a bear over her young! Oh my heck are these characters phenomenal!!! ALL of them! Even Curi, who I initially disliked intensely showed a different side, which, honestly, floored me! Ms Cassidy is a master at characterisations, they feel real, they get me vested in them, they get me 100% in the gut and I so want a HEA for all of them.
Oh my lordie lordie heck!! This book was so full of surprises I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head! The author took me through every imaginable twist and then some! The intricacies of this story are impossible to pen, just know this, it's full of angst, it's full of tension, it's full of drama, it's full of magnificence! Fast paced and full of heart, this tale is head poundingly brilliant! My love for gargoyles just elevated into the statasphere! But THAT ending, oh my heck 😱 I'm kind of desperate for the next book....Exciting, thrilling, compelling, outstanding, yet again...
Part human, part gargoyle, Cameron is all awesome. Only, she can't divulge who she is, what she is and the anxiety of keeping her creature side under wraps is... challenging. She can't let anyone in, she can't have real friends based on a lie. Even the crew she runs with to keep baddies off the streets, have no idea. Her "love" interest has no idea. I really liked Levi, hunky, gorgeous and wanting all in, but....yeah, Cam can't let him in. Which , of course, Ms Cassidy, turns on it's head....I really love how real this author is, she lets her prose churn up all the emotions in me. She gets me loving all her characters, she gets me fully immersed right from the start to the very end.
Devastating news propels Cam to enter a world her mother took great lengths to keep her from, a dangerous world, for her own safety, but Cam, non the less, needs answers and those she hopes to find at the Gargoyle academy, she just needs to survive the trials first...First she had to keep her gargoyle side a secret, now she has to keep her parentage a secret from the gargoyle's at the academy. Oh hells do I love her spunk! She might be a half-blood but she has more hutzpah than full bloods! I was cheering with her when she said "Ha, take that, pure bloods! If I weren’t so wiped, I’d have gotten up and twerked." Unlikely friendships form and the unthinkable happens, Cameron is the fated mate, wait for it...to someone who SHOULDN'T and COULDN'T have a fated mate, some boogie woogie law prevented it. Oh did I adore the effect they had on each other and I loved the support Cam gets from her new friends. Even Sharniza, who claims friendship is not on the agenda, she, Tourin and the twins are with her all the way, and boy is their support welcome! And then there's Serath, who just blew me away! He's the epitome of control, in a situation totally OUT of control! And his team, his friends, hell, as protective as a bear over her young! Oh my heck are these characters phenomenal!!! ALL of them! Even Curi, who I initially disliked intensely showed a different side, which, honestly, floored me! Ms Cassidy is a master at characterisations, they feel real, they get me vested in them, they get me 100% in the gut and I so want a HEA for all of them.
Oh my lordie lordie heck!! This book was so full of surprises I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head! The author took me through every imaginable twist and then some! The intricacies of this story are impossible to pen, just know this, it's full of angst, it's full of tension, it's full of drama, it's full of magnificence! Fast paced and full of heart, this tale is head poundingly brilliant! My love for gargoyles just elevated into the statasphere! But THAT ending, oh my heck 😱 I'm kind of desperate for the next book....Exciting, thrilling, compelling, outstanding, yet again...
May 9, 2023
I've been eyeing Debbie Cassidy's books for a while and I've decided to take the plunged with The Stone Initiation because hello Gargoyles. Omg, this book did not disappoint. It's everything.😆😍
Dear gods Cameron "Cam" lets her heart lead the way and her brain comes along after the damage has been done. Her single-minded focus makes her reckless and of course gets her in all kinds of trouble. It's also her stubbornness that makes her great. It's a catch twenty-two and I just have to pray for the best possible outcome. You gotta love her spirit.
She meets her match in Serath Halle an elite warrior and apparently her pureblooded mate. Yeah, things are super complicated and angsty between them. It made my heart hurt because there is obviously a connection and they would actually work if they gave it a try. Serath is smoother than I originally gave him credit for, it just comes naturally. He obviously has a soft spot for Cam from the beginning. I hated how his team treated Cam. In a way, they're leaders of their community and they could have behaved better.
I've read less than a handful of books centered on the illusive mythical creatures but somehow the mythology is clear. Debbie has put her own twist on them. The culture was a little baffling, their main goal is to "protect" humans although I don't know if that's really the case. They of course accept their "own", full-blooded gargoyles yet the discrimination against halfbloods is alive and kicking and it doesn't sense, halfbloods are from both worlds. The gargoyle society needs a major overhaul. They are so busy putting everyone in these little boxes that they are missing opportunities and diverting from their purposes. From what I've seen they control individuals way too much, to the point self-expression is hidden. A society that doesn't grow, that doesn't change is doomed and it's looking like the gargoyles are on a collision course. However, there are some exceptions to the typical gargoyle behavior. Cam has made some pretty great friends who seem to go against the grain and they become a tight little group.
This book gets you talking, well it does for me anyways. There's so much I wanna say but can't because, spoilers. This world is a beast. Cassidy has built a very complex world with so m different aspects I have no hope of covering it all let alone dodging the spoilers. There are designations (alpha, beta omega, etc..), fated mates, portals, magic and so much more. There's a war going on against things from another world. The graynites are enemies that the gargoyles don't know much about and they're pretty much unstoppable. Things aren't adding up and it's getting more and more dangerous. By the end, the story takes such an unexpected turn and the twists just keep poppin', forget a jaw drop, my jaw was hanging off its freaking hinges.
The Stone Initiation was frecking awesome! Turns out this book is a dystopian one that is loaded with a variety of supernatural creatures, ghosts, boogeymen, tulpas, and more. The beginning of the book, most definitely gave off the vibes of my favorite TV series, Supernatural. It was great. Sign me up for the rest of the series because I'm hooked.
Dear gods Cameron "Cam" lets her heart lead the way and her brain comes along after the damage has been done. Her single-minded focus makes her reckless and of course gets her in all kinds of trouble. It's also her stubbornness that makes her great. It's a catch twenty-two and I just have to pray for the best possible outcome. You gotta love her spirit.
She meets her match in Serath Halle an elite warrior and apparently her pureblooded mate. Yeah, things are super complicated and angsty between them. It made my heart hurt because there is obviously a connection and they would actually work if they gave it a try. Serath is smoother than I originally gave him credit for, it just comes naturally. He obviously has a soft spot for Cam from the beginning. I hated how his team treated Cam. In a way, they're leaders of their community and they could have behaved better.
I've read less than a handful of books centered on the illusive mythical creatures but somehow the mythology is clear. Debbie has put her own twist on them. The culture was a little baffling, their main goal is to "protect" humans although I don't know if that's really the case. They of course accept their "own", full-blooded gargoyles yet the discrimination against halfbloods is alive and kicking and it doesn't sense, halfbloods are from both worlds. The gargoyle society needs a major overhaul. They are so busy putting everyone in these little boxes that they are missing opportunities and diverting from their purposes. From what I've seen they control individuals way too much, to the point self-expression is hidden. A society that doesn't grow, that doesn't change is doomed and it's looking like the gargoyles are on a collision course. However, there are some exceptions to the typical gargoyle behavior. Cam has made some pretty great friends who seem to go against the grain and they become a tight little group.
This book gets you talking, well it does for me anyways. There's so much I wanna say but can't because, spoilers. This world is a beast. Cassidy has built a very complex world with so m different aspects I have no hope of covering it all let alone dodging the spoilers. There are designations (alpha, beta omega, etc..), fated mates, portals, magic and so much more. There's a war going on against things from another world. The graynites are enemies that the gargoyles don't know much about and they're pretty much unstoppable. Things aren't adding up and it's getting more and more dangerous. By the end, the story takes such an unexpected turn and the twists just keep poppin', forget a jaw drop, my jaw was hanging off its freaking hinges.
The Stone Initiation was frecking awesome! Turns out this book is a dystopian one that is loaded with a variety of supernatural creatures, ghosts, boogeymen, tulpas, and more. The beginning of the book, most definitely gave off the vibes of my favorite TV series, Supernatural. It was great. Sign me up for the rest of the series because I'm hooked.
April 28, 2023
This author is back with a brand new UF series. We start out in a war ravaged country, most infrastructure is gone. Humans are dwindling. Monsters wonder the night killing any who are unfortunate enough to be caught. The only saving grace for the humans are the Guardians. Gargoyles are the beings left to protect the humans. In this, the vampires, werewolves and other shifters and evil and kill/eat humans. There is another evil far more powerful though, Graynites. Groups of "human" hunters patrol the local streets in the more outlying areas, the areas that aren't as populated and are basically left to defend themselves.
Cam or Cameron is our kickbutt FMC. She is half human, half gargoyle and not accepted by either species. She keeps her nature hidden and pretends to be human. Cam is incredibly stubborn. The primal instincts of her gargoyle half, leave her with a hot temper and making rash decisions without always thinking things through. After being told her brother Romi is dead, she goes and applies to join the gargoyle school to train and become a guardian, but to really find out what happened to her brother. This academy is made for the strongest of gargoyle kind and the tests are life threatening. There is every possibility that Cam will die before graduating and becoming a guardian.
We have a good cast for this series. Levi, Cam's current human lover. Big, tattooed, has a chip on his shoulder.
Shar/Sharniza, female alpha gargoyle. Shar is hiding behind being tough. She doesn't want to form friendships due to the loss rate of the academy. It is much easier to have your team die if you aren't friends.
Touron, oh this one is sweet. He is such a softy. His character really adds to the emotional development of the other characters. The glue to the group.
Ginia and Palia, twin female alpha gargoyles. These two are a hoot. Super smart and a little quirky.
Serath, Orix, Selas, Prasan, with bonus player, Willowman; these are the Elite team. Willowman isn't technically an elite, but is close with them and helps them. Orix, he is a bit of a butthead. Prasan, possibly the level-headed one. Selas, she is the female alpha for the elite team and seems to be kickbutt, but also kind. Wanting what is best for everyone. Serath, oh my, this one is the leader. He is drop dead gorgeous, comes off as a real alpha-hole. But he has a sweet side and I desperately need more of it!
Things are really heating up and getting interesting. Cam and Serath are in a losing situation all around. Cam's friends are helping her to learn what a gargoyle is, while attempting to protect her from herself. We had a very nice plot twist towards the end and I'm dying to find out more. The cliff, if you have read this author before, you will know that she is the queen of cliffhangers, but this one was tame. I didn't throw my kindle, I wasn't screaming mad, I simply was like, "Oh, Oh my, this should be interesting, cue the chaos!" Any ways, go grab your copy of this book, it was amazing. I read all 400+ pages in one day and I'm in love with this new cast of characters and the story line.
Cam or Cameron is our kickbutt FMC. She is half human, half gargoyle and not accepted by either species. She keeps her nature hidden and pretends to be human. Cam is incredibly stubborn. The primal instincts of her gargoyle half, leave her with a hot temper and making rash decisions without always thinking things through. After being told her brother Romi is dead, she goes and applies to join the gargoyle school to train and become a guardian, but to really find out what happened to her brother. This academy is made for the strongest of gargoyle kind and the tests are life threatening. There is every possibility that Cam will die before graduating and becoming a guardian.
We have a good cast for this series. Levi, Cam's current human lover. Big, tattooed, has a chip on his shoulder.
Shar/Sharniza, female alpha gargoyle. Shar is hiding behind being tough. She doesn't want to form friendships due to the loss rate of the academy. It is much easier to have your team die if you aren't friends.
Touron, oh this one is sweet. He is such a softy. His character really adds to the emotional development of the other characters. The glue to the group.
Ginia and Palia, twin female alpha gargoyles. These two are a hoot. Super smart and a little quirky.
Serath, Orix, Selas, Prasan, with bonus player, Willowman; these are the Elite team. Willowman isn't technically an elite, but is close with them and helps them. Orix, he is a bit of a butthead. Prasan, possibly the level-headed one. Selas, she is the female alpha for the elite team and seems to be kickbutt, but also kind. Wanting what is best for everyone. Serath, oh my, this one is the leader. He is drop dead gorgeous, comes off as a real alpha-hole. But he has a sweet side and I desperately need more of it!
Things are really heating up and getting interesting. Cam and Serath are in a losing situation all around. Cam's friends are helping her to learn what a gargoyle is, while attempting to protect her from herself. We had a very nice plot twist towards the end and I'm dying to find out more. The cliff, if you have read this author before, you will know that she is the queen of cliffhangers, but this one was tame. I didn't throw my kindle, I wasn't screaming mad, I simply was like, "Oh, Oh my, this should be interesting, cue the chaos!" Any ways, go grab your copy of this book, it was amazing. I read all 400+ pages in one day and I'm in love with this new cast of characters and the story line.
May 5, 2023
This is probably the best PNR that I have read by this Author to date, and its an exciting new series with absolutely amazing world-building and character dynamics.
Cameron has been raised knowing that she is part Gargoyle but always hiding this from the world, and the only link she has ever had to them has been through her Brother, who found her after her mother died. But then she gets a call to say that Romy is dead, but it just doesn't sit right with her. He was her family, her world, and she needed to know what happened. Determined to investigate his death, she has to embrace her Gargoyle heritage and join Stonehaven Academy. Sounds simple right?? Wrong!
Half-breeds are looked down upon and normally given menial jobs, never has a half breed passed eth selection process to gain admittance and Cameron only just manages to scrape through by sheer grit and thinking outside the box. But now she is there, can she just survive until she gets the answers she wants!
Seraph is the leader of the elite's currently stationed at Stonehaven, as they are a man down since Romy's death. He is a type of Gargoyle that is forbidden to mate but fate is cruel when the fated mate bond is so string between him and Cam. Seraph is a complete Alpha hole but has a softer side that is so endearing that you cant help but like him.
Other notable characters are Derek, the Boogie man who you just want to squish in a cuddle right from the get go. Orix I fell in love with when he rescued a stray black cat that he later named Taz. Shaniza is a female Alpha Gargoyle with a surprising secret addiction and Touron who friend adopted Cameron first always bring there for her and the other female Apha's as a friend. There are also alot of other side characters that will come to into their own as the storey continues including a male gargoyle that hates but protects her.
This book is set in the Rim which is on the outskirts of an established world where every sector is so different but i would love a cameo from some of the other casts - that would be so cool!.
Absolutely Fantastic read with lots of angst, sizzle, humor, endearing moments, found family and the most amazing storytelling!
Cameron has been raised knowing that she is part Gargoyle but always hiding this from the world, and the only link she has ever had to them has been through her Brother, who found her after her mother died. But then she gets a call to say that Romy is dead, but it just doesn't sit right with her. He was her family, her world, and she needed to know what happened. Determined to investigate his death, she has to embrace her Gargoyle heritage and join Stonehaven Academy. Sounds simple right?? Wrong!
Half-breeds are looked down upon and normally given menial jobs, never has a half breed passed eth selection process to gain admittance and Cameron only just manages to scrape through by sheer grit and thinking outside the box. But now she is there, can she just survive until she gets the answers she wants!
Seraph is the leader of the elite's currently stationed at Stonehaven, as they are a man down since Romy's death. He is a type of Gargoyle that is forbidden to mate but fate is cruel when the fated mate bond is so string between him and Cam. Seraph is a complete Alpha hole but has a softer side that is so endearing that you cant help but like him.
Other notable characters are Derek, the Boogie man who you just want to squish in a cuddle right from the get go. Orix I fell in love with when he rescued a stray black cat that he later named Taz. Shaniza is a female Alpha Gargoyle with a surprising secret addiction and Touron who friend adopted Cameron first always bring there for her and the other female Apha's as a friend. There are also alot of other side characters that will come to into their own as the storey continues including a male gargoyle that hates but protects her.
This book is set in the Rim which is on the outskirts of an established world where every sector is so different but i would love a cameo from some of the other casts - that would be so cool!.
Absolutely Fantastic read with lots of angst, sizzle, humor, endearing moments, found family and the most amazing storytelling!
May 6, 2023
Debbie Cassidy is the kind of author people just love. Her books are action-packed, filled with surprises and filled with awesome characters. So, every time I get an e-mail with a new arc for a Debbie Cassidy series I already get excited to dive in. That excitement only grows when it's the start of a brand new series. I've already heard great things about this book from other arc readers so I was very curious to discover this brand new world.
What I love about the author is how she can introduce a character and a complete world to us within a few chapters. Of course there is a lot more to explore and discover than what's being shown to us in the first few chapters and yet we know from the start what we're getting into. Just like we get an amazing first impression of the heroine of the story by getting to see her in her natural habit, surrounded by friends and doing what she does best.
The true surprises and reveals come once the scenery changes and our heroine is embracing her Gargoyle side. I love how the author shows us the world of the Gargoyles, how hard their society is, how strict their rules are and what that means for everyone involves. And although that makes our heroine the odd one out and makes it dangerous to be part of that world we can totally see why she is the kind of person to survive in such a world despite being a half blood.
I also really loved the mate bond in this book and the way it was handled and developed. I'm usually not a big fan of the mate bonds where everything happens as soon as they meet but in this case the author is adding loads of complications and is really making it hard for the characters to just act on it which automatically makes is interesting. There is this constant tension between the characters and yet the author makes us wait and wait.
After all the reveals during the finale I'm even more excited to dive into the sequel!
What I love about the author is how she can introduce a character and a complete world to us within a few chapters. Of course there is a lot more to explore and discover than what's being shown to us in the first few chapters and yet we know from the start what we're getting into. Just like we get an amazing first impression of the heroine of the story by getting to see her in her natural habit, surrounded by friends and doing what she does best.
The true surprises and reveals come once the scenery changes and our heroine is embracing her Gargoyle side. I love how the author shows us the world of the Gargoyles, how hard their society is, how strict their rules are and what that means for everyone involves. And although that makes our heroine the odd one out and makes it dangerous to be part of that world we can totally see why she is the kind of person to survive in such a world despite being a half blood.
I also really loved the mate bond in this book and the way it was handled and developed. I'm usually not a big fan of the mate bonds where everything happens as soon as they meet but in this case the author is adding loads of complications and is really making it hard for the characters to just act on it which automatically makes is interesting. There is this constant tension between the characters and yet the author makes us wait and wait.
After all the reveals during the finale I'm even more excited to dive into the sequel!
April 13, 2023
This whole fucking situation was dangerous as hell, but I wanted to feel him, wanted to taste him. I deserved this. I was owed this. He was mine, dammit.
One taste... What could it hurt?
Debbie did it again: she managed to create another masterpiece to devour, and to lead up to a big book hangover... "The Stone Initiation" is one of those books that has it all: wonderful worldbuilding, catchy characters, a steamy storyline, rich relationships, flourishing friendships, ... This book is filled with a ton of different tropes, but I got so swept up into the storyline that it's hard to remember them all. I guess the tropes that stick with me the most after finishing this book, are the fated mates and star-crossed lovers trope, together with a found family I truly adored.
I feel like I can go on for days to try and explain why I loved this book so much, but I'll try to use as little words as possible. The important things are, that the story of Cameron is one that grabbed me from the start. Not only is her background truly fascinating, she's the perfect kind of fmc for me. True strength is not found in an impressive physical form: it's found in tenacity, in being the best friend anyone could ever want. It's found in never giving up, in seeing the best in people when they deserve it, and being there for those who hold a piece of your heart. And on top of an fmc with all those strengths, this book is filled with characters who are just as impressive and lovely, all for their own reasons. Add an intriguing storyline to that, in a world I can't wait to discover more from, and you've got yourself a book you won't be able to put down.
One taste... What could it hurt?
Debbie did it again: she managed to create another masterpiece to devour, and to lead up to a big book hangover... "The Stone Initiation" is one of those books that has it all: wonderful worldbuilding, catchy characters, a steamy storyline, rich relationships, flourishing friendships, ... This book is filled with a ton of different tropes, but I got so swept up into the storyline that it's hard to remember them all. I guess the tropes that stick with me the most after finishing this book, are the fated mates and star-crossed lovers trope, together with a found family I truly adored.
I feel like I can go on for days to try and explain why I loved this book so much, but I'll try to use as little words as possible. The important things are, that the story of Cameron is one that grabbed me from the start. Not only is her background truly fascinating, she's the perfect kind of fmc for me. True strength is not found in an impressive physical form: it's found in tenacity, in being the best friend anyone could ever want. It's found in never giving up, in seeing the best in people when they deserve it, and being there for those who hold a piece of your heart. And on top of an fmc with all those strengths, this book is filled with characters who are just as impressive and lovely, all for their own reasons. Add an intriguing storyline to that, in a world I can't wait to discover more from, and you've got yourself a book you won't be able to put down.
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