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The Children of Verus #2
The Lake of Stolen Bones: Book 2
Danger on every side. Dark secrets ahead.
Tristan and Sabine are headed for enemy territory, bound by blood, desire, and the burden each now carries.
For Tristan, it’s leading an army he’s been ordered to abandon to hunt for the lost writings of a mad prophet. For Sabine, it’s entering a land that may reveal everything she fears about her past…and her future.
Even Rhys can’t outrun duty when he crosses paths with Lystra, a captured wolf-clan askara with her own score to settle.
All four are pushed into unfamiliar territory and haunted by choices none is ready to face.
But nothing will prepare them for what’s waiting at the lake in the dark heart of Pyrie: secrets powerful enough to threaten loyalties and unmake more than kingdoms.
The Lake of Stolen Bones is the second book in The Children of Verus Trilogy.
Tristan and Sabine are headed for enemy territory, bound by blood, desire, and the burden each now carries.
For Tristan, it’s leading an army he’s been ordered to abandon to hunt for the lost writings of a mad prophet. For Sabine, it’s entering a land that may reveal everything she fears about her past…and her future.
Even Rhys can’t outrun duty when he crosses paths with Lystra, a captured wolf-clan askara with her own score to settle.
All four are pushed into unfamiliar territory and haunted by choices none is ready to face.
But nothing will prepare them for what’s waiting at the lake in the dark heart of Pyrie: secrets powerful enough to threaten loyalties and unmake more than kingdoms.
The Lake of Stolen Bones is the second book in The Children of Verus Trilogy.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2026
About the author
Paula Weston
9 books857 followersPaula Weston is the author of the Rephaim series (Shadows, Haze, Shimmer and Burn) and The Undercurrent, a stand-alone speculative thriller set in near-future Australia.
Paula worked as a print journalist for many years before becoming a government media and communication specialist. Today she also co-owns a two-woman communication and design agency and works part-time in local government.
She grew up in regional South Australia and now lives in the Scenic Rim in Queensland with her husband and a retired greyhound.
Paula worked as a print journalist for many years before becoming a government media and communication specialist. Today she also co-owns a two-woman communication and design agency and works part-time in local government.
She grew up in regional South Australia and now lives in the Scenic Rim in Queensland with her husband and a retired greyhound.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 30, 2026
What the fricken hell - THIS WAS AMAZING 😭👏🏽
Paula take a bow, I’ve been following your writing for quite some time and this book showed your growth and that you still have so much to give!
The introduction of new clans, the way we saw the characters develop, the heretics and the politics my goodness this was such an enjoyable read.
Our faves Sabine & Tristan then the addition of Lystra I particularly loved the wolf clan element.
Uggh one of my top reads of 2026!
Better review to come when I’m like awake and it’s not almost midnight 😂
Paula take a bow, I’ve been following your writing for quite some time and this book showed your growth and that you still have so much to give!
The introduction of new clans, the way we saw the characters develop, the heretics and the politics my goodness this was such an enjoyable read.
Our faves Sabine & Tristan then the addition of Lystra I particularly loved the wolf clan element.
Uggh one of my top reads of 2026!
Better review to come when I’m like awake and it’s not almost midnight 😂
April 7, 2026
This book takes this story into the stratosphere! Paula’s pacing is perfect. Unraveling endless mysteries and questions that started to form in book one of the trilogy! While also adding more to keep the reading BEGGING for book 3 (I’m on my hands and knees here Paula)!
We get powerful new heroes and repugnant new enemies. We fall further in love with Rhys, and I mean it wasn’t hard, he’s a babe!!! Reckless, handsome, brave and honorable! NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND ALERT 🚨
Lystra is legendary and every moment you get to spend with her in the book is action packed.
This book has it all, from corrupt heads of religion to crazed bone witches who sit upon chairs made of human bones.
Also Indy the tiny wolf, give me her Every. Second. Of. The. Day!
Paula you are a legend. Can’t wait to see the chaos you rain down upon all of Amadea and Pyrie in the conclusion to this EPIC tale!
Thank you Paula for the advanced copy of this book for an honest review!!!
We get powerful new heroes and repugnant new enemies. We fall further in love with Rhys, and I mean it wasn’t hard, he’s a babe!!! Reckless, handsome, brave and honorable! NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND ALERT 🚨
Lystra is legendary and every moment you get to spend with her in the book is action packed.
This book has it all, from corrupt heads of religion to crazed bone witches who sit upon chairs made of human bones.
Also Indy the tiny wolf, give me her Every. Second. Of. The. Day!
Paula you are a legend. Can’t wait to see the chaos you rain down upon all of Amadea and Pyrie in the conclusion to this EPIC tale!
Thank you Paula for the advanced copy of this book for an honest review!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In the world of fantasy, the "sophomore slump" is a common pitfall where the middle chapter of a trilogy feels like a placeholder—a long walk to get to the finale. However, in The Lake of Stolen Bones, Paula Weston shatters that trope. Picking up where The Shadow of the Eagle left off, this sequel does a fantastic job building tension, expanding mythology, and keeping the stakes high without ever losing a beat.
The story returns us to a world teetering on the edge of war. What makes this second installment so successful is the forward momentum. Often, sequels spend too much time looking backward, but Weston pushes her characters—Sabine, Tristan, Axl, and Rhys—straight into the fire. Their group dynamic continues to evolve in ways that feel organic and earned. Sabine remains a compelling protagonist, grappling with her identity and the heavy weight of her destiny, while the chemistry and friction between the core group provide the emotional heartbeat of the story.
The cast also expands in meaningful ways with the introduction of new characters like Lystra. It’s always a risk to introduce fresh faces into an established story, but Lystra brings a new perspective and her presence adds layers to the world.
One of the most chilling aspects of The Lake of Stolen Bones is the deeper look we get into the antagonist’s side of the war. We receive much more insight into Pellus and, more importantly, how the Prophet is manipulating him to further a dark agenda. Weston does a fantastic job of portraying Pellus not just as a one-dimensional villain, but as a piece on a chessboard being moved by a master manipulator. Understanding the Prophet’s influence adds a layer to the high-stakes action, making the threat feel truly formidable.
To speak too much about the plot would be a disservice to new readers, as the book is packed with "did that really just happen?" moments. However, I can say that the world-building takes a massive leap forward. We learn significantly more about the Usurper and the cryptic "tenth prophecy." These revelations add to the context of everything we learned in book one. And based on what we learn, it makes the characters’ quest feel both more urgent and more dangerous.
The pacing is where Weston truly shines. This was a book I genuinely didn't want to put down. Each chapter seems to end with a hook that demands "just one more,". There is a continual sense of discovery here; every time the characters find an answer, two more questions take its place.
By the time I reached the final pages, I'm not ashamed to say I was anxious. The conclusion of The Lake of Stolen Bones is a total game-changer. It leaves the characters—and the reader—in a position that feels both desperate and exhilarating. Paula Weston has proven that she knows exactly how to keep her audience on the edge of their seats, and with the way this installment ended, I will need to get my hands on book three as soon as humanly possible.
If you’re looking for a sequel that ups the ante and refuses to slow down, The Lake of Stolen Bones is a must-read. The prophecy is unfolding, the stakes are lethal, and the wait for the conclusion is going to be agonizing.
Thank you to the author for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story returns us to a world teetering on the edge of war. What makes this second installment so successful is the forward momentum. Often, sequels spend too much time looking backward, but Weston pushes her characters—Sabine, Tristan, Axl, and Rhys—straight into the fire. Their group dynamic continues to evolve in ways that feel organic and earned. Sabine remains a compelling protagonist, grappling with her identity and the heavy weight of her destiny, while the chemistry and friction between the core group provide the emotional heartbeat of the story.
The cast also expands in meaningful ways with the introduction of new characters like Lystra. It’s always a risk to introduce fresh faces into an established story, but Lystra brings a new perspective and her presence adds layers to the world.
One of the most chilling aspects of The Lake of Stolen Bones is the deeper look we get into the antagonist’s side of the war. We receive much more insight into Pellus and, more importantly, how the Prophet is manipulating him to further a dark agenda. Weston does a fantastic job of portraying Pellus not just as a one-dimensional villain, but as a piece on a chessboard being moved by a master manipulator. Understanding the Prophet’s influence adds a layer to the high-stakes action, making the threat feel truly formidable.
To speak too much about the plot would be a disservice to new readers, as the book is packed with "did that really just happen?" moments. However, I can say that the world-building takes a massive leap forward. We learn significantly more about the Usurper and the cryptic "tenth prophecy." These revelations add to the context of everything we learned in book one. And based on what we learn, it makes the characters’ quest feel both more urgent and more dangerous.
The pacing is where Weston truly shines. This was a book I genuinely didn't want to put down. Each chapter seems to end with a hook that demands "just one more,". There is a continual sense of discovery here; every time the characters find an answer, two more questions take its place.
By the time I reached the final pages, I'm not ashamed to say I was anxious. The conclusion of The Lake of Stolen Bones is a total game-changer. It leaves the characters—and the reader—in a position that feels both desperate and exhilarating. Paula Weston has proven that she knows exactly how to keep her audience on the edge of their seats, and with the way this installment ended, I will need to get my hands on book three as soon as humanly possible.
If you’re looking for a sequel that ups the ante and refuses to slow down, The Lake of Stolen Bones is a must-read. The prophecy is unfolding, the stakes are lethal, and the wait for the conclusion is going to be agonizing.
Thank you to the author for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to Paula Weston for the Advance Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Lake of Stolen Bones – part 2 of The Children of Verus trilogy
Paula Weston did it again. Almost immediately my senses were stimulated, and I felt as though I could see and feel the characters.
The Lake of Stolen Bones picks up where The Shadow of the Eagle left off; it does not skip a beat. This book is not a stopover between books one and book three; it's a fantastic action-packed epic story that continues from book one, as war breaks out between Amadea and Pyrie, when Tristan and Sabine are heading into enemy territory. We are introduced to new characters in a way that brings us the ‘view from the other side’. Nothing is what it seems as they dive deeper into this new world and learn secrets that were never meant to be revealed.
This is not just action/fantasy—although, it certainly is those things. The story is captivating; the new characters are complex and fascinating; the story rich with meaning, beliefs, culture and character.
Paula’s writing style flows well, and it’s easy to read. She includes a lot of detail without being excessively wordy; no words are wasted, despite there being such captivating and colourfully detailed descriptions.
This multilayered epic fantasy has heart-stopping moments as it takes a deep dive into the world of Pyrie and the impending war, as Tristan and Sabine’s team travel into Pyrie. There are too many giveaways in the notes I took as I read this book. No spoilers here, but I remember a moment quite early in the book when, because my experience while reading became much more than words on a page, I saw and felt every step on that path, I felt every feeling the characters experienced. I understood their fear and uncertainty. Completely immersed and lost in this world, I literally did not see something coming, and I jumped. I don’t know many authors who can do that to me!
The characters expand in a way that is satisfying for the reader. Sometimes we struggle with new characters – especially in sequel books – but Paula’s character development is as complex as it is engaging. Her introduction to new characters comes with the imagery to give the reader a solid picture of each person, ensuring you don’t lose track or have to flick pages to work out who belongs to which action.
Paula manages to successfully capture the thoughts and emotions of people torn between what they've been taught to believe and what they now know to be wrong. The book builds to an absolutely action-packed reveal.
As mentioned above, this middle book is not a pitstop between books one and three. It has an intriguing beginning and a satisfying ending. The Lake of Stolen Bones builds to an intense climax—kapow! Goosebumps! Tears! In reading the last paragraphs, I felt exhausted from the stimulation, shock and intensity of the finale. I felt as though I had run a marathon.
Once again, Paula’s work is impeccable. I am looking forward to book three in this series.
The Lake of Stolen Bones – part 2 of The Children of Verus trilogy
Paula Weston did it again. Almost immediately my senses were stimulated, and I felt as though I could see and feel the characters.
The Lake of Stolen Bones picks up where The Shadow of the Eagle left off; it does not skip a beat. This book is not a stopover between books one and book three; it's a fantastic action-packed epic story that continues from book one, as war breaks out between Amadea and Pyrie, when Tristan and Sabine are heading into enemy territory. We are introduced to new characters in a way that brings us the ‘view from the other side’. Nothing is what it seems as they dive deeper into this new world and learn secrets that were never meant to be revealed.
This is not just action/fantasy—although, it certainly is those things. The story is captivating; the new characters are complex and fascinating; the story rich with meaning, beliefs, culture and character.
Paula’s writing style flows well, and it’s easy to read. She includes a lot of detail without being excessively wordy; no words are wasted, despite there being such captivating and colourfully detailed descriptions.
This multilayered epic fantasy has heart-stopping moments as it takes a deep dive into the world of Pyrie and the impending war, as Tristan and Sabine’s team travel into Pyrie. There are too many giveaways in the notes I took as I read this book. No spoilers here, but I remember a moment quite early in the book when, because my experience while reading became much more than words on a page, I saw and felt every step on that path, I felt every feeling the characters experienced. I understood their fear and uncertainty. Completely immersed and lost in this world, I literally did not see something coming, and I jumped. I don’t know many authors who can do that to me!
The characters expand in a way that is satisfying for the reader. Sometimes we struggle with new characters – especially in sequel books – but Paula’s character development is as complex as it is engaging. Her introduction to new characters comes with the imagery to give the reader a solid picture of each person, ensuring you don’t lose track or have to flick pages to work out who belongs to which action.
Paula manages to successfully capture the thoughts and emotions of people torn between what they've been taught to believe and what they now know to be wrong. The book builds to an absolutely action-packed reveal.
As mentioned above, this middle book is not a pitstop between books one and three. It has an intriguing beginning and a satisfying ending. The Lake of Stolen Bones builds to an intense climax—kapow! Goosebumps! Tears! In reading the last paragraphs, I felt exhausted from the stimulation, shock and intensity of the finale. I felt as though I had run a marathon.
Once again, Paula’s work is impeccable. I am looking forward to book three in this series.
April 4, 2026
I gave book #1 of this trilogy 5 stars, and now I wish there was a way I could rate book #2 higher!
From the moment I picked up The Lake of Stolen Bones I was hooked. While the first book laid solid foundations of the people, society and lore of Amadea, book 2 opened up the world of Pyrians and navigated the messiness and complexities of the human condition - love, faith, honour, power, loathing, loyalty, empathy, war, duality, reconcialiation - with a perfect level of insight and detail to allow you to see and feel it all.
The story is expertly crafted to build an experience of the world through the eyes and hearts of multiple characters (Sabine, Tristan, Rhys, Lystra, Pellus, Dashelle, Felix, the Prophet/Great Pretender...all in third person). The author handles this intricate weaving of perspectives seamlessly, gifting the reader an exhilarating, epic and immersive story that i did not want to put down!
I am very much looking forward to book #3!!
From the moment I picked up The Lake of Stolen Bones I was hooked. While the first book laid solid foundations of the people, society and lore of Amadea, book 2 opened up the world of Pyrians and navigated the messiness and complexities of the human condition - love, faith, honour, power, loathing, loyalty, empathy, war, duality, reconcialiation - with a perfect level of insight and detail to allow you to see and feel it all.
The story is expertly crafted to build an experience of the world through the eyes and hearts of multiple characters (Sabine, Tristan, Rhys, Lystra, Pellus, Dashelle, Felix, the Prophet/Great Pretender...all in third person). The author handles this intricate weaving of perspectives seamlessly, gifting the reader an exhilarating, epic and immersive story that i did not want to put down!
I am very much looking forward to book #3!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a privilege to discover a wonderful author and read ALL her books since Christmas. This was my first ARC reading and what a joy it was. The characters introduced in Book 1 continued to delight, intrigue and reveal more of their authentic selves in “Bones”. Along with those unfolding events we are introduced to new characters of well-developed depth by book’s end.
The author’s prose created detailed worlds in my head; which instantly takes my mind through barren prisons of torture, castles of opulence, stunningly beautiful, watersides and many distances in between.
So, I was happily reading thinking - What an enjoyable journey as a reader feeling the pace rising towards the end when suddenly, KAPOW! Talk about a climax! Needless to say hanging out for Book 3 and the glimpse the reader was given of yet another world. I’m in. 😊
The author’s prose created detailed worlds in my head; which instantly takes my mind through barren prisons of torture, castles of opulence, stunningly beautiful, watersides and many distances in between.
So, I was happily reading thinking - What an enjoyable journey as a reader feeling the pace rising towards the end when suddenly, KAPOW! Talk about a climax! Needless to say hanging out for Book 3 and the glimpse the reader was given of yet another world. I’m in. 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Lake of Stolen Bones starts off where The Shadow of the Eagle left us however instead of jumping straight back into the OG characters, we are firstly introduced to the Pyrien people, enemies to the Amadean...
This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat! The suspense of what was going to happen next had me in a chokehold! The world building so far has been amazing, my movie mind feels like I'm right there with Sabine!
I'm really looking forward to the third and final book and seeing where the story goes from here!!
This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat! The suspense of what was going to happen next had me in a chokehold! The world building so far has been amazing, my movie mind feels like I'm right there with Sabine!
I'm really looking forward to the third and final book and seeing where the story goes from here!!
April 8, 2026
Holy wow! this sequel grabbed me by the collar and yanked me straight back into the story the second I opened it! Book one already had me hooked, but book two? It somehow cranked the addiction level to eleven. I thought I devoured the first one… turns out I was just warming up!
The characters in this one are next-level complex. Layers upon layers, every single one of them is carrying serious emotional baggage and making me feel all the feels. Paula Weston absolutely crushed it with the moral gut-punches. Watching these characters forced to go against everything they believe in? Brutal. Heart-wrenching. So freaking good.
We absolutely loved the new character Lystra she brought such fresh energy! And the Wolf Clan element? Chef’s kiss all the way. Perfection.
I’m over here vibrating with excitement for book three. If you haven’t started this trilogy yet, what are you even doing with your life?!
Run, don’t walk this series is pure fire! 🔥
April 30, 2026
The Lake of Stolen Bones is a brilliant sequel that expands the world and the stakes perfectly. The journey into enemy territory had me on edge the whole time, and the pacing was just excellent. I loved the addition of Lystra—It added such a great dynamic. The character development was top-notch. I flew through this and absolutely can't wait until the next book!
April 13, 2026
I am so glad I got to read the ARC of book 2 in this series, Paula Weston is such an amazing author and I just adore her writing so much. This is the sequel to The Shadow of the Eagle which is a young adult epic fantasy story and it is just so good. The worldbuilding is immaculate, I am a sucker for the political intrigue throughout both books and the traveling plot, once again, is everything I could ask for.
I loved that we get so much of Pyrie in this book, we get introduced to more Pyrien characters, find out a little more about their magic and their home and beliefs. I really loved the addition of Lystra's pov. I enjoyed the military camp scenes and following along with Axl and Sabine's journey. This book was incredibly high-stakes compared to the first one and it kept me at the edge of my seat.
I enjoyed the characters, much like in the first one. I was actually quite proud of Rhys and the way he handled himself through this book. I love Sabine and Tristan too! I cannot wait to see what happens after the ending Weston gave us, with the prophet, with the usurper and where they all go from here!
I loved that we get so much of Pyrie in this book, we get introduced to more Pyrien characters, find out a little more about their magic and their home and beliefs. I really loved the addition of Lystra's pov. I enjoyed the military camp scenes and following along with Axl and Sabine's journey. This book was incredibly high-stakes compared to the first one and it kept me at the edge of my seat.
I enjoyed the characters, much like in the first one. I was actually quite proud of Rhys and the way he handled himself through this book. I love Sabine and Tristan too! I cannot wait to see what happens after the ending Weston gave us, with the prophet, with the usurper and where they all go from here!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews