Between Wind and Stone

by Holly Bowen

Genres: Fantasy

409 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2026

About the author

Hi! I'm Holly, a lifelong reader turned author. Between Wind and Stone is my newest YA fantasy release, the second book in the Anguard Archives series. My novels are fast-paced with high vibes. I love to write about brave FMCs in beautiful realms, and the best compliment I've ever had is that my books 'feel like the fantasy you grew up on.'

I live in Taupo, New Zealand, with my partner, two young sons, and an extremely destructive puppy. When I'm not drinking cappuccinos and writing in our local cafés, you can find me swimming in the lake or hiding in our garden sauna, making up stories in my head.

Reviews

[Oli]

I loved this book! An amazing continuation of Feyla’s journey. This story was filled with lots of excitement, excellent character development, and more of the beautiful & magical world building we were treated to in By The Moon. Fast paced and exciting, I was totally gripped by this story. I found myself not wanting to put it down, and ended up accidentally reading into the wee hours way more than is sensible! Can’t wait for the next instalment to see where this story and the wonderful world Bowen has created goes next…

[Brody Hitchcock]

Between Wind and Stone picks up the adventure right where the previous installment left off. We continue following Fayla as she navigates an expanding and increasingly complex world, facing down new challenges and much higher stakes that push her to her absolute limits.

​This installment is a much larger book than the first one and contains so much more detail. You can really see the massive development in Holly's writing style compared to book one, and I absolutely loved it! The expanded depth made the story incredibly engaging from start to finish.

​Fayla's character development is done so well in this book, and you find yourself constantly rooting for her the entire time she is on the page. It was a fantastic continuation of the story, and I absolutely cannot wait to see where this world leads us to next!

[Gracey Jane]

I was lucky to be an ARC reader for Between Wind and Stone and it was such a beautiful page turning sequel that really stands up to the first book. The world building around the Moon Glade keeps getting richer, love Holly’s descriptive style, how she paints the moment with words so you feel a part of it. Following Feyla as she develops her powers and navigates a totally new life was super interesting.

It really took me back to being a teenager too.. all the feelings, the angst, the figuring yourself out, very relatable and nostalgic as a mid 30’s reader. I’m definitely hanging out for book three to see where the adventure goes next!

After reading - preordered 3 hard copies! 1 for my bookshelf, 1 to lend out and 1 as a gift. Haha so good! 100% recommend

[Deanie]

I have been eagerly awaiting this book since I finished the arc of By the Moon last year, and it did not disappoint!

I loved seeing the ways in which Feyla evolved, each encounter and interaction bringing more depth to her character.

This truly was an excellent follow up to BTM. We got to revisit a few places and see old and new faces throughout Feyla’s journey. The writing was also captivating and interesting and I love the fact that this is a story that could be enjoyed by a range of ages.

Thank you so much for Holly for sending me an advance copy! I missed out on the original round of arcs due to some health issues but Holly was kind enough to send me through a copy recently. I am forever grateful and can’t wait to have a copy of this book on my shelves!

[Margot G]

I am still reeling, with tears in my eyes, full of joy and immense delight, after reading Between Wind and Stone.
It’s so beautifully written, I ate it up for breakfast lunch dinner and even midnight suppers and could not get enough of it! Holly served up a smorgasbord of fascinating characters, surprising incidents and deeply moving scenarios.

I was hanging out for this book, the second in the Anguard Archives, and was thrilled to be an ARC reader, honoured to be amongst the first to learn of Feyla’s progress in training and a new challenge.
No spoilers… just read it..!
I am immediately starting again to soak up the beautifully crafted scenes that I skipped through for the excitement of the adventure and so many fascinating personalities and agendas.

[Cohen Stephens]

This was such a wonderful story. I recently bought both Anguard Archives eBooks, flew through Book 1 By the Moon, then life kept getting in the way for book 2 but I enjoyed coming back to read a little more of Fayla's journey.

The way the setting and the world of the book was described brought the scenes to life in my mind, and knowing that much of the inspiration came from places across New Zealand truly added a bit of real magic to it.

The mystery and intrigue of the story leaves me wanting more. Certainly the core of this adventure has come to an end but the world of Anguard has many more questions that have me dreaming and wondering about what might be.

[Lee-Ann Hiscox]

BEAUTIFUL! I loved every second of this!
Between Wind and Stone is a gorgeous continuation of Feyla’s story. The writing is so vivid it’s cinematic, and the character development is top-tier. Seeing Feyla grow and transform both physically and emotionally throughout the book was a highlight for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and am so ready to see where the story goes from here! 💙

ARC review.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Jen Russell]

I absolutely loved Wind and Stone by Holly Bowen. As the second book, it pulled me straight back into Feyla’s world from the very first page—I felt everything right alongside her. The way her emotions are written, especially those first raw feelings as they hit, is so real and beautifully done—it really stays with you. The story unfolded beautifully and ended in such a satisfying, heartfelt way. I already know this is a book I want a hard copy of, sitting right beside my bed so I can return to it again and again.

[Sally Mullin]

Advanced copy from author, thank you for letting me be apart of something so special.

Again, another beautiful book written by Holly. Between Wind and Stone is the second book of the Anguard Archive Series where we learn and grow alongside Felyla. Her growth and understanding of the world around her and the way she overcomes it all.

A book that you just can't put down, so grab a blanket and a cuppa and soak it all in.

[Janeen]

Absolutely amazing!!

If you think book two can’t be as goodd as book one then you’re in for a treat. Be prepared to be completely immersed, you feel like you are right beside Feyla as she goes on an epic journey of personal & physical growth.

You will be glued from start to finish, so make sure you set aside time to enjoy!

Can’t wait for book #3!

[Belinda Willcox]

I loved returning to Feyla’s world in Between Wind and Stone. The writing is vivid and detailed, making it easy to picture every moment. I really enjoyed how the story develops and reveals more of Feylas world, adding depth and enhancing that sense of magic and adventure. It builds so well toward what’s ahead, and I’m really looking forward to the next book.

[Alex Bowen]

Between Wind and Stone was such an amazing second part to Feyla’s story and I loved watching her grow as a character. I really enjoyed the pacing and there were so many small, beautiful moments scattered throughout that made me feel very present in the world.

I can’t wait to see how the trilogy ends!

[Lauren Campbell]

Love love love! I certainly enjoyed the first book of Feyla’s journey but I enjoyed this one even more. The story had me hooked, and the writing style is super easy to read. This book felt a little more mature than the first book, it feels like the books are growing along with Feyla.

I can’t wait to see what is in store for Feyla next!

[Rose Greenfield]

A great sequel to the first and continuation of Feyla's journey and growth. The writing lets you fully visualize what's going on and its so immersive. I am very excited for to see where she ends up next

[Lene Bookworm]

Another wonderful and spellbinding book by Holly Bowen. This one had me reading till well into the night. I can't wait for the next book in the Anguard Archives series.

[vanya]

I loved diving into Holly’s second book, Between Wind and Stone. Picking up straight after By the Moon, it was such a ride from start to finish.
This book was a little longer than the first, but I was invested every step of the way. One of my favourite things was watching Feyla grow and mature as she navigated new challenges and experiences. I loved seeing her become more independent and confident, marching to the beat of her own drum.

Holly creates such a vivid and imaginative world. As someone who doesn't usually read fantasy, I found myself transported and seeing everything through Feyla's eyes. The storytelling made it easy to get lost in the adventure and see the landscapes.

I also really enjoyed the friendships throughout the book, both with people from Feyla’s childhood and her mage companions. The way the story explored friendship, trust and how relationships evolve over time was beautifully done. It was a lovely reminder that people aren't always who we first think they are, and that our understanding of one another can deepen as we grow.
Without giving away any spoilers, this book was suspenseful, emotional and engaging. Another sensational read from Holly Bowen, and I can't wait for book three.
Easy Five stars from me.

[Jen Jones]

Book two did not disappoint!

I thoroughly enjoyed book two of Feylas journey. The twists were clever and the plot developed brilliantly. I'll be keeping an eye out for book three!

[Ashwell]

I loved this even more than the first book! The world keeps getting bigger and more developed, and I loved how the academy setting and details of Anguard added a whole new layer to the story. There were some great new characters introduced as well, and I'm already looking forward to seeing where their stories go.

The pacing was perfect. It kept me hooked from start to finish. I ended up finishing it in just over a week because it was so hard to put down.

A fantastic sequel that builds on everything I enjoyed about the first book, and now I'm counting down until the next one.

[Stephanie]

Thank you so much to the author for an arc of this book!

I loved this SO much! As always, Hollys writing is so beautiful and creative and really pulls you into the world she has created from the very first page.

I loved seeing Feylas story evolve, and how much she evolved as a character herself. We love a growth moment! I also really loved the found family touches throughout the story and Feylas acceptance of the people now in her life.

I am so excited to see where this journey takes us next!

Thank you again Holly for the arc!