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Stone of Opal

Win a free print copy of this book!

7 days and 05:07:49

10 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book

711 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

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Morgan Taylor

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5 stars
4 (26%)
4 stars
9 (60%)
3 stars
1 (6%)
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1 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Rebecca ~ readinginNZ.
139 reviews35 followers
June 3, 2026
“Hesitation is the shadow of choice for most, a pause where courage falters. But you, you linger there not from fear, but from calculation.”

✨ Forbidden love
✨ Elemental magic
✨ Epic worldbuilding
✨ Slow burn
✨ Multi POV

This starts off really strong and pulls you into the world straight away. There’s a lot going on, but in a way that feels exciting, and the magic system plus wider worldbuilding feel like they are building towards something much bigger.

“I’m alive here, but I don’t trust what I am. I don’t feel safe, and I certainly don’t feel real.”

The multiple POV structure adds a lot of different angles to the story and helps show the scale of the world. It does take a little time to settle into though, because there are a lot of threads being introduced at once, which makes sense for the start of a bigger series arc.

“I don’t believe you are as helpless as you would appear to some. I don’t think your Gift lacks control, but rather, you like it to be perceived that way. It certainly makes things more interesting.”

The pacing dips a bit in the middle, but it never fully loses momentum and it does build back up as things progress. It feels very much like a foundation book, setting up relationships, politics, and bigger conflicts for later.

Stori was definitely the standout for me. Watching her grow into her abilities and slowly figure out who she is was the most engaging part of the book and really grounded everything else happening around her.

“If the gods are real, they are sitting back idle, watching us suffer. Worship is the last thing I ever intend to give them.”

There is also a sense that this is just the beginning of something much bigger, and I’m curious to see how all the threads come together in the next book.

Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
Profile Image for Chaos.
4,018 reviews126 followers
June 12, 2026
At 700 pages, this story is a chonker for sure. As a debut novel, its brave to write a book THIS long. The cover is beautiful and the synopsis intriguing enough for me to dive in. Stori is all the best things. She's unsure but resilient. She is a bit stubborn in places I wish she would just shut up and listen. But thats part of her charm. There are a lot of povs alongside Stori's but they didn't overwhelm me like they usually would. Each voice is unique. I think my biggest gripe is there are way too many possible romance options for Stori. Every guy seemed to fall in love with her and thats annoying. She seemed fascinated by all of them too which irritated me even more. I do hope as the story goes on that maybe one will develop more than the others. Overall, I'm in love with the plot and magic system. This author did a great job in keeping up with the pacing and world building especially for a debut story and start of a series.
Profile Image for Angelica T.
32 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 18, 2026
⭐️ 4/5 Star Review
🌶️ 2/5 Spice Level

The opening really hooks you in, and the line ‘I can’t. It’s all gone,’ is what really sunk in the hook deep for me. I want to know more about Stori (FMC), and the immense power she’s been holding in for the last 10 years. Who is she, and why does she seem extremely important? Who is the familiar voice that she feels betrayed by? Is she the answer to saving them all, or will she bring about destruction to the world, herself, and everyone she loves?

The story dials back to the past, and you’re introduced to various characters. Morgan’s writing really brought out each character’s personalities, which allowed you to connect to them more. My favorite is Gor, and I believe many will have a chuckle at how he obtained his name. The way Morgan wrote the story about Gor’s name and how his horse obtained is name brought on quite the laughter. It truly made me love and appreciate Gor the most, even though he’s a side character. He’s funny, witty, and relatable.

For me, there were parts where I wasn’t sure if we were in the present or past as I delved further into the book. I’m not sure if it was the multi-POV, 4+, that attributed to my confusion. I also have no idea if there’s other main characters besides Stori (FMC). Is there an MMC, if so who is it? I ask simply because it seems there are multiple male characters that are enamored by our FMC, which Stori seems enamored by them equally. Maybe that’s part of what we’ll find out in as Morgan writes more of the series.

The ending has left me utterly confused. I believe that’s only because I was wanting to know what else has happened to Stori after a devastating scene. Instead we’re given another POV from someone I thought didn’t have a big role.

The plot twists had me gasping! I did not see certain things playing out as they did. I applause you Morgan, because the way my jaw dropped for these twists. I was practically screaming internally going “what do you mean,” “Why is this happening,” and plenty of “Nooooooo!”

Overall: It was a great read. Pacing was just right, wasn’t too fast or slow. Morgan did wonderful with he world building, especially with there being 7 crowns. It allowed you to immerse yourself more in the book. I have a ton of questions that I’m hoping to get answers to in the next book in the series.

Quote highlights:

“The pain in my chest is unforgivable, and I cannot place why.”

“If we’re lucky, we find love. If we’re luckier, we experience loss. It’s how we know we’ve loved. Or been loved.”

“What weights nothing, yet has toppled thrones? What can be bought but requires no coin? Corwns have killed to keep me, and beggars have ruled with me alone. I’m worth more than kingdoms, yet I live or die on a single desperate tongue.”

Profile Image for Hannah Bass.
4 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 25, 2026
Fantasy Girls, I fear this might be your next obsession. There is A LOT of fantasy/magic going on in Stone of Opal. You have elemental "gifts", magical beasts, immortals, fairies....ALL THE THINGS. Lots of info in the first part of the book, but stick with it because it gets wild! I audibly gasped multiple times while reading this. The world building and Morgan's way of storytelling really makes you feel like you're watching this on a big screen. I could picture each setting so vividly. The story is told from multiple characters' points of view which I feel helped with piecing together some of the details.
Our FMC, Stori, is an actual badass. I love that she has a great heart even against the struggles she's faced and that she isn't weak or helpless. She doesn't back down, can talk the talk and back it up. As you get to the end of the book you see her evolve and come into herself even more. I NEED to know what is happening with her gift.
You also have a collection of fantasy daddies with some really great banter. Stori's got a little fan club of her own going on (which I love for her). There are a few spicy scenes, but nothing too crazy and honestly the plot overshadows any of that so far. Aris + Jagon and their love/hate relationship are hilarious together and I found myself laughing out loud at some of their insults.
All of the characters have great depth and, of course, secrets that we have yet to find out. I'm still trying to see if I can figure out some of the plot twists. Stone of Opal lays the groundwork for a really epic fantasy series and I cannot wait for the next!

One of my favorite quotes of the book that doesn't give anything away ;) "The kind of happiness that fills your chest after embracing an old friend or standing beneath the summer sun with nothing but time. Happiness that offers everything but expects nothing in return."
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 16, 2026
ARC Reader Review - Stone of Opal by Morgan Taylor grabbed me from the very first page with an intense, unexpected opening that completely pulled me in. The story masterfully balances high-stakes fantasy with a young protagonist discovering immense powers they barely understand.

What truly sets this book apart is how deeply it makes you feel—every emotion is raw and earned, thanks to Taylor’s powerful writing.
The romantic tension is layered and unpredictable, threading together multiple characters and backstories - leaving you constantly questioning where it will lead. There’s plenty of heat, but it never overwhelms the larger story. The slight sarcasm and humor effortlessly portrayed had me laughing unexpectedly out loud on more than one occasion. Each side character feels fully alive, with their own distinct personalities and motivations that make the world she built feel rich, intriguing and lived-in. By the time I reached the final page, after several heart-pounding moments that left me desperate to know what would happen next, I was completely invested in every single character.

As the first book in a series, it leaves you with so many burning questions and I cannot wait to dive into the next one. I loved how absolutely unpredictable the story turned out to be with so many twists, revealing moments and exciting characters unveiling more depth than you ever assumed. This is the kind of fantasy that makes you wish the world was real just so you could go visit it and experience it for yourself.
Profile Image for Melissa Cochran.
20 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2026
I know I am being harsh, but I almost did not finish this book.

The first 60% of the book was long and drawn out. There were too many characters being introduced and it was hard to keep track of them all. There was little to no action. Many of these characters had no important role as the book proceeded so they really were dispensable.

I normally love having a book that is written in the first person. However, with this novel there was not a lot of cohesion with the main characters. The connection between the two was very briefly mentioned. It was like reading two completely different novels in tandem. The two major character point of views needed to meld a bit more to give the reader something to look forward to in the next novel.

I enjoyed one storyline much more than the other due to the time given to the action and character development. The second main storyline seemed fractured and secondary. Now was this intentionally done, I don’t know, but it definitely made me ask a lot of questions as to its purpose.

I plan on reading the next installment in the series with some apprehension. I want to know how the story ends and how the main characters are connected.

I received this book as a result of a Goodreads giveaway
1 review
May 30, 2026
ARC Reader Review

From the very first page, you're drawn into the beautifully crafted world Morgan has created. Stori is a captivating protagonist, at times reminding me of Aelin Galathynius. Mean while the supporting characters are so well developed that they could easily carry stories of their own.

Morgan's writing is immersive and evocative, pulling readers in and refusing to let go. As the first installment in what I hope will be a long-running series, Stone of Opal strikes the perfect balance of action, mystery, and intrigue. The twists and turns keep you guessing, while the ending leaves you desperate to know what happens next—and what secrets from the past are still waiting to be uncovered.

This book has all the makings of the next big fantasy obsession. If you're looking for a whirlwind adventure filled with magic, mystery, compelling characters, and a heroine discovering the true extent of her powers, be sure to grab a copy of Stone of Opal.
17 reviews
June 19, 2026
If you are looking for a high fantasy read with a plot so thick you need a knife and fork, Stone of Opal is that book.

I consumed this book with a sense almost of desperation to get to the bottom of who Stori truly was and what had happened to her, along with the need to find out the how, when, who of if the two story arcs would converge.

The multiple storylines are beautifully woven together and the character depth and development is so well done. The last few chapters had me squirming and biting my nails, you just know this is the beginning of a captivating series that is going to take you on one heck of a journey.

If you are a lover of multi POV, elemental magic, politics and intrigue, magical creatures, massive world building and twists you just don’t see coming, then you are going to absolutely love this book.
Profile Image for Megan Owen.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
I'm not going to give any spoilers away here, just my honest thoughts of the book itself and the writing.

HOLY MOLY. If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would. Morgan has a way of writing that instantly made me feel like I was right there in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this and felt so connected to the characters it felt like I was reading my favourite fantasy series all over again. As book 1, this sets up so much for future books in the series and I cannot wait to see what Morgan does with this incredible world she's built.

Its full of magic, beasts and everything you could want in a high fantasy series. Think ACOTAR but better... yeah, I said it.

Read it, you will not be disappointed, at all.
Profile Image for Tisha Lawrence.
41 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 20, 2026
Such a great read!
Every time I thought I knew what was happening, another twist surprised me. I loved the world-building, layered magic system, and uncovering secrets alongside the characters. The emotional tension and relationships also kept me fully invested the entire time.

I will say some of the flashbacks and POV switches confused me a little at times, and the ending left me with so many questions. I feel like there were too many POVs and too many possible male leads. But overall, this was such an enjoyable fantasy read with great pacing, strong characters, and twists I genuinely didn’t see coming. I’m definitely interested to see where the series goes.
4 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 5, 2026
I LOVED the layered magical system split across the seven kingdoms. The world building was fantastic and really pulled me in. Stormi, the FMC, slowly unfolds her missing memories and her hidden powers throughout the book. She comes into herself and it’s really cool to watch come into focus. I did find myself a tiny bit confused through the flashbacks but this is a strong start to an epic fantasy/romantasy series.
57 reviews
May 31, 2026
ARC Review - - -
This was definitely an engaging fantasy that had me pretty much hooked from the start. It’s filled with magic, war, betrayal, and a cast of characters whose paths intertwine through multiple POVs. The worldbuilding was interesting, and the mystery surrounding Stori and her memories kept me invested. While the pacing slowed in a few spots, the plot twists and secrets made this a compelling read overall.
Profile Image for Megan Tahtinen.
33 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2026
4.25 🌟
This book overall was great! In the beginning all the world building and different POV were a little confusing for me, but about 1/3 of the way through it really all started coming together!

I loved the elemental magic and Stori's character development throughout the book.

I am excited to see Morgan's writing in the next book of this series. I think this will be one of those, each book gets better as you go seires!
Profile Image for Dolores  Evans.
545 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy
April 27, 2026
Phenomenal high fantasy read! I was immediately engrossed in the story, and it was hard to put down. I absolutely loved the main characters, plot, and world building.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews