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Heart of Stone
Not yet published
Expected 4 Aug 26Ever since her father’s mysterious death six years ago on Serpent Hill, Lilia Stepanovna has struggled to help her family make ends meet. So when an old woman claiming to be her great aunt arrives and offers to show her the way to hidden treasure, Lilia leaps at the opportunity. Curious magic soon entwines her, though, and Lilia finds herself trapped by a sorcerer’s devious plot to seize the Russian empire. She longs to share the truth with her friend Dmitri Petrovich—the son of the famous stonecarvers who last defeated evil under Serpent Hill—but her enchantment prevents her from saving herself, or even speaking of the powers that bind her.
Dmitri always expected to follow in his parents’ footsteps as a stonecarver, until a terrible accident crushed both his hands and his dreams. At least his family and Lilia—the friend he’s coming to see is so much more—still have faith in his abilities. But something isn’t right with Lilia, and there are disturbing clues that the sinister Malachite Queen who once imprisoned his father may yet be alive and working with Polov, the Serpent King.
When Lilia is swept off to Petersburg under suspicious circumstances, Dmitri embarks on a perilous journey to save the girl he loves and to stop the dark powers that are working through her to take over all of Russia.
Dmitri always expected to follow in his parents’ footsteps as a stonecarver, until a terrible accident crushed both his hands and his dreams. At least his family and Lilia—the friend he’s coming to see is so much more—still have faith in his abilities. But something isn’t right with Lilia, and there are disturbing clues that the sinister Malachite Queen who once imprisoned his father may yet be alive and working with Polov, the Serpent King.
When Lilia is swept off to Petersburg under suspicious circumstances, Dmitri embarks on a perilous journey to save the girl he loves and to stop the dark powers that are working through her to take over all of Russia.
296 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 12, 2026
This book is a fantastic follow up to The Carver and the Queen, but can also be read as a standalone! Emma C. Fox crafts beautiful sentences that effortlessly immerse the reader into the world of Imperial Russia. Like the first book in this series, Heart of Stone feels classic and familiar, even while introducing folklore most readers will be unfamiliar with. If you have a teen reader who loves historical fantasy—especially that which is whimsical and strange!—I recommend both books in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
I read and loved The Carver and the Queen, so I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of this next installment. Emma Fox's novels never disappoint, and I absolutely loved returning to the Ural Mountains, the malachite kingdom beneath Serpent Hill, and this time, the grand palaces of Imperial Russia.
As ever, Fox's writing is rich with historical detail. I found myself slowing down as I read just to appreciate the descriptions and the intricacy of the setting. It's not overwhelming or confusing, which can be tricky with historical fiction/fantasy, but Fox strikes just the right balance. It's completely immersive. I especially enjoyed the scenes set in Petersburg. This novel definitely felt a bit more sweeping that the first book in the series, and I really enjoyed how the story expanded beyond the main characters' village.
I was a little worried going into this book that I would miss the main characters from Carver. However, I quickly became just as attached to Dmitri and Lilia. Their relationship really feels like the core of the story, and I appreciated so much how they are each such strong individual characters who then grow through their love for one another. Lilia's character arc in particular stood out to me, especially the interplay between her and the villains. While this book definitely stands on its own, I felt like it had many of the same themes as the first, exploring them just as deeply through these new characters: What does it mean to be free? And what does it mean to truly love someone else?
Also, while I was completely engaged in the new set of characters, I loved seeing my favorites from the first book, especially Lena and Petr (and a few surprise cameos). The story itself kept me hooked from the first page, with some startling twists and several moments that had me reading late into the night.
Overall, a satisfying sequel that stands on its own. I'm excited to see what comes next in the Serpents and Stone series!
I read and loved The Carver and the Queen, so I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of this next installment. Emma Fox's novels never disappoint, and I absolutely loved returning to the Ural Mountains, the malachite kingdom beneath Serpent Hill, and this time, the grand palaces of Imperial Russia.
As ever, Fox's writing is rich with historical detail. I found myself slowing down as I read just to appreciate the descriptions and the intricacy of the setting. It's not overwhelming or confusing, which can be tricky with historical fiction/fantasy, but Fox strikes just the right balance. It's completely immersive. I especially enjoyed the scenes set in Petersburg. This novel definitely felt a bit more sweeping that the first book in the series, and I really enjoyed how the story expanded beyond the main characters' village.
I was a little worried going into this book that I would miss the main characters from Carver. However, I quickly became just as attached to Dmitri and Lilia. Their relationship really feels like the core of the story, and I appreciated so much how they are each such strong individual characters who then grow through their love for one another. Lilia's character arc in particular stood out to me, especially the interplay between her and the villains. While this book definitely stands on its own, I felt like it had many of the same themes as the first, exploring them just as deeply through these new characters: What does it mean to be free? And what does it mean to truly love someone else?
Also, while I was completely engaged in the new set of characters, I loved seeing my favorites from the first book, especially Lena and Petr (and a few surprise cameos). The story itself kept me hooked from the first page, with some startling twists and several moments that had me reading late into the night.
Overall, a satisfying sequel that stands on its own. I'm excited to see what comes next in the Serpents and Stone series!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an advanced copy from the publisher.
This is the third book of Emma’s that I’ve read, and every time, I’m reminded how much I love her writing style. I’ve said elsewhere that her books feel timeless. What I mean is this: if you handed me Heart of Stone without any context or copyright page and asked me what year it was published, I’m not sure I could tell you.
This is not a trendy book hitting all the tropes of the moment. It is the kind of story with a long shelf life because its appeal is rooted in something enduring. After finishing it, I think I understand what makes Emma’s work feel so timeless: her writing is not subversive in any way. It is honest and sincere. There is no sarcasm, no cynicism. The romance is unapologetically earnest. The characters are deeply human in the best ways, not the worst.
I adore her work. I would put Heart of Stone in the category of “fun for the whole family,” which, to me, is one of the highest compliments a book can receive.
This is the third book of Emma’s that I’ve read, and every time, I’m reminded how much I love her writing style. I’ve said elsewhere that her books feel timeless. What I mean is this: if you handed me Heart of Stone without any context or copyright page and asked me what year it was published, I’m not sure I could tell you.
This is not a trendy book hitting all the tropes of the moment. It is the kind of story with a long shelf life because its appeal is rooted in something enduring. After finishing it, I think I understand what makes Emma’s work feel so timeless: her writing is not subversive in any way. It is honest and sincere. There is no sarcasm, no cynicism. The romance is unapologetically earnest. The characters are deeply human in the best ways, not the worst.
I adore her work. I would put Heart of Stone in the category of “fun for the whole family,” which, to me, is one of the highest compliments a book can receive.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Even though I grew up reading fairytales and love the writings of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, Siberian folktales are new to me. Emma Fox‘s retelling in her book, Heart of Stone, was a wonderful introduction. This is the second book in a series, but I was able to understand and follow the story, plus it encouraged me to want to go back and read the first book.
The story introduces Russian vocabulary in a way that explains the meaning in context, which I consider a plus. The story gave me a new picture of life and culture in Russia during the time of the tsars, and I cared about what happened to Dimitri, Lilia and their families.
I believe the book has a YA rating, and I think that’s correct. There’s nothing inappropriate in the book, but there is some violence, and some of the concepts might be harder for younger readers.
I plan to add this book to my library when it comes out!
The story introduces Russian vocabulary in a way that explains the meaning in context, which I consider a plus. The story gave me a new picture of life and culture in Russia during the time of the tsars, and I cared about what happened to Dimitri, Lilia and their families.
I believe the book has a YA rating, and I think that’s correct. There’s nothing inappropriate in the book, but there is some violence, and some of the concepts might be harder for younger readers.
I plan to add this book to my library when it comes out!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews