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Heart of Stone
Ever 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.
298 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 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
What a fantastic follow-up to The Carver and the Queen. I think I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first. It was a treat to revisit the Ural Mountains, to follow the friendship of dual protagonists, and to watch how a truly treacherous antagonist tries to poison all that is good.
Lilia and Dimitri are a great pair, and they contrast nicely with Lena and Petr from the previous book. They are lifelong friends who find themselves thrust into unsavory situations to help their families survive the privation and uncertainty of life as free citizens in a country where most everyone is a serf. They are heroes you can root for. Yes, there is some romance, but it's very nicely done.
The Malachite Queen and her father, the Sea King, are a complex duo of antagonism. I enjoyed seeing their different approaches to ensnaring Lilia and forcing her to do their bidding.
I'm not familiar with many Russian folktales, but this book makes me want to read them.
I also liked the larger scope of this installment, which takes us over the long roads to Petersburg, as well as to the fine homes of the upper crust—something we didn't get as much in The Carver and the Queen—and we also get a larger cast of characters as well. Emma Fox does a great job of conjuring an atmosphere that feels both realistic and magical, and I felt like she took it up a notch in this installment, making me see, hear, and feel the setting.
Lilia and Dimitri are a great pair, and they contrast nicely with Lena and Petr from the previous book. They are lifelong friends who find themselves thrust into unsavory situations to help their families survive the privation and uncertainty of life as free citizens in a country where most everyone is a serf. They are heroes you can root for. Yes, there is some romance, but it's very nicely done.
The Malachite Queen and her father, the Sea King, are a complex duo of antagonism. I enjoyed seeing their different approaches to ensnaring Lilia and forcing her to do their bidding.
I'm not familiar with many Russian folktales, but this book makes me want to read them.
I also liked the larger scope of this installment, which takes us over the long roads to Petersburg, as well as to the fine homes of the upper crust—something we didn't get as much in The Carver and the Queen—and we also get a larger cast of characters as well. Emma Fox does a great job of conjuring an atmosphere that feels both realistic and magical, and I felt like she took it up a notch in this installment, making me see, hear, and feel the setting.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I deeply enjoyed The Carver and the Queen, the first book in the series, so I was very happy to receive an ARC of Heart of Stone from the publisher. This book lived up to my expectations and then some. It did exactly what a sequel is supposed to do: it didn't recycle an old plot but instead revisited old characters, brought new depth to the world, and raised the stakes SO MUCH to come to a climactic and satisfying conclusion. Truly a triumph of literature.
Random things I loved, in no particular order:
- Dmitri is a dear and I admire him for his incredible persistence, both in his craft and in the plot.
- Yuri feels like he's from a Tolstoy novel. What a guy.
- Creatures from Russian folklore (rusalky shoutout!)
- The PLOT TWISTS
- The descriptions of clothes
- The way the historical setting interacted with the magical elements—none of the choices the characters faced were simple, because their reality is complex.
- Lilia and her family relationships. Also Dmitri's family. I think those are people I would like to be friends with.
Bottom line is: You should read Heart of Stone if you like historical fantasy, healthy family relationships, and twisty turny plots that make you think everything is doomed. (*Is* everything doomed? Will our characters be all right in the end? Read and find out.)
Random things I loved, in no particular order:
- Dmitri is a dear and I admire him for his incredible persistence, both in his craft and in the plot.
- Yuri feels like he's from a Tolstoy novel. What a guy.
- Creatures from Russian folklore (rusalky shoutout!)
- The PLOT TWISTS
- The descriptions of clothes
- The way the historical setting interacted with the magical elements—none of the choices the characters faced were simple, because their reality is complex.
- Lilia and her family relationships. Also Dmitri's family. I think those are people I would like to be friends with.
Bottom line is: You should read Heart of Stone if you like historical fantasy, healthy family relationships, and twisty turny plots that make you think everything is doomed. (*Is* everything doomed? Will our characters be all right in the end? Read and find out.)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This novel is a sequel to Emma C. Fox's The Carver and the Queen (2023), but it was my first introduction to the Serpents & Stone series. I found myself quickly drawn in to the plight of Lilia Stepanova, who lost her father mysteriously six years earlier, and whose family has struggled to provide for basic needs. When a seemingly helpful stranger appears, Lilia finds herself entangled in a chain of events she can’t seem to escape, and her best friend Dmitri, though he’s in some ways an unlikely hero, becomes her only hope.
I thought the imaginative world of the story was first rate. The tale is based on Siberian folklore, and Stone develops a mythology that both fits beautifully with the Russian landscape and extends beyond it. At times I was reminded of other myths and stories as well, and these links made my reading all the richer.
The pacing of the story was just right -- a real page-turner full of action and suspense! Yet without spoilers, I can say that love — the romantic kind, but also familial love and deep friendship — are important and valued in this tale, and this helps make it truly satisfying. Though I'm well beyond the 13-17 age range, I'm already looking forward to what comes next in the Serpents & Stone series.
I thought the imaginative world of the story was first rate. The tale is based on Siberian folklore, and Stone develops a mythology that both fits beautifully with the Russian landscape and extends beyond it. At times I was reminded of other myths and stories as well, and these links made my reading all the richer.
The pacing of the story was just right -- a real page-turner full of action and suspense! Yet without spoilers, I can say that love — the romantic kind, but also familial love and deep friendship — are important and valued in this tale, and this helps make it truly satisfying. Though I'm well beyond the 13-17 age range, I'm already looking forward to what comes next in the Serpents & Stone series.
August 4, 2026
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love all of Emma C. Fox's books (her previous two are in my top books for sure), so when I heard about Heart of Stone, I jumped on it.
I was extremely impressed with the first book in the series (The Carver and the Queen) and Emma C. Fox's adept ability to give the perfect balance of information and action. I knew nothing about Russian folktales, and it could have been easily bogged down with details, but it was the perfect amount in both of the books in this series. I wondered if she could maintain that balance again in this book, and she did!
I loved the connections to the characters and mythological beings in the first book. The romance was just as charming as the first book. In both books I really enjoyed Fox's focus on the power of love and integrity in the romantic/lead characters.
Fox has a knack for integrating the mythological into the everyday extremely well, and it's magical. I'm anxiously awaiting her future writing and will probably go reread what she's written again.
I love all of Emma C. Fox's books (her previous two are in my top books for sure), so when I heard about Heart of Stone, I jumped on it.
I was extremely impressed with the first book in the series (The Carver and the Queen) and Emma C. Fox's adept ability to give the perfect balance of information and action. I knew nothing about Russian folktales, and it could have been easily bogged down with details, but it was the perfect amount in both of the books in this series. I wondered if she could maintain that balance again in this book, and she did!
I loved the connections to the characters and mythological beings in the first book. The romance was just as charming as the first book. In both books I really enjoyed Fox's focus on the power of love and integrity in the romantic/lead characters.
Fox has a knack for integrating the mythological into the everyday extremely well, and it's magical. I'm anxiously awaiting her future writing and will probably go reread what she's written again.
August 4, 2026
Its publication day for HEART OF STONE by Emma C. Fox, the newest release from Owl’s Nest Publishers! Let me tell you a little story about this book.
Heart of Stone is a historical fantasy set in early 1800s Russia. This story pulls from a number of different folktales and is rich with historical details. It is also a stand-alone sequel to The Carver and the Queen, which happens to be the first book that I worked on from start to finish at Owl’s Nest Publishers!
To see a sequel come to fruition, after being part of book one from the very beginning, is incredibly exciting and rewarding. I learned so much while working on this book and I know fans of historical fiction will be absolutely captivated watching this story unfold. There’s deep friendship and a desire to belong, corrupt villains and average people trying to do what is right, and there’s the harshness of winter and the hope of new beginnings.
Heart of Stone is ideal for teens 12+ who love historical details and being immersed in less well-known folktales!
Heart of Stone is a historical fantasy set in early 1800s Russia. This story pulls from a number of different folktales and is rich with historical details. It is also a stand-alone sequel to The Carver and the Queen, which happens to be the first book that I worked on from start to finish at Owl’s Nest Publishers!
To see a sequel come to fruition, after being part of book one from the very beginning, is incredibly exciting and rewarding. I learned so much while working on this book and I know fans of historical fiction will be absolutely captivated watching this story unfold. There’s deep friendship and a desire to belong, corrupt villains and average people trying to do what is right, and there’s the harshness of winter and the hope of new beginnings.
Heart of Stone is ideal for teens 12+ who love historical details and being immersed in less well-known folktales!
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!
August 7, 2026
I love Emma Fox's books, and Heart of Stone did not disappoint. In fact, it's by far my favorite.
While I don't remember specifics of any of the stories, I read many Russian folk tales as part of my ballet-inspired obsession with Russia in elementary school. Emma Fox has captured the feel of those stories and given them more life and depth--with what felt like a nod to Tolstoy's War and Peace in the St. Petersburg scenes.
There was lots of connection with The Carver and the Queen, but not overly so; it was still a new story. I loved that we had the familiar characters of Petr and Lena, and saw glimpses of their marriage years down the road.
While I don't remember specifics of any of the stories, I read many Russian folk tales as part of my ballet-inspired obsession with Russia in elementary school. Emma Fox has captured the feel of those stories and given them more life and depth--with what felt like a nod to Tolstoy's War and Peace in the St. Petersburg scenes.
There was lots of connection with The Carver and the Queen, but not overly so; it was still a new story. I loved that we had the familiar characters of Petr and Lena, and saw glimpses of their marriage years down the road.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is an enchanting follow-up to The Carver and the Queen! Emma Fox has a gift for creating vivid scenes and weaving together the fairytales and history she loves with a unique story for modern readers. I loved these characters, the setting, and the magical elements drawn from Russian lore and fairytales. It kept me turning the pages and deeply invested in Lilia and Dmitri!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I think of books for the children around me, rich with deep characters, hilarious moments, and riveting places, and I keep coming back to Emma Fox. Tie in the Slavic and Russian underpinnings, and Heart of Stone is one to read again and again. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Rounded up from 4.5 stars. Thank you to Owl's Nest Publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In George Saunders’s A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, he wrote about the inner workings of the Russian short story. He said, “The part of the mind that reads a story is also the part that reads the world.”
Emma C. Fox’s standalone young adult sequel, Heart of Stone, challenges readers to do more than simply read a story. Exploring themes of disability, adoption, friendship, sacrifice, and love, Heart of Stone takes the characters and Siberian setting of The Carver and the Queen and fast forwards twenty years to tackle fresh challenges through the eyes of new characters.
Petr and Lena, the protagonists from The Carver and the Queen, have married and produced a family of fine sons who are learning the stonecarving trade. Middle son, Dmitri, shows the most promise until an accident leaves his hands unable to hold the carving tools.
Their neighbor, Sofya, has been widowed, and now, her daughter, Lilia, must care for the farm and hunt for food to provide for her mother and little brother, Fyedka, who is deaf.
The curse Petr and Lena thought they buried beneath the Ural mountains is threatening to rise again, just when they thought they would leave the slavery of serfdom behind forever.
Published by Owl’s Nest Publishers, Heart of Stone follows Lilia and Dmitri into the crucible of deciding whether to follow their hearts or lay their hearts down to save others. It is an exciting story of heroic bravery, adolescent uncertainty, and the staying power of steadfast love.
Drawing from Russian folklore and tradition, Fox weaves a distinct retelling that introduces readers to new words, concepts, traditions, and names. My daughters and I enjoyed learning what a samovar is and how to make kasha.......
The remainder of this review is available at https://storywarren.com/review-heart-...
In George Saunders’s A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, he wrote about the inner workings of the Russian short story. He said, “The part of the mind that reads a story is also the part that reads the world.”
Emma C. Fox’s standalone young adult sequel, Heart of Stone, challenges readers to do more than simply read a story. Exploring themes of disability, adoption, friendship, sacrifice, and love, Heart of Stone takes the characters and Siberian setting of The Carver and the Queen and fast forwards twenty years to tackle fresh challenges through the eyes of new characters.
Petr and Lena, the protagonists from The Carver and the Queen, have married and produced a family of fine sons who are learning the stonecarving trade. Middle son, Dmitri, shows the most promise until an accident leaves his hands unable to hold the carving tools.
Their neighbor, Sofya, has been widowed, and now, her daughter, Lilia, must care for the farm and hunt for food to provide for her mother and little brother, Fyedka, who is deaf.
The curse Petr and Lena thought they buried beneath the Ural mountains is threatening to rise again, just when they thought they would leave the slavery of serfdom behind forever.
Published by Owl’s Nest Publishers, Heart of Stone follows Lilia and Dmitri into the crucible of deciding whether to follow their hearts or lay their hearts down to save others. It is an exciting story of heroic bravery, adolescent uncertainty, and the staying power of steadfast love.
Drawing from Russian folklore and tradition, Fox weaves a distinct retelling that introduces readers to new words, concepts, traditions, and names. My daughters and I enjoyed learning what a samovar is and how to make kasha.......
The remainder of this review is available at https://storywarren.com/review-heart-...
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