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The Bride of Stone: A Novel
On opposite sides of the Seven Kingdoms, Davian, a talented sculptor, and the princess Avelessa weave their separate tales of loss. Avelessa's father, King Perivale, has fallen prey to the evil power of the throne. In a rage he causes the death of her first love, scars her ravishing face, and confines her to her room with only her music as solace. Meanwhile, Davian loses his heart to a fortune-seeking barmaid, thereafter relinquishing all but his art. When the paths of Davian and Avelessa finally cross, they can't imagine what perilous choices are in store for them--or the redemption that will follow. Just as Davian brings life to his sculpted stone, Williams brings life to these unforgettable characters in their enchanting, mythical world.
496 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 23, 2022
A Quickie Review
Though this fantasy novel was somewhat enjoyable, it wasn't quite as epic as it could have been. The writing could have been better, and the story moved too quickly. Some fantasy fans would probably like it, and rightfully so, but I found it to be merely mediocre fare.
Content Concerns: A woman is mistreated by her father. A man has an illicit affair. Some nude statues are described in lurid detail.
Score: 2.5/5
Though this fantasy novel was somewhat enjoyable, it wasn't quite as epic as it could have been. The writing could have been better, and the story moved too quickly. Some fantasy fans would probably like it, and rightfully so, but I found it to be merely mediocre fare.
Content Concerns: A woman is mistreated by her father. A man has an illicit affair. Some nude statues are described in lurid detail.
Score: 2.5/5
July 28, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised at how well written this book was. At first I thought it would be cheesy and overly flowery, but the message and plot were actually really good, and once I got used to the poetic prose style of writing I really enjoyed this. plus, I love when I find Christian fantasy, as I find it hard to find books in that genre.
October 7, 2023
I remember the first time I saw this book along with other titles that my mother, sister, and I bought from this retail store that sold pre-loved books for cheap in a mall near our house back in (approximately) 2009. My mother thought she should start reading but she only opened the book once after purchasing it and completely forgot about it. The cover was nice enough to catch the attention of a certain eight year-old so I thought that I should make it my duty to honor the book and read it.
It was hard to read at first, but after rereading it three times (and all the rest of the novels thereafter), I can say that it truly was a journey but a bit of a fast-paced one. Perivale, our hero who defeated the evil witch Morgultha, was a truly depressing and devastating character that showed great and immediate decline shortly after a seven-year rule of prosperity and wisdom. I thought he deserved a smoother transition from loving father and great ruler to a hedonistic tyrant after wearing the crown; so, his descent was simply shocking and could have given anyone whiplash alone from the speed of which he suffered. There were times when I almost wished that the crown had stayed in Morgultha's grasp, but the level of depravity she showed to get it back left a bad aftertaste on the tongue. The rest of the story including Davian's lesson learned the hard way and Avalessa's despair after another weaved beautifully into the intricate plot, but some relationships within characters felt forced at certain points. Nonetheless, everything played out smoothly as the end served poetic justice and credence to the first implied prophecy.
With the depiction of a map in the first few pages, I thought that there would be more installations to the story to indicate side quests, events, or plots from different countries and how they would relate to Meridan, but it proved unappreciated and almost unnecessary because only a few places were mentioned and most in passing as well. The story wasn't exactly epic in proportions, but emotional and driven enough that it leaves people wanting for more. Whether that feeling of want is satisfactory or not is a case-to-case basis.
It was hard to read at first, but after rereading it three times (and all the rest of the novels thereafter), I can say that it truly was a journey but a bit of a fast-paced one. Perivale, our hero who defeated the evil witch Morgultha, was a truly depressing and devastating character that showed great and immediate decline shortly after a seven-year rule of prosperity and wisdom. I thought he deserved a smoother transition from loving father and great ruler to a hedonistic tyrant after wearing the crown; so, his descent was simply shocking and could have given anyone whiplash alone from the speed of which he suffered. There were times when I almost wished that the crown had stayed in Morgultha's grasp, but the level of depravity she showed to get it back left a bad aftertaste on the tongue. The rest of the story including Davian's lesson learned the hard way and Avalessa's despair after another weaved beautifully into the intricate plot, but some relationships within characters felt forced at certain points. Nonetheless, everything played out smoothly as the end served poetic justice and credence to the first implied prophecy.
With the depiction of a map in the first few pages, I thought that there would be more installations to the story to indicate side quests, events, or plots from different countries and how they would relate to Meridan, but it proved unappreciated and almost unnecessary because only a few places were mentioned and most in passing as well. The story wasn't exactly epic in proportions, but emotional and driven enough that it leaves people wanting for more. Whether that feeling of want is satisfactory or not is a case-to-case basis.
February 21, 2021
WHY WAS THE MAP NECESSARY?
I don’t read books with kings and maps of fictitious lands usually. But I needed something to shock my brain back to imaginative consciousness and the thought of kingdoms and artistic statues coming to life is what intrigued me. I enjoyed this story immensely from start to finish although I have no idea why the map was necessary when most of the story took place in generally one small area? I kept waiting for something spectacular to take them to some other kingdom so I could map out their quest...but nope. Just down south to the sea and off to another land not on THIS map lol
I don’t read books with kings and maps of fictitious lands usually. But I needed something to shock my brain back to imaginative consciousness and the thought of kingdoms and artistic statues coming to life is what intrigued me. I enjoyed this story immensely from start to finish although I have no idea why the map was necessary when most of the story took place in generally one small area? I kept waiting for something spectacular to take them to some other kingdom so I could map out their quest...but nope. Just down south to the sea and off to another land not on THIS map lol
August 11, 2025
Considering I've never heard of this book and had very low expectations, I adored reading this. The prose was a bit much but I got used to it. Surprisingly the plot was decent and stayed consistent throughout. I didnt think id love a story about a guy making himself the "perfect" wife out of stone. I genuinely didnt expect to like the story. While its not the best fantasy book I've ever read, for what I expected it was great. Very cheesy with a decent message but plot building and world building were good. I'd recommend this to anyone who needs something on the easier side to read but still want to read a fantasy book.
April 26, 2019
Seems a bit choppy with a lot of different stories that are a stretch to relate to one another but an enjoyable read.
April 27, 2020
3.5 stars. Quite interesting...
October 7, 2013
As a Christian fantasy, this stands above most of the contemporary works available, but that is not saying much. Mostly it is a little too sweet for my taste, but the ending is cruelly intolerant.
July 31, 2012
Ugh. Cheese-fest
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews