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Flesh and Stone
Seventeen-year-old Ellie Whitewood dreams of being a doctor and giving back to the grandfather who raised her after the death of her parents. When she receives an inheritance from a reclusive aunt, she becomes the mistress of a sprawling manor.
Selling the property to pay for college seems like the answer to her prayers, but each day she grows more and more attached to the stone gargoyles adorning the manor rooftop.
After finding the Whitewood journals, she learns she is the latest in a line of Caretakers who, with her Sentinels, defends the world from evil. While she is drawn to her Sentinel, Gabriel, and her new life, her future isn’t written in stone.
Haunted by dark dreams and facing deadly enemies, is she willing to sacrifice her well-laid plans and accept her new calling...even if it comes with wings and sharp teeth?
Selling the property to pay for college seems like the answer to her prayers, but each day she grows more and more attached to the stone gargoyles adorning the manor rooftop.
After finding the Whitewood journals, she learns she is the latest in a line of Caretakers who, with her Sentinels, defends the world from evil. While she is drawn to her Sentinel, Gabriel, and her new life, her future isn’t written in stone.
Haunted by dark dreams and facing deadly enemies, is she willing to sacrifice her well-laid plans and accept her new calling...even if it comes with wings and sharp teeth?
364 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2016
1 person is currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
P.M. Hernandez
11 books37 followersP.M. Hernandez is a paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction author. She loves to travel the globe, finding inspiration in the colorful, mysterious, and sometimes spooky corners of it. Her published work includes the YA novels (Whitewood Journals, the Earthborn Series), New Adult novels (the Dark and Bright Series), and adult sci-fi romance (The Theran Series). Her imagination is a world where gargoyles take flight, aliens visit Earth, and magic is real!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 14, 2016
Ellie Whitewood has her life all planned out. Then, she receives a letter from a relative detailing an inheritance. Not long after, she's exploring a mansion, getting to know the staff, and becoming attached to the weathered gargoyles on the roof.
She's drawn to one gargoyle in particular. Soon, she discovers her true inheritance: she's a Caretaker, the latest in a long line, and she's charged with defending the world from a dark evil. Tradition states one special gargoyle will stand beside her.
What's a young woman to do?
Ellie is a spunky girl with goals and plans. When life throws her a curveball, she faces it head on, even if she does struggle with how she's supposed to handle it. But she doesn't wither away into a sappy mess; she comes out fighting, determined to make decisions and do what she thinks is right. I so love a spunky character with flaws, especially when they fight to figure it out.
As she reads through journals from past Caretakers and gets to know the gargoyles, many questions mount. Even more perplexing, feelings start forming. And it's not as simple as the journals say it should be. I'm totally #TeamGabriel, but that's all I'm going to say on that front.
I can't wait to read more in this series and see where Ellie's heart and determination take her.
Note: I served as Editor on this book through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
She's drawn to one gargoyle in particular. Soon, she discovers her true inheritance: she's a Caretaker, the latest in a long line, and she's charged with defending the world from a dark evil. Tradition states one special gargoyle will stand beside her.
What's a young woman to do?
Ellie is a spunky girl with goals and plans. When life throws her a curveball, she faces it head on, even if she does struggle with how she's supposed to handle it. But she doesn't wither away into a sappy mess; she comes out fighting, determined to make decisions and do what she thinks is right. I so love a spunky character with flaws, especially when they fight to figure it out.
As she reads through journals from past Caretakers and gets to know the gargoyles, many questions mount. Even more perplexing, feelings start forming. And it's not as simple as the journals say it should be. I'm totally #TeamGabriel, but that's all I'm going to say on that front.
I can't wait to read more in this series and see where Ellie's heart and determination take her.
Note: I served as Editor on this book through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
February 18, 2016
“Flesh and Stone” by P.M. Hernandez surprised me. I was on the fence about whether I liked the story. Midway into the novel, however, there was more dialogue and I got a feel for the characters.
My favorite character was Sam, the household chef. He was wise and became the much-needed father figure and voice of reason Ellie, the main character, needed.
In the beginning, I had no love for Ellie. She seemed ungrateful regarding her inheritance. Ellie had this life plan, which she didn’t want to deviate from. Her idea for selling the estate was admirable. In retrospect, it made sense. She wasn’t attached to the property, so why should she keep it.
My opinion of Ellie began to change once she met the gargoyles. She demonstrated that she could be concerned for someone other than herself. Now she was a likable persona.
My favorite gargoyle was Gabriel. I couldn’t decide whether he was a victim of instalove or was it just a happy outcome after all of Ellie’s late night conversations on the roof.
I loved the story premise. It was an interesting take on good vs. evil with paranormal characters I’ve rarely read about. I immediately thought of the cartoon, “Gargoyles”. It was one of my daughter’s favorite shows. Thanks P.M. Hernandez for bringing back a happy memory.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
My favorite character was Sam, the household chef. He was wise and became the much-needed father figure and voice of reason Ellie, the main character, needed.
In the beginning, I had no love for Ellie. She seemed ungrateful regarding her inheritance. Ellie had this life plan, which she didn’t want to deviate from. Her idea for selling the estate was admirable. In retrospect, it made sense. She wasn’t attached to the property, so why should she keep it.
My opinion of Ellie began to change once she met the gargoyles. She demonstrated that she could be concerned for someone other than herself. Now she was a likable persona.
My favorite gargoyle was Gabriel. I couldn’t decide whether he was a victim of instalove or was it just a happy outcome after all of Ellie’s late night conversations on the roof.
I loved the story premise. It was an interesting take on good vs. evil with paranormal characters I’ve rarely read about. I immediately thought of the cartoon, “Gargoyles”. It was one of my daughter’s favorite shows. Thanks P.M. Hernandez for bringing back a happy memory.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
December 30, 2019
The Whitewood Journals is the first series written by this author and strangely the last for me to come to! I’ve been reading a lot of slow burn starts of late so it was really refreshing to get straight into it with this book. Within a few pages of meeting Ellie she is set on her path and so much is packed into the first two chapters, I really had to check that I had in fact only read that much. Whitewood manor feels instantly like stepping into a Bronte novel with Ellie’s approach up a long and winding driveway to an unexpected and unknown future, however, that illusion quickly steps into Fantasy when we start to discover the manor’s secrets.
As far as ideas for a fantasy novel go, I was instantly taken in by the unique idea of the Gargoyles, or Sentinals as they are here, Ellie’s discovery of the Journals is fantastic and I loved how she combined both her medical knowledge and her knowledge from the journals to bring in a whole new dimension to the role of Caretaker. I have to admit that I did get a bit of a Buffy vibe from Ellie and not just because of the whole “once in a generation thing” – Ellie has grown up completely unaware of her family history and so her snark and her difficult start in life really shape her into something special. We even have a not so great version of Giles in Lucas Ford, although his clear contempt for anything other than himself brought a wry smile as we all have had the misfortune to meet “that person” at a social gathering at some point!
Honestly, I’m not really sure how I feel about the relationship dynamics. I do have strong feelings about relationships portrayals in YA, especially when it comes to concepts of claiming and ownership, however, as Lucas Ford reminds us, they are all still monsters underneath. There also looks to be a bit of multiple choice on the horizon which I can imagine will lead to much exasperation and eye rolling for Ellie in future books! I’m also intrigued by the big bad and what truly is going on in the darker corners of Whitewood Manor.
Flesh and Stone is a great foundation book for the series, I felt that the premise was delivered well and that there was a lot of attention given to detail and explanation of how it all worked. I liked how so much was left open ended for the next book but I didn’t finish the last page feeling put out about this at all because so much had been crammed into story. With a lovely little snatch of an epilogue, things are going to get tricky for Ellie sooner than later!
As far as ideas for a fantasy novel go, I was instantly taken in by the unique idea of the Gargoyles, or Sentinals as they are here, Ellie’s discovery of the Journals is fantastic and I loved how she combined both her medical knowledge and her knowledge from the journals to bring in a whole new dimension to the role of Caretaker. I have to admit that I did get a bit of a Buffy vibe from Ellie and not just because of the whole “once in a generation thing” – Ellie has grown up completely unaware of her family history and so her snark and her difficult start in life really shape her into something special. We even have a not so great version of Giles in Lucas Ford, although his clear contempt for anything other than himself brought a wry smile as we all have had the misfortune to meet “that person” at a social gathering at some point!
Honestly, I’m not really sure how I feel about the relationship dynamics. I do have strong feelings about relationships portrayals in YA, especially when it comes to concepts of claiming and ownership, however, as Lucas Ford reminds us, they are all still monsters underneath. There also looks to be a bit of multiple choice on the horizon which I can imagine will lead to much exasperation and eye rolling for Ellie in future books! I’m also intrigued by the big bad and what truly is going on in the darker corners of Whitewood Manor.
Flesh and Stone is a great foundation book for the series, I felt that the premise was delivered well and that there was a lot of attention given to detail and explanation of how it all worked. I liked how so much was left open ended for the next book but I didn’t finish the last page feeling put out about this at all because so much had been crammed into story. With a lovely little snatch of an epilogue, things are going to get tricky for Ellie sooner than later!
August 18, 2021
Gargoyles, you say?
Yes please! This is the series I never knew I needed. This book blends some classic YA tropes with a side of supernatural thriller, and a pinch of good vs evil...and gargoyles...did I mention? Flipping gargoyles! Just...Muah. *chef's kiss*
Yes please! This is the series I never knew I needed. This book blends some classic YA tropes with a side of supernatural thriller, and a pinch of good vs evil...and gargoyles...did I mention? Flipping gargoyles! Just...Muah. *chef's kiss*
September 18, 2016
Wow! I read this book in one day! It was funny, and exciting, and witty.
I quickly fell in love with the characters. Even from the beginning, before they woke up, and were stone. I found it cute how Ellie saw reactions and emotions on their faces.
Part of me got frustrated with Ellie in the beginning, I wanted to shake her when she was set on selling and was being tough on the staff. But eventually she softened and her tough side is what I loved most. Her tenacity and feistiness had me rooting for her at every turn. I love how she's flawed and not afraid to admit it. She tries to be open to everyone, even the worst ones.
Gabriel is my absolute favorite character. He's my favorite Sentinel, and I'm team Gabe all the way! I want her to be with him. I found him charming, sweet, and thoughtful. I hope to see him win her over for good and them find happiness in each other again.
Michael frustrates me to no end, I wish he would let Gabriel have some happiness and quit meddling and confusing Ellie. Maybe there's something deeper that I'm missing or that will be revealed, maybe something in the way he said "she was meant for him" and the "Queen prophecies". But as for right now he's not my number one choice. Even when he has his romantic moments.
The story is so much more than I could have hoped for. I was intrigued by the backstory, everything from the instruction books and journals, to the magic and magical staff, to the prophecies and demon realms. I found myself lost in a beautiful world of spellbound barriers and handwritten journals. I couldn't put it down, wanting to know what would happen next! I crave more from this world and I can't wait to delve more into the life of Ellie and her Sentinels. I want to know every little detail RIGHT NOW! :)
I look forward to more books from this series! I will be on the preorder for #2!!!
I quickly fell in love with the characters. Even from the beginning, before they woke up, and were stone. I found it cute how Ellie saw reactions and emotions on their faces.
Part of me got frustrated with Ellie in the beginning, I wanted to shake her when she was set on selling and was being tough on the staff. But eventually she softened and her tough side is what I loved most. Her tenacity and feistiness had me rooting for her at every turn. I love how she's flawed and not afraid to admit it. She tries to be open to everyone, even the worst ones.
Gabriel is my absolute favorite character. He's my favorite Sentinel, and I'm team Gabe all the way! I want her to be with him. I found him charming, sweet, and thoughtful. I hope to see him win her over for good and them find happiness in each other again.
Michael frustrates me to no end, I wish he would let Gabriel have some happiness and quit meddling and confusing Ellie. Maybe there's something deeper that I'm missing or that will be revealed, maybe something in the way he said "she was meant for him" and the "Queen prophecies". But as for right now he's not my number one choice. Even when he has his romantic moments.
The story is so much more than I could have hoped for. I was intrigued by the backstory, everything from the instruction books and journals, to the magic and magical staff, to the prophecies and demon realms. I found myself lost in a beautiful world of spellbound barriers and handwritten journals. I couldn't put it down, wanting to know what would happen next! I crave more from this world and I can't wait to delve more into the life of Ellie and her Sentinels. I want to know every little detail RIGHT NOW! :)
I look forward to more books from this series! I will be on the preorder for #2!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2016
I was lucky enough to win a sign copy of Flesh and Stone but having so many other books on my list, I put this one aside for later. How I regret that. To be honest, I had absolutely no clue what this book was about when I began reading it three days ago. By the first chapter I was intrigued and wanted to know what exactly was going to happen to Ellie May.
I have to start off that as a teen I loved Disney Gargoyles cartoon. Sure I was about to graduate High School, but it was my soap opera and I watched all three seasons of it like a religion. (Even have them on DVD). That being said, the minute I found out that the book was about gargoyles I squealed like the girl I am. So I might be slightly bias for the fact that I already have an never ending love for this mythical creature.
I believe Ellie is the typical teenage girl being raised by her loving grandfather. She is lucky enough to inherit her great aunts estate and her life changes completely. So much happens in such little time, but the details and involvement is so brilliant you wiss by the book so quickly. it leaves you aching for more. Pre-warning, there is a cliffhanger!
LOVED Flesh and Stone and cannot wait for the sequel to come out!
I have to start off that as a teen I loved Disney Gargoyles cartoon. Sure I was about to graduate High School, but it was my soap opera and I watched all three seasons of it like a religion. (Even have them on DVD). That being said, the minute I found out that the book was about gargoyles I squealed like the girl I am. So I might be slightly bias for the fact that I already have an never ending love for this mythical creature.
I believe Ellie is the typical teenage girl being raised by her loving grandfather. She is lucky enough to inherit her great aunts estate and her life changes completely. So much happens in such little time, but the details and involvement is so brilliant you wiss by the book so quickly. it leaves you aching for more. Pre-warning, there is a cliffhanger!
LOVED Flesh and Stone and cannot wait for the sequel to come out!
April 6, 2016
I was asked for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
I am not normally a fan of gargoyles. They are nothing but unattractive stone figures with no feelings. But I had a friend tell me that I had to give this book a shot! That being said.......Holy wow! This book has changed all of my feelings towards gargoyles. This was a very good book. I was pleasantly surprised and am glad I gave this book a chance.
Ellie has lived a hard life. She is a poor teenager focusing solely on her school work and dreams of being a dr. Her mother died when she was very young. Her father drank himself to death shortly there after. Ellie has been raised by her grandfather. As Ellie was finishing up high school, she received a mysterious package in the mail. Ellie's great aunt (whom she had never ever met) had died and left her entire estate to Ellie. What does Ellie do with the estate? Does she still follow her dreams to being a dr? What does Ellie find at the estate that has her rethinking all of her well laid plans?
I look forward to reading more on this series as well as more from this author!
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
I am not normally a fan of gargoyles. They are nothing but unattractive stone figures with no feelings. But I had a friend tell me that I had to give this book a shot! That being said.......Holy wow! This book has changed all of my feelings towards gargoyles. This was a very good book. I was pleasantly surprised and am glad I gave this book a chance.
Ellie has lived a hard life. She is a poor teenager focusing solely on her school work and dreams of being a dr. Her mother died when she was very young. Her father drank himself to death shortly there after. Ellie has been raised by her grandfather. As Ellie was finishing up high school, she received a mysterious package in the mail. Ellie's great aunt (whom she had never ever met) had died and left her entire estate to Ellie. What does Ellie do with the estate? Does she still follow her dreams to being a dr? What does Ellie find at the estate that has her rethinking all of her well laid plans?
I look forward to reading more on this series as well as more from this author!
Read
April 4, 2016Ellie has big dreams when we first meet her. She wants to become a doctor. She receives a inheritance from an aunt she barely knows seems and gains a mansion. She thinks it is the answer to everything by selling it. She can pay for school and begin a new life she always wanted. When she is staying there she becomes more attached to it than she thought she would. She finds out that she is Caretaker and with her gargoyle or Sentinel she will fight the world of evil.
I enjoyed this book. I thought it flowed nicely. It went so fast and left me wanting more. I liked the main character Ellie Whitewood. She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders especially when faced with her unusually circumstances. It was hard to read about her sad history. My favorite part on the book was when she was reading the journal entries. I found them to be exciting as she was uncovering her past and future. I would recommend this book to any of my fantasy loving friends.
I enjoyed this book. I thought it flowed nicely. It went so fast and left me wanting more. I liked the main character Ellie Whitewood. She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders especially when faced with her unusually circumstances. It was hard to read about her sad history. My favorite part on the book was when she was reading the journal entries. I found them to be exciting as she was uncovering her past and future. I would recommend this book to any of my fantasy loving friends.
May 23, 2016
Flesh and Stone
By PM Hernandez
4.5
I was given a book in exchange for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
Ellie got a package in the mail. She inherited an estate from a relative she had never met. She was currently a teenager getting ready to pursue a career in medicine and living with her grandfather. Her parents are both dead. She decides if she sells the estate , she can pay for her education and help her grandfather. However she begins to read the Whitewood journals and things become more complicated.
I enjoyed this book. Ellie was a great main character. She was smart. The journals were fascinating. It was a very effective way to open the story up to include the past and present. It flowed well and was well developed without being bogged down with too many details. Great paced fantasy book.
By PM Hernandez
4.5
I was given a book in exchange for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
Ellie got a package in the mail. She inherited an estate from a relative she had never met. She was currently a teenager getting ready to pursue a career in medicine and living with her grandfather. Her parents are both dead. She decides if she sells the estate , she can pay for her education and help her grandfather. However she begins to read the Whitewood journals and things become more complicated.
I enjoyed this book. Ellie was a great main character. She was smart. The journals were fascinating. It was a very effective way to open the story up to include the past and present. It flowed well and was well developed without being bogged down with too many details. Great paced fantasy book.
December 29, 2015
Flesh and Stone tells a story about Ellie, a seventeen-year-old senior nearing high school graduation. She has plans to attend college and become a doctor but inherits a large manor from a distant Aunt she never met. Ellie travels to the property expecting to finalize its sale and return to school. She becomes attached to manor and its eccentric decorations.
PM Hernandez has captured the spirit of a girl whose life is thrown a curve ball! The plot line had me guessing until the end. I kept wondering who the bad guy was, which choices she would make, and whether her world would ever make sense. This is a solid first book and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next installment.
Flesh and Stone is an upper YA novel. I wouldn’t recommend it for a younger YA reader.
PM Hernandez has captured the spirit of a girl whose life is thrown a curve ball! The plot line had me guessing until the end. I kept wondering who the bad guy was, which choices she would make, and whether her world would ever make sense. This is a solid first book and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next installment.
Flesh and Stone is an upper YA novel. I wouldn’t recommend it for a younger YA reader.
January 15, 2016
* note to reader, don't start this book with the intention of reading "just a few chapters" when you have school/ work the next day. It's not going to happen- you will stay up to finish it*
Ellie comes across as a level headed almost 18 year old. Her backstory is complicated and sad but she never uses it as an excuse. Her fortune seems to change with a very unexpected inheritance that leads to a crazy lifestyle change.
The characters are quirky and likable. The story just flows. You find yourself siding with Ellie against the people she doesn't like as well as favoring those she does. Lots of laughs and feels throughout, and not just with Sentinels. Her relationship with her grandfather is unique as far as stories like this go, too.
But what about Thomas.... Hurry up book 2
Ellie comes across as a level headed almost 18 year old. Her backstory is complicated and sad but she never uses it as an excuse. Her fortune seems to change with a very unexpected inheritance that leads to a crazy lifestyle change.
The characters are quirky and likable. The story just flows. You find yourself siding with Ellie against the people she doesn't like as well as favoring those she does. Lots of laughs and feels throughout, and not just with Sentinels. Her relationship with her grandfather is unique as far as stories like this go, too.
But what about Thomas.... Hurry up book 2
December 14, 2016
Sometimes you just need a dose of good old fashioned Paranormal YA and this is it. Ellie is a great heroine. She's a teen who inherits a lot of "baggage", but she doesn't go all crazy or helpless, she puts on her big girl britches and deals. I love that. The paranormal element involves Demons and Gargoyles and I'll be honest, I haven't read a book with gargoyle heroes. It was extremely interesting and I definitely want to read more! The writing was good and the story was fast paced and kept me hooked the entire time which is hard to do. Can't wait for the sequel!
January 16, 2016
Wow
I can't even put into words how much I floved this book. I won this book from the author and was unable to put it down since opening it. Fantastic book. Can't wait for book 2
I can't even put into words how much I floved this book. I won this book from the author and was unable to put it down since opening it. Fantastic book. Can't wait for book 2
April 10, 2017
I have had this book in my collection for some time, waiting for a moment when I had personal reading time. When I finally picked it up, I wanted to kick myself for waiting so long. Once I began this story, it was literally impossible for me to put it down. I ended up reading it from cover to cover in a day, and was disappointed when it ended. I was not ready.
I have never read a paranormal romance about gargoyles before, though I've had an affinity for them since I was a child. Ellie Whitewood is an almost recent high school graduate, leaning toward her 18th birthday when she receives the inheritance of her dreams. This inheritance doesn't only change her life, it makes her question everything about her past, her present and her future. She has decisions to make, pain and heartache to endure and danger to overcome. And in the end, she discovers the world is so much more that she could ever have realized. There are not only gargoyles, but demons and other paranormal creatures she never knew existed, and she is about to find out that her part is much more crucial in the world's survival that she could ever have guessed.
Ms Hernandez is a talented story teller who knows how to hook you from the beginning and twist her tales to take you on an adventure you could almost believe to be true. I have enjoyed reading all of her published works and look forward to finding out what is in store for her characters next. Whenever that happens, it won't be soon enough for me.
I have never read a paranormal romance about gargoyles before, though I've had an affinity for them since I was a child. Ellie Whitewood is an almost recent high school graduate, leaning toward her 18th birthday when she receives the inheritance of her dreams. This inheritance doesn't only change her life, it makes her question everything about her past, her present and her future. She has decisions to make, pain and heartache to endure and danger to overcome. And in the end, she discovers the world is so much more that she could ever have realized. There are not only gargoyles, but demons and other paranormal creatures she never knew existed, and she is about to find out that her part is much more crucial in the world's survival that she could ever have guessed.
Ms Hernandez is a talented story teller who knows how to hook you from the beginning and twist her tales to take you on an adventure you could almost believe to be true. I have enjoyed reading all of her published works and look forward to finding out what is in store for her characters next. Whenever that happens, it won't be soon enough for me.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews