Stone: Why the Princess Ate the Stone

by Nicole B Hicks

Why would a princess eat a stone? Midmun was once the magical capital of the world, so why doesn't magic work? Princess Niren's marriage was arranged at the time of her birth, so why have seven... eight... NINE princes come courting? Niren must wed to become queen, so why is she seeking magical protection against falling in love? Each of the princes has certain gifts, and everyone involved will be tested. Which of the princes can break through the wall around Niren's heart, and how will he manage that without breaking her heart, as well.Fans of fantasy and fairy tales will enjoy Nicole B Hicks' first novel, which explores themes of fear, risk and reward, good versus evil, and overcoming who we were for who we would like to become.

258 pages, Paperback

Published December 13, 2015

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a sitting! The story concept and world are brilliantly layered and richly textured. The author clearly understands the art of the fairytale/folktale and has put a very unique and fun spin on some of the classic tropes. She writes with a sure, lighthearted touch and isn't afraid to take the story to some darker places as well as imbuing it with a real message of hope and plenty of lovely dry humour. The characters are deliciously flawed and well-defined. They don't back down or quit when things get tough and the relationship between the two sisters at the heart of the tale is realistic and touching. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in this world and very much hope that there will be more to come about the future fortunes of Niren, Lyru, Ander and Eto. This is a wonderfully original piece of storytelling, the familiar fairytale elements blending well with the unpredictable plotline. An absolutely fantastic first novel. I'll be watching this writer with great interest!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have rather given this 4 1/2 stars, since I like to reserve the 5-star rating for books that I want to reread instantly. However, I enjoyed this enough that I decided it was better to upgrade it, since half stars aren't available. An entertaining fantasy about a princess who doesn't want to fall in love, 7 princes who want to win her hand so they can be king, an evil magician in a land thought to be bereft of magic, and a dragon. It took a while to get into, but once I was caught, I couldn't put it down.