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Cloak Games #5
Shatter Stone
Nadia Moran has made a lot of mistakes in her career as a master thief, but thanks to her wit and her magical skills, she's been able to avoid the consequences. But now the consequences have caught up to her. She owes a favor to the powerful Knight of Grayhold, and the time has come to pay up. And unless Nadia does something clever, repaying that favor is going to get her killed...
220 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2016
84 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Moeller
415 books677 followersStanding over six feet tall, USA Today bestselling author Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair of a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 28, 2025
3.5
Nadia is once again tasked with stealing a magic artifact for Lord Morvilind, but this time it looks like she'll need help completing the task. At least that's what the Knight of Greyhold tells her right before he gives her an envelope with two names of his Greysworn agents before effing off back to the Shadowlands. Thhhannnkkss.
Great help...except for the names she was given belong to two men she has some unfortunate connections with. One being Hakon Valborg-- her brother Russel's girlfriend's Wizard Legion grandfather. The other being Robert Ross, man-at-arms for a Duke and the hubby of Alexandra (the woman she saved in a previous book)
Both of these men have close ties to the Queen and could turn her into the Inquisition at any point, but she's hoping their promise to the Knight of Greyhold will force them to her side- as well as into a dangerous mission into the Knight of Venomhold's lair.
With rebels, magic users, monsters and dangers awaiting them in the Shadow Lands- can these three (with the help of Nadia's new bf the Shadow Hunter Roirden) complete the task without getting caught or killed?
Nadia is once again tasked with stealing a magic artifact for Lord Morvilind, but this time it looks like she'll need help completing the task. At least that's what the Knight of Greyhold tells her right before he gives her an envelope with two names of his Greysworn agents before effing off back to the Shadowlands. Thhhannnkkss.
Great help...except for the names she was given belong to two men she has some unfortunate connections with. One being Hakon Valborg-- her brother Russel's girlfriend's Wizard Legion grandfather. The other being Robert Ross, man-at-arms for a Duke and the hubby of Alexandra (the woman she saved in a previous book)
Both of these men have close ties to the Queen and could turn her into the Inquisition at any point, but she's hoping their promise to the Knight of Greyhold will force them to her side- as well as into a dangerous mission into the Knight of Venomhold's lair.
With rebels, magic users, monsters and dangers awaiting them in the Shadow Lands- can these three (with the help of Nadia's new bf the Shadow Hunter Roirden) complete the task without getting caught or killed?
December 27, 2023
Another quick, easy book. My only complaints about this series so far is that the books are too short
February 28, 2019
Nadia is forced to include two individuals in her next escapade. The names are provided from the Knight of Grayhold - one a soldier and the other a wizard. She is not happy when she discovers that the wizard is the grandfather of her brother's girlfriend. The soldier is the husband of Alexandra, with whom she had an earlier adventure. The Knight claims he is providing aid because she surely will be killed on her next assignment without them. He wants her alive to return the favor she owes him.
Nadia is additionally being pursued by Mr. Cane, a "hired" banehound bound and determined to kill her.
Riordan the Shadow Hunter and now Nadia's boyfriend also elects to accompany her. They are required to return to Venomhold to obtain the Nihlus Stone that Morviland desires. Morviland discloses, "I know that by now you have had sources of magical schooling that you failed to disclose to me..." So much for Nadia keeping her extra powers secret.
As disclosed earlier, the Rebels obtain sanctuary at Venomhold and are in cahoots with the Dark Ones. An extremely interesting character is added - a former shadow agent of Morviland's.
As always, Nadia's exploits are a great read.
Nadia is additionally being pursued by Mr. Cane, a "hired" banehound bound and determined to kill her.
Riordan the Shadow Hunter and now Nadia's boyfriend also elects to accompany her. They are required to return to Venomhold to obtain the Nihlus Stone that Morviland desires. Morviland discloses, "I know that by now you have had sources of magical schooling that you failed to disclose to me..." So much for Nadia keeping her extra powers secret.
As disclosed earlier, the Rebels obtain sanctuary at Venomhold and are in cahoots with the Dark Ones. An extremely interesting character is added - a former shadow agent of Morviland's.
As always, Nadia's exploits are a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2022
So here's my dilemma with this series...I reg\ally like the world building and the plots of the books, but man the author is repetitive. There is a section in this last books where the entire page is a conversation between Nadia and Riordan, and they just say the same thing back and forth. And then there are sections where Nadia's internal voice just rehashes the same things over and over. It's frustrating and I find myself skimming quite a bit, which is a shame.
Another sore point for me is that the author is dragging out the bigger arc. The end of the last book and this book are basically teasers for some big changes coming for Nadia...but we get very little movement in each book. At first it was fun, but drawing it out like this is a little boring.
Fingers crossed the next book has more substance and less rehashing the same things over and over.
Another sore point for me is that the author is dragging out the bigger arc. The end of the last book and this book are basically teasers for some big changes coming for Nadia...but we get very little movement in each book. At first it was fun, but drawing it out like this is a little boring.
Fingers crossed the next book has more substance and less rehashing the same things over and over.
November 24, 2023
Talk about going into the devil's den! Nadia Moran gets an assignment to steal a rare artifact from the Knight of Venomhold--a totally evil being who is virtually indestructible within her domain.
Nadia's owner and master Morvilind is getting nervous about her growing power and is expected to kill her at any time. But he keeps giving her more difficult quests, thinking to kill her through them.
But Nadia has hidden abilties--and friends, who pitch in to get help her out. But will it be enough, with a polite, talking hellhound out to kill her, sent by an unknown mage?
Nadia's owner and master Morvilind is getting nervous about her growing power and is expected to kill her at any time. But he keeps giving her more difficult quests, thinking to kill her through them.
But Nadia has hidden abilties--and friends, who pitch in to get help her out. But will it be enough, with a polite, talking hellhound out to kill her, sent by an unknown mage?
August 27, 2024
A nice conclusion to this chapter
Even with the dark, foreboding foreshadow with which the book ends, I must say that this book brings full closure to the “two-part episode” which began in the last book.
Although the rush of “newness” and excitement that comes with any new series one starts has faded, ithis series continues to have me fully engaged, Moeller’s style continues to delight, and the characters continue to grow in depth.
All in all, this edition is quite a nice addition. Now I’m off to consume the next. RNJOY!
Even with the dark, foreboding foreshadow with which the book ends, I must say that this book brings full closure to the “two-part episode” which began in the last book.
Although the rush of “newness” and excitement that comes with any new series one starts has faded, ithis series continues to have me fully engaged, Moeller’s style continues to delight, and the characters continue to grow in depth.
All in all, this edition is quite a nice addition. Now I’m off to consume the next. RNJOY!
May 15, 2018
Cloak Games: Shatter Stone Review
Dear Jonathan, another excellent, entertaining and wonderful story in the continuing series. Your imagination and creativity is a wonderful thing to read. Nadia exceeds every time to anyone great joy. I highly recommend reading this book and series to anyone interested in reading a great story of exciting adventure and heroics. Thanks for the entertainment.
Dear Jonathan, another excellent, entertaining and wonderful story in the continuing series. Your imagination and creativity is a wonderful thing to read. Nadia exceeds every time to anyone great joy. I highly recommend reading this book and series to anyone interested in reading a great story of exciting adventure and heroics. Thanks for the entertainment.
July 25, 2020
Once again ,this MC is sent to accomplish yet another impossible task, yet an unexpected gift in the hope that it will help assure her survival. Because of the gift, others that she has crossed paths with may be in danger. Even more of her tormented past comes forth like bad pennies. Each time I think I will take a break from this series, I find myself loading in the next book. Define addiction again? All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
May 5, 2024
I love that these book a easy reads, the world building is good and Nadia is a badass. I was disappointed with this book though it was all set up. The climax didn’t happen till the very end and even then Nadia did very little to succeed and the whole solution as only solved because her enemy handed her the tool she needed to survive and was sent to steal.
I will say having her lead a group was a good new twist
I will say having her lead a group was a good new twist
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2018
Cloak Games book 5. With spoilers ahead.
For instance, the Knight of Grayhold shows up to make sure she gets a delivery: ways she can get two men to help her with her next task, so he can collect on his favor.
And then Morviland sends her off to Venomhold, also in the Shadowlands, to steal from its knight.
Riordan is willing to help. And both men are honor-bound. She's met them, too.
It involves rubies, a tower that is justly name and that you need protection against, dwarven embassies and hair-splitting, persuading people that something will fulfill their oaths, revelations about Rebels, and more.
For instance, the Knight of Grayhold shows up to make sure she gets a delivery: ways she can get two men to help her with her next task, so he can collect on his favor.
And then Morviland sends her off to Venomhold, also in the Shadowlands, to steal from its knight.
Riordan is willing to help. And both men are honor-bound. She's met them, too.
It involves rubies, a tower that is justly name and that you need protection against, dwarven embassies and hair-splitting, persuading people that something will fulfill their oaths, revelations about Rebels, and more.
February 19, 2021
The series has slowed down on my last pet peeve (talking about not caring about letting people die while being pissed at others for letting people die), but is not having some body image issues in the character (like saying she doesn't like wearing puffy jackets in wisconsin winter because they make her look fat). It's not so much to detract from the story, but it would be better without it.
February 15, 2023
Dark Deeds
What is Morvilind up to, with all of the very dangerous items he has Nadia stealing for him? Venomhold is a good name for the people who are helping the Dark Ones. Now to find out just what the Lord Inquisitor will make he do and how Morvilind will react if he finds out.
What is Morvilind up to, with all of the very dangerous items he has Nadia stealing for him? Venomhold is a good name for the people who are helping the Dark Ones. Now to find out just what the Lord Inquisitor will make he do and how Morvilind will react if he finds out.
April 7, 2025
A trip to Venomhold
In this book Nadia Moran gets help from 2 knights of Grayhold to enter into Venomhold and steel a device , ensuring she will survive (barely) and be in debt to the knight of Grayhold for some task that will sure get her killed . Intense book as always but after reading the ending the next ones will be even more intense. The series keeps getting better
In this book Nadia Moran gets help from 2 knights of Grayhold to enter into Venomhold and steel a device , ensuring she will survive (barely) and be in debt to the knight of Grayhold for some task that will sure get her killed . Intense book as always but after reading the ending the next ones will be even more intense. The series keeps getting better
May 28, 2017
Thrill ride
The series keeps getting better. While the books are a decent length, they read like novellas. The characters are developing and the changes and growth are logical. If you've made it this far, you might as well buy them all.
The series keeps getting better. While the books are a decent length, they read like novellas. The characters are developing and the changes and growth are logical. If you've made it this far, you might as well buy them all.
May 26, 2018
The story just keeps getting better and better.
Although this book is shorter than his regular novels there is lots of bang for us to enjoy. As Nadia continues her various quests she grows as a person and a wizard. Still learning, but there is much more to do.
Although this book is shorter than his regular novels there is lots of bang for us to enjoy. As Nadia continues her various quests she grows as a person and a wizard. Still learning, but there is much more to do.
June 7, 2017
I really enjoy this series. They do not have romance the way you are used to it...but there's something there. Other than that, I like the characters...and I don't know..I just like the books
August 6, 2017
Great series
March 22, 2019
3.5 stars
April 5, 2020
Thrilling Adventure!
Excellent addition to the series, Cloak Games! Action packed and filled with excellent characters! I look forward to continuing the story!
Excellent addition to the series, Cloak Games! Action packed and filled with excellent characters! I look forward to continuing the story!
January 5, 2021
Im not the biggest fan of urban fantasy.i prefer traditional fantasy settings but I gotta admit this series has won me over .each book is a page turner and I love nadia the heroine of the series.
October 21, 2021
Another excellent tale
Another excellent tale by one of my favorites. I enjoyed the new characters and the plot twists. The bane hound was an interesting character.
Another excellent tale by one of my favorites. I enjoyed the new characters and the plot twists. The bane hound was an interesting character.
February 26, 2023
Still fun and easy to read.
August 24, 2023
Good read, like the other books. Third time for the clever description was distracting, as well as some other repetition, but overall kept me reading.
September 28, 2024
A lot of the earlier plot threads start to come together in this one while the slow-burn romance picks up some momentum.
*This is low-steam/close the door romance.
*This is low-steam/close the door romance.
December 17, 2024
Another great adventure! This series really keeps you on the edge of your seat and the way things fall together at the last minute keeps you reading!
February 5, 2025
I love this book that has a great story and believable characters that keeps you interest!
March 23, 2022
I am binge reading this series at the moment and its very enjoyable. Now on book nine will review books 4-8 in book eight.
February 13, 2017
I devoured Jonathan Moeller’s Cloak games series which takes place three centuries after the Elf Queen was thrown out of her world and crossed the shadow lands to Earth. Humans are the shock troops used against the troops of the Archons who follow the dark lord as do some humans. Nadia Moran is the latest of shadow thieves used by the very powerful elf Morvilind who is curing her brother of Frost fever, the same fever which killed her parents and to which she is naturally immune. Morvilind had her trained and taught her illegal magic to accomplish her impossible tasks. Thief Trap (paper) has her work with a shadow mage, who calls himself Corvus to steal an object from a rich man who is a dark cultist and uses dark magic. Frost Fever (paper) has her stealing a jewel from the ambassador of the Frost Giants. Rebel Fist (paper) traps Nadia in a local mall when the rebels, now working with the dark, and a bunch of Orcs attack. Shadow Jump (paper) starts with another thief stealing her prize and she has to excape and then somehow reclaim it from a thief who can teleport. And finally Shatter Stone (ebook) sends her with friends into the Shadow lands to capture a special stone. Lots of fun and I’m waiting eagerly for the next.Review printed by Philadelphia Weekly Press
December 17, 2016
Best yet - this series keeps getting better.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews