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Stone Bearers #1
The Queen's Opal
Is the opal a blessing or a curse?
Elves never use magic or leave the forest.
They aren’t supposed to get sick either, but Drynn’s mother just died from a mysterious illness. When the symbol of the curse—a green stone called the Queen’s Opal—passes to Drynn, his impulsive and overprotective brother drags him out of the forest to search for a cure.
And the oft-diseased humans seem the most likely place to start.
But the opal isn’t all that it seems. Once outside the forest, it shows Drynn visions of a time when the humans and elves lived in peace. Much has changed in the human lands since then. It’s a darker world, ruled by power-hungry wizards who covet any kind of magic. Magic like the opal. Magic like the natural energy the wizards can see inside the elves.
More than healing one illness, Drynn’s visions call for him to restore the world’s former peace, but if the wrong wizard learns about the elves’ innate gifts, even the forest will no longer be safe.
Family bonds will be tested. Friends will become foes. With two kingdoms spiraling into chaos, can a shy bookworm conquer his fears to bring peace to the realm?
Fans of Terry Brooks (Shannara), Christopher Paolini (Eragon), and other works of epic sword and sorcery will love this coming-of-age fantasy series. One-click now to start the magic, mystery, and heart-pounding adventure!
The Queen’s Opal is book one in a new high fantasy adventure series set in the same magical and exotic world as The Stone Bearers (2016).
Clean Read. Fantasy violence and a few darker themes. Recommended for young adults and teens twelve and up.
Other Books by Jacque Stevens:
Stone Bearers:
0. The Stone Bearers (2016)
0.5. The Frog’s Princess (2016)
1. The Queen’s Opal (2017)
2. The Queen’s Gift (2018)
3. The Queen’s Heir (2018)
4. The Queen’s Bane (2019)
5. The Queen’s Rite (2019)
Please Note: The Queen’s Opal is Book One. The Stone Bearers is a standalone novel that can be read before or after the full series.
The short story, The Frog’s Princess, can also be read in any order. Find it in The Fantastic Worlds Anthology (2016) or have a free digital copy delivered to you after signing up for my email list at sjacquebooks.com. Those on my email list will receive monthly emails with updates on deals, review opportunities for new releases, and other exclusive content.
Fairy Ring:
1. Fairy Ring: Shards of Janderelle (2017)
2. Fairy Ring: Changeling of Janderelle (2019)
3. Fairy Ring: Prince of Janderelle (2020)
Others:
Winter Falls: A Tale of the Snow Queen (2017)
Cry Wolf: A Tale of Beauty and the Beast (2020)
Depths: A Tale of the Little Mermaid (2020)
Robin's Hood: A Tale of Sherwood Forest (2021)
Elves never use magic or leave the forest.
They aren’t supposed to get sick either, but Drynn’s mother just died from a mysterious illness. When the symbol of the curse—a green stone called the Queen’s Opal—passes to Drynn, his impulsive and overprotective brother drags him out of the forest to search for a cure.
And the oft-diseased humans seem the most likely place to start.
But the opal isn’t all that it seems. Once outside the forest, it shows Drynn visions of a time when the humans and elves lived in peace. Much has changed in the human lands since then. It’s a darker world, ruled by power-hungry wizards who covet any kind of magic. Magic like the opal. Magic like the natural energy the wizards can see inside the elves.
More than healing one illness, Drynn’s visions call for him to restore the world’s former peace, but if the wrong wizard learns about the elves’ innate gifts, even the forest will no longer be safe.
Family bonds will be tested. Friends will become foes. With two kingdoms spiraling into chaos, can a shy bookworm conquer his fears to bring peace to the realm?
Fans of Terry Brooks (Shannara), Christopher Paolini (Eragon), and other works of epic sword and sorcery will love this coming-of-age fantasy series. One-click now to start the magic, mystery, and heart-pounding adventure!
The Queen’s Opal is book one in a new high fantasy adventure series set in the same magical and exotic world as The Stone Bearers (2016).
Clean Read. Fantasy violence and a few darker themes. Recommended for young adults and teens twelve and up.
Other Books by Jacque Stevens:
Stone Bearers:
0. The Stone Bearers (2016)
0.5. The Frog’s Princess (2016)
1. The Queen’s Opal (2017)
2. The Queen’s Gift (2018)
3. The Queen’s Heir (2018)
4. The Queen’s Bane (2019)
5. The Queen’s Rite (2019)
Please Note: The Queen’s Opal is Book One. The Stone Bearers is a standalone novel that can be read before or after the full series.
The short story, The Frog’s Princess, can also be read in any order. Find it in The Fantastic Worlds Anthology (2016) or have a free digital copy delivered to you after signing up for my email list at sjacquebooks.com. Those on my email list will receive monthly emails with updates on deals, review opportunities for new releases, and other exclusive content.
Fairy Ring:
1. Fairy Ring: Shards of Janderelle (2017)
2. Fairy Ring: Changeling of Janderelle (2019)
3. Fairy Ring: Prince of Janderelle (2020)
Others:
Winter Falls: A Tale of the Snow Queen (2017)
Cry Wolf: A Tale of Beauty and the Beast (2020)
Depths: A Tale of the Little Mermaid (2020)
Robin's Hood: A Tale of Sherwood Forest (2021)
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2017
74 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
Jacque Stevens
39 books225 followersJacque Stevens wrote her first novel as a stress relief activity during nursing school. Now, as a USA-Today Bestselling Author, she has taken a step back from nursing so she can spend all her time writing stories filled with elves, fairies, and all things awesome. She also is a freelance editor.
Jacque lives in Arizona. New friends, enemies, and wandering visitors from cyberspace can contact Jacque here: sjacquebooks.com or sjacquebooks(at)gmail.com.
Sign up for the newsletter to get a free short story and other extras.
Jacque lives in Arizona. New friends, enemies, and wandering visitors from cyberspace can contact Jacque here: sjacquebooks.com or sjacquebooks(at)gmail.com.
Sign up for the newsletter to get a free short story and other extras.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 19, 2019
Drynn, an elf, finds himself trying to make sense out of his mother's illness and recent death. Normally, elves don't get sick. Ever. However, Drynn's mother was not a regular elf. She was a Queen. Rumors are that she died of the "Queen's Curse" which has been taking the lives of the Elf Queens for generations. Since Drynn and his brother are her only children, the Queen's Opal has to be passed on to a male heir, and Drynn (even though being the youngest) is her choice.
Where Drynn is studious and seeks books and knowledge, his older brother Tayvin gives in to many impulses and is quick to anger where Drynn is meek. Deciding that no more elves will die and desiring to know what killed his mother, Drynn finds himself leaving the forest with his brother on an ill-conceived quest to go to the human realm and find out how humans heal their ill. It is often said humans fall ill quite often and they have healers to help bring them back to well being.
The opal has called to Drynn since he was a baby at his mother's breast, where he would stare at it for long periods of time. Once Drynn takes the opal across the border into human territory, the opal begins giving Drynn visions of a time when humans and elves lived in peace.
Drynn is told he is the one who is to restore this peace. However, the human world is beyond cruel to Drynn. In a time when thieves abounded, drunks were everywhere, and evil was a constant companion, Drynn is kidnapped when his powers are sensed. Drynn never knew he had magical powers, but those who could sense them knew how powerful he really was. Beaten, starved, abused, ridiculed, and taken for a journey in the back of a wagon while shackled, Drynn fears he will never be found by his brother, nor will he ever see home - and his father - again.
This book does have some darker themes throughout, so although it is considered to be "young adult" I would advise caution for the younger of that set.
Where Drynn is studious and seeks books and knowledge, his older brother Tayvin gives in to many impulses and is quick to anger where Drynn is meek. Deciding that no more elves will die and desiring to know what killed his mother, Drynn finds himself leaving the forest with his brother on an ill-conceived quest to go to the human realm and find out how humans heal their ill. It is often said humans fall ill quite often and they have healers to help bring them back to well being.
The opal has called to Drynn since he was a baby at his mother's breast, where he would stare at it for long periods of time. Once Drynn takes the opal across the border into human territory, the opal begins giving Drynn visions of a time when humans and elves lived in peace.
Drynn is told he is the one who is to restore this peace. However, the human world is beyond cruel to Drynn. In a time when thieves abounded, drunks were everywhere, and evil was a constant companion, Drynn is kidnapped when his powers are sensed. Drynn never knew he had magical powers, but those who could sense them knew how powerful he really was. Beaten, starved, abused, ridiculed, and taken for a journey in the back of a wagon while shackled, Drynn fears he will never be found by his brother, nor will he ever see home - and his father - again.
This book does have some darker themes throughout, so although it is considered to be "young adult" I would advise caution for the younger of that set.
December 5, 2017
Elves...There are rules around these magical beings. However, it looks like that may be changing as Drynn’s mother has just died, leaving no daughter to become the next elven queen. What will happen next is all new. And, btw, elves aren’t supposed to leave the forest, but how is anyone going to learn if they don’t go find the answers outside the safety of the forest.
The Queen’s opal is a symbol of the curse that befalls the Queen of the elves, and now Drynn has it. And it’s begin to show him things about the First Queen and the olde ways of magic, whether he likes, let alone understands them. Is there a cure for this illness or is it doomed to destroy their way of life?
Who, or what can be trusted?
This is a fast paced wonderful Young Adult fantasy The story is a bit dark, but well rounded and Jacque Stevens’ is a great writer, weaving a story that keeps you reading and impatiently waiting for the next installment. Highly recommended. 5/5
The Queen’s opal is a symbol of the curse that befalls the Queen of the elves, and now Drynn has it. And it’s begin to show him things about the First Queen and the olde ways of magic, whether he likes, let alone understands them. Is there a cure for this illness or is it doomed to destroy their way of life?
Who, or what can be trusted?
This is a fast paced wonderful Young Adult fantasy The story is a bit dark, but well rounded and Jacque Stevens’ is a great writer, weaving a story that keeps you reading and impatiently waiting for the next installment. Highly recommended. 5/5
May 31, 2018
This book centres around two brothers, suffering from the recent death of their mother, from a mystery illness that has affected all of the Queen’s heirs for generations. They live in a forest, as they are elves and never leave the forest. There they are safe. Humans and others believe that elves have magic, but this is something not known to the modern day elves.
Shortly after the latest queen’s death, their father gives the Queen’s Opal to the youngest son, Drynn, there being no female heir to inherit the curse of the opal. Drynn’s older brother, Tayvin, has just qualified as a Ranger, while Drynn is happiest on his own, up a tree and reading books, especially on the old elven history. Tayvin is impetuous and doesn’t often think before acting, being the golden boy and popular with everyone.
Tayvin asks their father if he and his brother can join an urgent supply caravan to their near neighbours, Dorrans who mine for precious metals. Once away from the forest, Drynn starts to have vibrant dreams of the past and the first Queen of the Elves, seeing everything from her eyes. He doesn’t understand why he is having these dreams but won’t let go of the green opal, no matter what his brother says. Tayvin simply wants to find a cure for the illness his mother died from, thinking the opal will now kill his brother.
They leave with a Dorran as their guide to the ways of the humans they may come across. The human world is now a place where magic is dangerous and youth who show this tendency are sent to the Tower, feeding the fear in the normal populace. Wizards are all powerful and power hungry and can see the magic within elves, when the elves believe they have no magic at all.
Lots of things start to go wrong as they travel though the human areas and the brothers are separated. One ends up working as a healers apprentice to find a solution or cure to the illness their mother died from. The other brother has not ended up in quite such a nice place and could be in danger of being handed over to the wizards, who will drain the magic from the elves.
Who they can trust, in both their situations, becomes more difficult as time goes on. Can they even trust each other? Drynn’s visions are coming more often and are pushing him to find peace between all the races, something that has not been possible for hundreds of years. The belief in the ancient God’s has been forgotten by most. Can Drynn overcome his fears and his shy nature to become the person he needs to be?
An interesting story, which I really enjoyed reading. You find out what differences there are between each race but also the suffering each can bring upon the other. Human history is full of hatred and war amongst themselves and against those who may be different in some way to them. In this story, some of the same is obvious. Those who want power will do everything they can to get it.
The interactions you find in the story are intricate and fully described. The relationship between the brothers is very strong, but as with any family bonds, sometimes this can be difficult. A new relationship is also formed, a very unlikely one and trust is a big issue. An overall, good read and I look forward to reading the next ones in the series.
I received and ARC copy of the book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Shortly after the latest queen’s death, their father gives the Queen’s Opal to the youngest son, Drynn, there being no female heir to inherit the curse of the opal. Drynn’s older brother, Tayvin, has just qualified as a Ranger, while Drynn is happiest on his own, up a tree and reading books, especially on the old elven history. Tayvin is impetuous and doesn’t often think before acting, being the golden boy and popular with everyone.
Tayvin asks their father if he and his brother can join an urgent supply caravan to their near neighbours, Dorrans who mine for precious metals. Once away from the forest, Drynn starts to have vibrant dreams of the past and the first Queen of the Elves, seeing everything from her eyes. He doesn’t understand why he is having these dreams but won’t let go of the green opal, no matter what his brother says. Tayvin simply wants to find a cure for the illness his mother died from, thinking the opal will now kill his brother.
They leave with a Dorran as their guide to the ways of the humans they may come across. The human world is now a place where magic is dangerous and youth who show this tendency are sent to the Tower, feeding the fear in the normal populace. Wizards are all powerful and power hungry and can see the magic within elves, when the elves believe they have no magic at all.
Lots of things start to go wrong as they travel though the human areas and the brothers are separated. One ends up working as a healers apprentice to find a solution or cure to the illness their mother died from. The other brother has not ended up in quite such a nice place and could be in danger of being handed over to the wizards, who will drain the magic from the elves.
Who they can trust, in both their situations, becomes more difficult as time goes on. Can they even trust each other? Drynn’s visions are coming more often and are pushing him to find peace between all the races, something that has not been possible for hundreds of years. The belief in the ancient God’s has been forgotten by most. Can Drynn overcome his fears and his shy nature to become the person he needs to be?
An interesting story, which I really enjoyed reading. You find out what differences there are between each race but also the suffering each can bring upon the other. Human history is full of hatred and war amongst themselves and against those who may be different in some way to them. In this story, some of the same is obvious. Those who want power will do everything they can to get it.
The interactions you find in the story are intricate and fully described. The relationship between the brothers is very strong, but as with any family bonds, sometimes this can be difficult. A new relationship is also formed, a very unlikely one and trust is a big issue. An overall, good read and I look forward to reading the next ones in the series.
I received and ARC copy of the book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
August 6, 2018
Magical and very enjoyable
I was pleasantly surprised at how well written this book is especially coming from a relatively new author. Two elf brothers leave the safety and security of their forest home and discover the world meeting humans, dwarves, thieves, and all manner of good and bad characters. This author has a gift of developing her characters well. I enjoyed reading about how each of them grow and mature. The struggle Drynn goes through as he suffers under the hands of thieves and yet learns to trust and befriend one of them. Tayvin finds his own challenges as he sacrifices his own desires in order to find his missing brother. I found this story to be full of wonder and magic, fast paced and gripping at times but a story that many will find enjoyable.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well written this book is especially coming from a relatively new author. Two elf brothers leave the safety and security of their forest home and discover the world meeting humans, dwarves, thieves, and all manner of good and bad characters. This author has a gift of developing her characters well. I enjoyed reading about how each of them grow and mature. The struggle Drynn goes through as he suffers under the hands of thieves and yet learns to trust and befriend one of them. Tayvin finds his own challenges as he sacrifices his own desires in order to find his missing brother. I found this story to be full of wonder and magic, fast paced and gripping at times but a story that many will find enjoyable.
September 5, 2019
Are they elves or are they fairies?
This is a great book. Loved the story, just had to get past the first couple chapters before I couldn't put it down. I would let any of my kids read this one, but I know some parents prefer there is no violence, so there is the one thing I would warn about for the kids.
This book is in its own way a coming of age but also a coming into power story. Drynn and Tayvin are brother's. Tayvin wants to be a ranger and Drynn is not sure what he wants other then to learn everything he can. Their adventure begins because they are searching for a way to bring healing to the elves, so they go searching for humans.
This is a must read to find out what all they encounter on their journey and what they discover about the illness that plagues the elves.
This is a great book. Loved the story, just had to get past the first couple chapters before I couldn't put it down. I would let any of my kids read this one, but I know some parents prefer there is no violence, so there is the one thing I would warn about for the kids.
This book is in its own way a coming of age but also a coming into power story. Drynn and Tayvin are brother's. Tayvin wants to be a ranger and Drynn is not sure what he wants other then to learn everything he can. Their adventure begins because they are searching for a way to bring healing to the elves, so they go searching for humans.
This is a must read to find out what all they encounter on their journey and what they discover about the illness that plagues the elves.
March 4, 2018
This was a really cute and fun coming of age story great for any young adult audience. I enjoyed Drynn’s tale as you watch him grow as an individual. The secrets behind a mysterious sickness and the Queen’s opal keeps you reading, making this an enjoyable fast paced adventure. Drynn is a lover of books, but there is only so much knowledge he can absorb before he realizes that he needs to set out firsthand to unravel the questions set before him. It was a little slow in the beginning with some slow spots here and there, but I definitely recommend this for a fun, magical, and adventurous read. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful story!
November 26, 2021
I won this a while back in a Goodreads giveaway. This is the first thing I've read by the author.
I've been working my way through my giveaway wins trying to catch up and I'm sorry to say its taken so long to get to this book. Within the first 10 chapters I knew I was adding the rest of the series to my to read list. The characters are well thought out and are likeable (at least the ones you're supposed to like are, the ones you're not supposed to like are very easy to despise). The pacing of the story is very consistent making it easily understandable that this is a series. This book doesn't have a big cliffhanger but it definitely left me wanting more.
I've been working my way through my giveaway wins trying to catch up and I'm sorry to say its taken so long to get to this book. Within the first 10 chapters I knew I was adding the rest of the series to my to read list. The characters are well thought out and are likeable (at least the ones you're supposed to like are, the ones you're not supposed to like are very easy to despise). The pacing of the story is very consistent making it easily understandable that this is a series. This book doesn't have a big cliffhanger but it definitely left me wanting more.
November 2, 2018
Fantasy books have a certain appeal to them. I remember as a child reading a few and seems to find intrigue on how things were possible in the realm of magic. The characters of this book portrayed many different facets of magic and fantasy. I truly enjoyed the events each of them encountered, and their individuality of how to handle whatever came their way. Magic is a mystery, even today, however ready books like this sometimes make you wonder, is there really some truth to elf magic and fairies?! Happy reading!
December 5, 2017
I’m not going to summarize this story as the kindle blurb does a perfectly good job of doing so. Instead I will just give my impression of the book, which is, quite frankly, a great read. This is among those rare YA targeted books that works perfectly for its intended YA reader but is equally enjoyable by those like me who are several multiples older. A wonderful coming of age story in a works that’s a bit dark but full of magic and wonder.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
January 1, 2018
I got a review copy but the opinion is my own.The book was well written and full of adventure. It was a joy to read. It is a book about the hunt of elves to solve a mystery of why the females in their family died out and to stop the current owner from dying.come follow them on the adventure as you read this book.
March 13, 2018
I received an ARC copy from netgalley for my honest review, so thank you netgalley and publishers for offering me this book! ♡
This story is about elves, need I say more?!?!?! It is a Dark and Magical Fantasy..
This was my first book by this author, It was so good!!! It was alltogether an easy read. ♡ I give this book a
5 star rating!
This story is about elves, need I say more?!?!?! It is a Dark and Magical Fantasy..
This was my first book by this author, It was so good!!! It was alltogether an easy read. ♡ I give this book a
5 star rating!
March 20, 2018
What happens when an Elven prince comes to a human community?
A mysterious sickness that effects the Elven nobility and the Queen’s opal keeps you reading, making this an enjoyable fast paced adventure. The hidden agenda of dwarves, humans, wizards and thieves all start to come to light which I hope will be explored in the next book. Great read.
A mysterious sickness that effects the Elven nobility and the Queen’s opal keeps you reading, making this an enjoyable fast paced adventure. The hidden agenda of dwarves, humans, wizards and thieves all start to come to light which I hope will be explored in the next book. Great read.
October 4, 2018
Wonderful adventure mixed with thieving, wizards, and lost elves. This wonderful story zig-zags around finding lots of mishaps, unlikely friendships and many, many lies. Drynn has to absorb all of this and try to find his purpose. Loved this story and am anxiously waiting to start the next in this series.
January 10, 2018
This story was very endearing and i really liked. It was very original, not the typical fantasy story and it was so full of surprises that it keep my attention from the begining. It was a little slow on some parts but after a while you really can't let go of this book.
April 25, 2018
It took me forever to finish this book. I was really torn between finishing this or not but then again, i tried to give it a chance. The characters are all okay, but the world building and story flow is so slow.
May 2, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable start to a new series. The characters were engaging, the storline absorbing, and the ending had me ready for more.
November 18, 2018
That was a wonderful, fantastical tale! Original world building and delightfully created characters! You either fell in love with them or loathed the mention of their name. Excellently written! I LOVED it!
May 7, 2018
This may seem different to the usual review but it’s an honest one. It’s the one thing I promise to new authors, to do. This is the first of Jaque’s books I have read and I hope it won’t be the last. I am not going to tell you the story or the blurb that has already been given. I admit I struggled with this story originally. But only because I had 5 arcs to read , all with time sensitive deadlines . This is the beginning of a wondrous magical tale that the underlying theme is about how we are all scared of something and all have our phobias but most times, the things we are afraid of are more afraid of us .This story shows us that we can overcome this by facing it head on . If that seems a bit heavy, I’m sorry.
This is truly a bloody good read and I thoroughly recommend it to all fantasy and magical fans.
This is truly a bloody good read and I thoroughly recommend it to all fantasy and magical fans.
November 23, 2017
Amazing fantasy story. Loved it because elves are one of my favourite things to read about. Drynn inherited a green stone called the Queens Opal. Elves have been dying and there has to be a reason. A wonderful read for those lovers of fairy stories and if not ,should definitely try so as not to miss out.
January 27, 2020
Stone Bearer
Great story. It is very well written. Can not what to read what happens next. Really enjoy the characters. The dragonette is my favorute.
Great story. It is very well written. Can not what to read what happens next. Really enjoy the characters. The dragonette is my favorute.
Want to Read
March 13, 2018I received this book for free from the author/publisher in response for an honest review of the book. I have not had the opportunity to read this book at this time. I will add my
review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.
review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.
March 13, 2018
A fun ride to another realm. Well written & imaginative.
Want to Read
February 12, 2018I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. It looks super interesting and i can't wait to read it.
December 20, 2017
I am a big fan of this author. I have read a few of her books and she is such a wonderful author. She delvs right into these amazing fantasy worlds that she creates and I just love it.
Oh what a wonderful book. Drynn is an awesome character. Not like any of the other elves in this book. Hes quiet and keeps to himself loving his books and learning anything he can. His brother loves to drag him out to go practice fighting even though he hates it. Which is utterly entertaining.
Drynn goes through so much in a short amount of time. Losing his precious mother to a disease that attacks elven queens for generations. As she was the last of the female heirs for their family the queens opal is gifted to Drynn for safe keeping.
The visions he gets are amazing I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this series and of course from this author who is a favorite of mine.
5 stars
October 25, 2019
This is an entirely satisfying and entertaining fantasy. Elvin brothers depart the deep forest to find healing within the human world. The elder, Tavin, is brash and skilled with his bow and fighting, the younger, Drynn, is shy and somewhat of a bookworm and unable to defend himself. Elves have avoided the human world for hundreds of years, the changes in the human world bring dangerous challenges to the elves and their guide. The brothers get separated and Drynn is very close to being destroyed by the wizards in the human land who'd want to take his magic, magic that he does not know is within him.
The supporting characters are incredibly interesting, the guide, the human friend, Kol, among others. I loved how the author created a separate and riveting story around Kol, so interesting all by itself. Kol struggles to survive after his mother is killed. He has great powers he hides from those who work with him and his boss. People showing powers are forced to move to the Tower for indoctrination and training by the wizards, called robes. Kol hates the robes and has no intention of letting them capitalize on his magic. When Kol meets Drynn it takes this story to such an exciting story arch. This book is one that left me with a strong yearning to discover what happens next, especially with some intriguing reveals given to us right at the end.
I really loved this book and its amazing cast of characters. The narration was exceptional and carried me through the brief parts that were slow in the beginning. I give it five stars for every aspect of its excellent. A magical and adventurous story with a lively pace the young and old can enjoy. No sex or swear words, some violence, grievous and dark but not graphic.
The supporting characters are incredibly interesting, the guide, the human friend, Kol, among others. I loved how the author created a separate and riveting story around Kol, so interesting all by itself. Kol struggles to survive after his mother is killed. He has great powers he hides from those who work with him and his boss. People showing powers are forced to move to the Tower for indoctrination and training by the wizards, called robes. Kol hates the robes and has no intention of letting them capitalize on his magic. When Kol meets Drynn it takes this story to such an exciting story arch. This book is one that left me with a strong yearning to discover what happens next, especially with some intriguing reveals given to us right at the end.
I really loved this book and its amazing cast of characters. The narration was exceptional and carried me through the brief parts that were slow in the beginning. I give it five stars for every aspect of its excellent. A magical and adventurous story with a lively pace the young and old can enjoy. No sex or swear words, some violence, grievous and dark but not graphic.
November 4, 2018
The book started off slowly, introducing us to the elven world and culture. Once the brothers left the safety of the forest, the story picked up its pace. It also separated the characters in a way I wasn't expecting, but gave them time to grow in their individual story lines.
Drynn, the younger brother and main MC, acted like a frightened victim most of the time, which is in contrast to the typical super powered special heroes who waltz though most modern YA books. While I hated him for it at times, it did fit with his softer personality. I guess you can say it's a nice difference from the expected tropes. His older brother follows the more usual brash sword master hero trope, but even his personality takes an interesting softer arc.
The book was very well written, and the characters were diverse and fleshed out. The magic was interesting, and will hopefully play a bigger role in the next book.
I still think Drynn was too soft and forgiving, but it did fit in with his character, so while it rankled, it didn't detract too much from the book.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It kept me up way past my ever shifting bedtime.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Drynn, the younger brother and main MC, acted like a frightened victim most of the time, which is in contrast to the typical super powered special heroes who waltz though most modern YA books. While I hated him for it at times, it did fit with his softer personality. I guess you can say it's a nice difference from the expected tropes. His older brother follows the more usual brash sword master hero trope, but even his personality takes an interesting softer arc.
The book was very well written, and the characters were diverse and fleshed out. The magic was interesting, and will hopefully play a bigger role in the next book.
I still think Drynn was too soft and forgiving, but it did fit in with his character, so while it rankled, it didn't detract too much from the book.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It kept me up way past my ever shifting bedtime.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2018
A fantastic book!
A mix of Fellowship of the Ring and Shannara Chronicles but without the gore. Getting used to the names took a bit of time but the world building was excellent. All characters felt real, as real as dwarfs, elves and magical humans can be. I actually laughed a few times seeing the human world through the naive elven's eyes.
And then the narrator changed and we saw the elves through the eyes of a human. Scary!
The themes of the book, greed, power hunger, brutality, selfishness are very real in our own world too and the characters' arc were superb. The bookworm who needs to learn to fight, the fighter who needs to study from books and the hard, sarcastic thief who needs to open up his shell. They need to grow, they need to learn who to trust and that this is sometimes impossible to know.
The only criticism I have is, that after if took so long to develop everything, things came together very quickly in the end. But, hey, that's just if I'm picky.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
A mix of Fellowship of the Ring and Shannara Chronicles but without the gore. Getting used to the names took a bit of time but the world building was excellent. All characters felt real, as real as dwarfs, elves and magical humans can be. I actually laughed a few times seeing the human world through the naive elven's eyes.
And then the narrator changed and we saw the elves through the eyes of a human. Scary!
The themes of the book, greed, power hunger, brutality, selfishness are very real in our own world too and the characters' arc were superb. The bookworm who needs to learn to fight, the fighter who needs to study from books and the hard, sarcastic thief who needs to open up his shell. They need to grow, they need to learn who to trust and that this is sometimes impossible to know.
The only criticism I have is, that after if took so long to develop everything, things came together very quickly in the end. But, hey, that's just if I'm picky.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
February 5, 2020
This one was so much fun, it's a little reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. Two elf brothers are on a quest into the human lands to try to learn how to break the curse on the Queen's Opal and learn from healers to help save their people. It has dwarfs, magic, elves, wizardry and even dragons. What more can a fantasy lover want in a story? The characters were well developed and entertaining. The narrator did a fantastic job with the voices, acting, and made it simply a lot of fun to listen to. If you like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and/or Fable Haven then you'll love this series. I would place this one as a 4th grade and up level read and I am definitely going to have my kids read this book, because I know they'll love it. I am hoping it doesn't take them too long to get book two out on Audible.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 21, 2021
7A new author for me & OH Boy I am hooked. This was a fascinating story. Poor Drynn had so much turmoil. His mother the Queen dies from a mysterious disease and the elves believe it will pass to the next owner. Drynn's brother takes him and leaves the forest. They need to find a cure. Fate has different plans for Drynn. He is captured by a mean group of people who answer to their Lord. Drynn is hit, chained & kept in a box. Drynn is beginning to believe that his brother will never come for him so he makes friends with one of them. After an incredible journey Drynn finally finds out what his opal really means. A story full of grief, friendship & trust. Drynn is a wonderful character along with the dragonette. Many other great characters as well. Great job & I will be reading book 2 of this series soon.
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November 21, 2017Hello, Goodreads!
Thank you for checking out The Queen's Opal. It will be released Dec. 2017. If you wish to join my review team and get an early copy of the ebook, please feel free to contact me here or by email.
To get the most current information on review opportunities and releases, please consider joining my mailing list at sjacquebooks.com. Those who sign up will receive a digital short story from the Stone Bearers world.
If you have any other questions, comments, complaints, etc that you would like me to respond to directly, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me here or through email. I love to hear from you!
Jacque Stevens
sjacquebooks.com
sjacquebooks (at) gmail.com
Thank you for checking out The Queen's Opal. It will be released Dec. 2017. If you wish to join my review team and get an early copy of the ebook, please feel free to contact me here or by email.
To get the most current information on review opportunities and releases, please consider joining my mailing list at sjacquebooks.com. Those who sign up will receive a digital short story from the Stone Bearers world.
If you have any other questions, comments, complaints, etc that you would like me to respond to directly, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me here or through email. I love to hear from you!
Jacque Stevens
sjacquebooks.com
sjacquebooks (at) gmail.com
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