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Stonebreaker #1
Hearthfire
In the Hearthland, everyone has enough. Beyond that, everyone has plenty. Carin has never known hunger. All that stands between her and her future is the Journeying.
The Journeying is a rite of passage—all the villagers undertake it on the cusp of their eighteenth harvests. To Carin, her task is simple: Travel to the Hidden Glen with her three friends, find her name, come home, move on.
But when one of Carin's friends is murdered the day she leaves for the Journeying, she will start to see through the simple veneer of her homeland's bounty to where its roots drink deep—of blood.
All who journey are faced with choice.
All fires can both warm and burn.
All magic comes at a price.
The Journeying is a rite of passage—all the villagers undertake it on the cusp of their eighteenth harvests. To Carin, her task is simple: Travel to the Hidden Glen with her three friends, find her name, come home, move on.
But when one of Carin's friends is murdered the day she leaves for the Journeying, she will start to see through the simple veneer of her homeland's bounty to where its roots drink deep—of blood.
All who journey are faced with choice.
All fires can both warm and burn.
All magic comes at a price.
Unknown Binding
First published July 24, 2018
5 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Emmie Mears
21 books153 followersEmmie Mears writes the books they always needed to read about characters they wish they could be. Emmie is multilingual, autistic, agender, and a bad pescetarian.
Emmie makes their home with two cats in Glasgow, Scotland and hopes to keep it that way.
Emmie is represented by Sara Megibow of kt literary.
Emmie makes their home with two cats in Glasgow, Scotland and hopes to keep it that way.
Emmie is represented by Sara Megibow of kt literary.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 30, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I discovered this publisher through excitement about this book :) Second-world fantasy with a cultural norm of non-binary gendering? Sign me right the fuck up!
The gender pronouns take a bit of getting used to. Other than that, you'll slip into the setting like getting into a warm bath. Of course, the setting feels so real because the people there feel real.
This first volume manages to have a deeply satisfying ending, even with so many loose ends to be addressed in the next book. That's a challenge to pull off, but this author meets that challenge well. While I am VERY eager for book 2, it's not because book 1 didn't come to a good completion.
P.S. Dear BHC Press, I've been a very good reader. I would like a review copy of book 2 please!
Honestly, I discovered this publisher through excitement about this book :) Second-world fantasy with a cultural norm of non-binary gendering? Sign me right the fuck up!
The gender pronouns take a bit of getting used to. Other than that, you'll slip into the setting like getting into a warm bath. Of course, the setting feels so real because the people there feel real.
This first volume manages to have a deeply satisfying ending, even with so many loose ends to be addressed in the next book. That's a challenge to pull off, but this author meets that challenge well. While I am VERY eager for book 2, it's not because book 1 didn't come to a good completion.
P.S. Dear BHC Press, I've been a very good reader. I would like a review copy of book 2 please!
July 19, 2018
Hearthfire is an astounding novel. It really harks back to the definition of novel: new or unusual. Not unusual as in strange, though it does have some strangeness, but simply not usual, not the norm. This book breaks a lot of boundaries. Besides creating language and culture of the inhabitants of this world, Mears has normalized a third gender (or lack of gender). The pronouns take some getting used to, but after a short while, it becomes easy, it flows.
I couldn’t help but think of Ursula K. LeGuin when reading this book. I’m not sure if it was the world-building, or the characters or just the feel of the story, but it was there and it was good!
I highly recommend this book and eagerly look forward to the rest of the series.
I couldn’t help but think of Ursula K. LeGuin when reading this book. I’m not sure if it was the world-building, or the characters or just the feel of the story, but it was there and it was good!
I highly recommend this book and eagerly look forward to the rest of the series.
March 21, 2019
Rating: 2.4/5
Publisher’s Description: Carin has never known hunger. Born into the Hearthland, a lush world of fertile fields and abundant resources, her biggest worry is whether she and her three friends will find their true names on their Journeying. But when one of them is murdered on the morning of their departure, Carin’s peaceful world is stained with blood. Forced to confront the truth, Carin must decide her own fate. Remain silent and allow the murder of the earth itself—or risk her own life in exile and break the spell.
Review: Well , this was quite the world spanning saga. Multiple quests, following a multitude of characters of the YA bent. Inter-leaved within is this broad acceptance possible love interests in the form of flirting that is expected of most authors covering their base(s). The author does a good job of minimizing the interactions so that it doesn’t feel forced, but it is so noted for the time spent on building the scenes. The characters are built wonderfully and continue to change with the added burden of time spent in in-hospitable surroundings. The creatures uncovered are surprising in the creative way they are built. The bats are certainly alien in presentation while retaining a kindness that exceeds that of their charges.
What I really liked about this novel was the author’s voice. It rings loud and true throughout the novel as something that is tangibly different than other’s in the genre. She takes character development in a different direction than expected. The outcomes to interactions with strangers are as unexpected as the exchanges between known comrades. This gives the world and the cultures residing within, their own unique flavor while retaining an understood medium of exchange. I don’t know if this was the author’s intent, but whether intended or not, it worked beautifully.
This novel is at once visceral and compelling. The quests are rife with confrontations and grisly exchanges. The Magic is subtle and hard to reach thereby rendering it a rare and valuable commodity. The only downer, and it is a big one, was the use of this weird pro-noun/noun gender-less naming convention that did more to distract than enhance the story line. It is never adequately explained and is used in concert with normal naming conventions. The author needed to stick to one or the other, or at the minimum, abandon it’s use when the Nameless go overland. It really buggered up the whole novel.
From great heights this novel fell but was still supported on the strength of the characters.
Publisher’s Description: Carin has never known hunger. Born into the Hearthland, a lush world of fertile fields and abundant resources, her biggest worry is whether she and her three friends will find their true names on their Journeying. But when one of them is murdered on the morning of their departure, Carin’s peaceful world is stained with blood. Forced to confront the truth, Carin must decide her own fate. Remain silent and allow the murder of the earth itself—or risk her own life in exile and break the spell.
Review: Well , this was quite the world spanning saga. Multiple quests, following a multitude of characters of the YA bent. Inter-leaved within is this broad acceptance possible love interests in the form of flirting that is expected of most authors covering their base(s). The author does a good job of minimizing the interactions so that it doesn’t feel forced, but it is so noted for the time spent on building the scenes. The characters are built wonderfully and continue to change with the added burden of time spent in in-hospitable surroundings. The creatures uncovered are surprising in the creative way they are built. The bats are certainly alien in presentation while retaining a kindness that exceeds that of their charges.
What I really liked about this novel was the author’s voice. It rings loud and true throughout the novel as something that is tangibly different than other’s in the genre. She takes character development in a different direction than expected. The outcomes to interactions with strangers are as unexpected as the exchanges between known comrades. This gives the world and the cultures residing within, their own unique flavor while retaining an understood medium of exchange. I don’t know if this was the author’s intent, but whether intended or not, it worked beautifully.
This novel is at once visceral and compelling. The quests are rife with confrontations and grisly exchanges. The Magic is subtle and hard to reach thereby rendering it a rare and valuable commodity. The only downer, and it is a big one, was the use of this weird pro-noun/noun gender-less naming convention that did more to distract than enhance the story line. It is never adequately explained and is used in concert with normal naming conventions. The author needed to stick to one or the other, or at the minimum, abandon it’s use when the Nameless go overland. It really buggered up the whole novel.
From great heights this novel fell but was still supported on the strength of the characters.
January 27, 2019
This book is so good. The story creeps and unfolds with a dread that mirrors the hard, complex situations in which the protagonists find themselves. Brilliantly nuanced with top-notch character development and fascinating world-building.
did-not-finish
February 14, 2019The blurb sounds good but the first chapter is all lovey dovey romance between adolescents and I just can't. This is why stories need to start in the middle of the journey and NOT at the beginning.
September 16, 2018
Eagerly waiting for more
Hearthfire is the kind of book that, no matter how slow life forces you to read, you will want to return to as often as possible. The only complaint I could muster is that seeing the Kindle completion percentage filled me with sadness because I didn't want the story to end.
I can't WAIT for the next Stonebreaker book, and if you feel like I did, please note that Emmie Mears is a fantastic author in general, so please check out the rest of their work, because I can guarantee you will love every last page.
Hearthfire is the kind of book that, no matter how slow life forces you to read, you will want to return to as often as possible. The only complaint I could muster is that seeing the Kindle completion percentage filled me with sadness because I didn't want the story to end.
I can't WAIT for the next Stonebreaker book, and if you feel like I did, please note that Emmie Mears is a fantastic author in general, so please check out the rest of their work, because I can guarantee you will love every last page.
August 7, 2018
A sweeping new fantasy world that feels every bit as big as Robert Jordan’s (in the best way), and magic that comes with the costliest price I’ve seen in a work of fantasy. The story drew me forward through compelling characters, giving me time to know and love each as they meet fascinating creatures and face the upending of their way of life.
Brilliant writing, page-turning plot, and a truly fascinating world. I’m really excited for this series!!
Brilliant writing, page-turning plot, and a truly fascinating world. I’m really excited for this series!!
August 19, 2019
I’m going to give it to Emmie Mears – she has one hell of a creative mind!
The down side of being creative, however, is that sometimes the mind doesn’t know when to stop. Personally, this was the main flaw I found in Hearthfire.
This world that Mears has created is so vast and unusual that I completely understand the need for descriptive text (which was absolutely beautifully done by the way. No one will ever say that this author can’t turn a phrase!) but I found that there was so much focus on building the world up that the plotline and characters were overshadowed. I kept finding myself losing focus on what I was reading and would have to constantly go back and reread paragraphs.
I also applaud the author of the use of non-binary pronouns. This is something we are just starting to see more and more of in books but still isn’t very common. While the pronouns system was a refreshing change to what we tend to see as the norm in novels, the lack of explanation and the inconsistency of use made it a bit awkward to read. Sure, you get used to it after a while but it took me a lot longer than it should have to realize that these were not typos.
The Journeying as a coming of age tradition was unique and I loved the concept as well as the characters’ relationships with each other and those they meet along the way to find their Names. Again, however, I found that the exciting adventure I was hoping to see was overshadowed by excessive use of descriptive writing and the book dragged on rather than pulled me in. I think the use of “less is more” philosophy would have made for a more captivating read.
I think Mears did a fantastic job of creating a world that I would like to read more about and there is no question of the author’s talent when it comes to putting her creativity to paper. The writing style absolutely blew me away but, personally, I would have loved to have seen more when it came to the characters themselves and the journey they were on rather than focusing on the world and creatures in it.
I have no doubt that there will be many, many lovers of YA high fantasy that will devour this novel, but I don’t feel that it’s for me. For as much as there were parts I enjoyed there was an equal, if not greater, amount that kept me from immersing myself. I will keep an eye out for this author in the future, however, and will be keeping an open mind when the next book in this series comes out. I think it will be interesting to see how this series progresses.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my own, honest opinion.
The down side of being creative, however, is that sometimes the mind doesn’t know when to stop. Personally, this was the main flaw I found in Hearthfire.
This world that Mears has created is so vast and unusual that I completely understand the need for descriptive text (which was absolutely beautifully done by the way. No one will ever say that this author can’t turn a phrase!) but I found that there was so much focus on building the world up that the plotline and characters were overshadowed. I kept finding myself losing focus on what I was reading and would have to constantly go back and reread paragraphs.
I also applaud the author of the use of non-binary pronouns. This is something we are just starting to see more and more of in books but still isn’t very common. While the pronouns system was a refreshing change to what we tend to see as the norm in novels, the lack of explanation and the inconsistency of use made it a bit awkward to read. Sure, you get used to it after a while but it took me a lot longer than it should have to realize that these were not typos.
The Journeying as a coming of age tradition was unique and I loved the concept as well as the characters’ relationships with each other and those they meet along the way to find their Names. Again, however, I found that the exciting adventure I was hoping to see was overshadowed by excessive use of descriptive writing and the book dragged on rather than pulled me in. I think the use of “less is more” philosophy would have made for a more captivating read.
I think Mears did a fantastic job of creating a world that I would like to read more about and there is no question of the author’s talent when it comes to putting her creativity to paper. The writing style absolutely blew me away but, personally, I would have loved to have seen more when it came to the characters themselves and the journey they were on rather than focusing on the world and creatures in it.
I have no doubt that there will be many, many lovers of YA high fantasy that will devour this novel, but I don’t feel that it’s for me. For as much as there were parts I enjoyed there was an equal, if not greater, amount that kept me from immersing myself. I will keep an eye out for this author in the future, however, and will be keeping an open mind when the next book in this series comes out. I think it will be interesting to see how this series progresses.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my own, honest opinion.
August 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It started out as a pretty standard "coming of age" story, but then it took a turn, and it was all I could do to hold on. I loved getting to know the characters as they got to know themselves. I think the world is rich and interesting. I loved the conversations the story was having about how communities are built and sustained.
The book also contains my favourite fantasy creatures in the "Ialtag".
My only issue with this book is that when I finished reading it, there wasn't a trove of fan-art on Tumblr waiting for me to inhale.
The book also contains my favourite fantasy creatures in the "Ialtag".
My only issue with this book is that when I finished reading it, there wasn't a trove of fan-art on Tumblr waiting for me to inhale.
April 6, 2019
(I was provided this by netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
Hearthstone is a humbling tale tackling responsibility and choices in a way that revolves around community, relationships, the environment, and, most interesting of all for myself, gender (I’m really not well versed in the particulars of gender identity and fluidity, but always eager to learn). I enjoyed reading it (and understatement? Yes), the dynamics and changing relationships between the characters, the descriptions of magic and a land so different to ours. It was longer than I anticipated, which I was soon glad of, growing pretty quickly attached to the characters we follow across multiple POVs. Would recommend. Now just to wait for the next one to answer the many (many) questions I have.
Hearthstone is a humbling tale tackling responsibility and choices in a way that revolves around community, relationships, the environment, and, most interesting of all for myself, gender (I’m really not well versed in the particulars of gender identity and fluidity, but always eager to learn). I enjoyed reading it (and understatement? Yes), the dynamics and changing relationships between the characters, the descriptions of magic and a land so different to ours. It was longer than I anticipated, which I was soon glad of, growing pretty quickly attached to the characters we follow across multiple POVs. Would recommend. Now just to wait for the next one to answer the many (many) questions I have.
July 18, 2018
“Hearthfire” is powerful debut to a new series that will grip the reader until the end.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 19, 2019
Actually my second read of this one, I'd read it forever ago and apparently not marked it. I was just in the mood for a good fantasy novel, so it got a reread.
March 5, 2024
Upgrade to 5 stars upon second reading. So queer, so fantasy, so good. Excited that the third book is out and in my possession!
************************************************************
This is a great fantasy book but it is also more. We have adventure, weird creatures, magic, battles of good vs evil, survival, kids trying to find their paths in life. All good stuff. The perspective shifts among characters and I enjoyed them all, and it wasn't choppy - well done!
The overarching theme is revolution against traditions that bind society but are actually harmful to the vast majority of people. In this world, a small group of villages reinforces a magical spell that gives them resources and an idyllic life, to the detriment of other people, who fight for survival every day because the spell sucks their resources away. Very much the haves vs have-nots - except the two groups are geographically separated so few know about the others existence. So of course we gotta solve this.
There's a strong parallel to climate change, about how the powerful few wreck our world and quash all efforts to save it.
My favorite aspect of this book is how it deals with gender. Kids use gender-neutral pronouns until age 15ish, when they choose whether they are male, female, or gender-neutral. The author has created their own pronouns for use in this world, which overall I like the idea of very much. However, it was tricky reading these pronouns, since they are not actual English words, it was a little weird to smoothly incorporate them into my reading. But overall I love the emphasis on gender identity being something that everyone sees as a natural thing to figure out over time, and is never assumed.
************************************************************
This is a great fantasy book but it is also more. We have adventure, weird creatures, magic, battles of good vs evil, survival, kids trying to find their paths in life. All good stuff. The perspective shifts among characters and I enjoyed them all, and it wasn't choppy - well done!
The overarching theme is revolution against traditions that bind society but are actually harmful to the vast majority of people. In this world, a small group of villages reinforces a magical spell that gives them resources and an idyllic life, to the detriment of other people, who fight for survival every day because the spell sucks their resources away. Very much the haves vs have-nots - except the two groups are geographically separated so few know about the others existence. So of course we gotta solve this.
There's a strong parallel to climate change, about how the powerful few wreck our world and quash all efforts to save it.
My favorite aspect of this book is how it deals with gender. Kids use gender-neutral pronouns until age 15ish, when they choose whether they are male, female, or gender-neutral. The author has created their own pronouns for use in this world, which overall I like the idea of very much. However, it was tricky reading these pronouns, since they are not actual English words, it was a little weird to smoothly incorporate them into my reading. But overall I love the emphasis on gender identity being something that everyone sees as a natural thing to figure out over time, and is never assumed.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews