What do you think?
Rate this book
Gem Kingdom #1
Birth Stone
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ASIN B076MT7CKC here.
A secret realm...a dormant power...a forbidden desire...a world awakened...
Ten years.
That’s how long King Terrin has been looking for his sister, rightful heir to the throne. He wears the hated crown in her stead as he searches for the place his sister was exiled to--an unearthly realm as elusive as his freedom. At every turn, his mages have come up short, exhausted, their magic weakening. Ten years, and nothing to show for it but the realization that magic everywhere is dying, along with the earth, and they are running out of time.
That is, until he receives a prophecy about a key to locate the realm...a key in the form of a peasant woman from an unnamed village.
At the end of his rope, King Terrin calls for her, riling up complications he never thought he would face, such as having to summon the patience to train and work with the common woman, a fledgling mage with considerable power but little control--over her magic, her temper, or her rosy, lush mouth.
Lyra is a village schoolmistress, friendless, and on the verge of becoming a spinster.
When she is summoned to the sequestered, royal Island of Gem, her fragile, narrow view of the world ripped asunder.
There, in the formidable King’s court, she will uncover the truth about herself and the world the dark, brooding King has tried so hard to bury—that a well of dormant magic lives within her, the world is not at all what it seems...and that she might have the chance to save it.
A secret realm...a dormant power...a forbidden desire...a world awakened...
Ten years.
That’s how long King Terrin has been looking for his sister, rightful heir to the throne. He wears the hated crown in her stead as he searches for the place his sister was exiled to--an unearthly realm as elusive as his freedom. At every turn, his mages have come up short, exhausted, their magic weakening. Ten years, and nothing to show for it but the realization that magic everywhere is dying, along with the earth, and they are running out of time.
That is, until he receives a prophecy about a key to locate the realm...a key in the form of a peasant woman from an unnamed village.
At the end of his rope, King Terrin calls for her, riling up complications he never thought he would face, such as having to summon the patience to train and work with the common woman, a fledgling mage with considerable power but little control--over her magic, her temper, or her rosy, lush mouth.
Lyra is a village schoolmistress, friendless, and on the verge of becoming a spinster.
When she is summoned to the sequestered, royal Island of Gem, her fragile, narrow view of the world ripped asunder.
There, in the formidable King’s court, she will uncover the truth about herself and the world the dark, brooding King has tried so hard to bury—that a well of dormant magic lives within her, the world is not at all what it seems...and that she might have the chance to save it.
473 pages, ebook
Published October 20, 2017
130 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Kate Kelley
13 books51 followersKate Kelley is a writer of Fantasy--all kinds. She spends her days gingerly avoiding plot holes and writer's blocks while four beautiful children and one hunky husband annoy her. And she says that with love.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 13, 2018
Kate Kelley is an author who does not disappoint! This book was great. What I loved most, was the beautiful language the author used. Her description of setting and character were very well-crafted. She has a real talent for putting the reader right into the story. The characters Lyra and Terrin are well developed and interesting. This is a beautifully crafted read that will not leave you disappointed. Can't wait to read the next book!
January 8, 2018
Glittering 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and a 6th one 🌟 because this book is so good. Grr... why the stars are limited here? I want to give more.
"Alec is Lyra's only family and friend after their parent's death. Lyra is lonely as her brother leaves to work for the King. The kingdom of Terra is ruled by a King, they've never seen. People doesn't even speak his name out loud. When Alec goes missing, Lyra is taken to the castle of the King, which is shrouded in Mystery.
King Terrin isn't interested on the throne he sits in. His half-brother Techni banishes their sister Iris, the rightful Queen to the throne, chosen by the land. Now, Terrin must find Iris before its too late."
Such a gripping prologue. What a good way to start a story? The prologue certainly promises a feast and the author did not disappoint.
A few paragraphs into the story and I found myself falling in love with the descriptions that painted a world different from our knowledge. It's easy to get lost in her world.
Lyra - introduced as naive, lonely and a loving sister, who wants nothing more than to be with her brother as one happy family. Her character evolves a lot during the story and it's been a while since I last read such a powerful character.
Terrin - dark and brooding, yet there is a heart that longs for love.
Oriel - a mage and a friend of Terrin. He is such an interesting character.
Edwin - my least favorite character in this story. I don't know why, I disliked him the moment he was introduced in the story. Maybe because I wanted Lyra with the King. Then, Edwin is indeed a douche bag. 😤
Abner - It isn't necessary to mention him, but he is the second douche bag in the story. I wish Terrin cracked his potty face. 😡
Antagonist - Shh... Don't say his name out loud. Definitely a nightmare.
The attraction between Terrin and Lyra is expected, but they can't be together. Not in a romantic way. The sexual tension between them is palpable and each time they come closer, the reader will be like 'yes!' then, grr... I am not sure who is disappointed the most, the reader or the character. 😜🤔
I loved every bit of it and can honestly say that it's been a while since a story and writing style captured my mind. Lyra and Oriel's relationship confused me a little. It's as if I can't quiet figure out if Oriel was in friend zone. It felt like the author purposefully planned it to keep the readers on their toes.
The plot flows smoothly from one scene to the other. Each character has an important role to play and they've done their job. My favorite characters others than Terrin and Lyra are Poppi and Oriel.
The training and action scenes were well thought out and well written. The usage of magic is really good. I wish this is made into a movie. Only a few stories satisfies the reader in a certain way and leave them with a longing to read more. This is one of them.
What a way to end the story? It's perfect in every sense. The story answers several questions and yet leave the readers with an anticipation. We get a glimpse of the powerful antagonist and it holds a dark promise. Though Ganymede appeared only on a few scenes, he certainly cause a terror and can't wait to see what happens next. If his mere presence can cause so much damage, I can only guess what will happen when he really make an appearance.
I highly recommend this and I am sure going for a second round or more.👍
***ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review***
"Alec is Lyra's only family and friend after their parent's death. Lyra is lonely as her brother leaves to work for the King. The kingdom of Terra is ruled by a King, they've never seen. People doesn't even speak his name out loud. When Alec goes missing, Lyra is taken to the castle of the King, which is shrouded in Mystery.
King Terrin isn't interested on the throne he sits in. His half-brother Techni banishes their sister Iris, the rightful Queen to the throne, chosen by the land. Now, Terrin must find Iris before its too late."
Such a gripping prologue. What a good way to start a story? The prologue certainly promises a feast and the author did not disappoint.
A few paragraphs into the story and I found myself falling in love with the descriptions that painted a world different from our knowledge. It's easy to get lost in her world.
Lyra - introduced as naive, lonely and a loving sister, who wants nothing more than to be with her brother as one happy family. Her character evolves a lot during the story and it's been a while since I last read such a powerful character.
Terrin - dark and brooding, yet there is a heart that longs for love.
Oriel - a mage and a friend of Terrin. He is such an interesting character.
Edwin - my least favorite character in this story. I don't know why, I disliked him the moment he was introduced in the story. Maybe because I wanted Lyra with the King. Then, Edwin is indeed a douche bag. 😤
Abner - It isn't necessary to mention him, but he is the second douche bag in the story. I wish Terrin cracked his potty face. 😡
Antagonist - Shh... Don't say his name out loud. Definitely a nightmare.
The attraction between Terrin and Lyra is expected, but they can't be together. Not in a romantic way. The sexual tension between them is palpable and each time they come closer, the reader will be like 'yes!' then, grr... I am not sure who is disappointed the most, the reader or the character. 😜🤔
I loved every bit of it and can honestly say that it's been a while since a story and writing style captured my mind. Lyra and Oriel's relationship confused me a little. It's as if I can't quiet figure out if Oriel was in friend zone. It felt like the author purposefully planned it to keep the readers on their toes.
The plot flows smoothly from one scene to the other. Each character has an important role to play and they've done their job. My favorite characters others than Terrin and Lyra are Poppi and Oriel.
The training and action scenes were well thought out and well written. The usage of magic is really good. I wish this is made into a movie. Only a few stories satisfies the reader in a certain way and leave them with a longing to read more. This is one of them.
What a way to end the story? It's perfect in every sense. The story answers several questions and yet leave the readers with an anticipation. We get a glimpse of the powerful antagonist and it holds a dark promise. Though Ganymede appeared only on a few scenes, he certainly cause a terror and can't wait to see what happens next. If his mere presence can cause so much damage, I can only guess what will happen when he really make an appearance.
I highly recommend this and I am sure going for a second round or more.👍
***ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review***
July 1, 2018
I love a story that is so well developed that it whisks me away from reality, taking me on a journey elsewhere; knights on horseback, magical kingdoms, portals to the otherworld, and faeries! Birth Stone starts out with a mysterious, suspenseful opening that has you turning the pages to unravel the answers.
You soon meet two siblings, Lyra and Alec whose journey you’ll follow throughout the book. They have a wonderful bond with one another. Aside from an aunt, they are all they have.
Alec works for King Terrin, who has him away from home so much that it upsets Lyra. It isn’t till the King calls on her when she learns why her brother has been working so hard. But her brother goes missing and the king requests for her to help him find her brother. This is where the story gets even more interesting.
Birth Stone is a book that will definitely keep you draw in, turning the pages. It’s packed with action and adventure and with a few surprising twist. I can’t wait to begin reading book two!
You soon meet two siblings, Lyra and Alec whose journey you’ll follow throughout the book. They have a wonderful bond with one another. Aside from an aunt, they are all they have.
Alec works for King Terrin, who has him away from home so much that it upsets Lyra. It isn’t till the King calls on her when she learns why her brother has been working so hard. But her brother goes missing and the king requests for her to help him find her brother. This is where the story gets even more interesting.
Birth Stone is a book that will definitely keep you draw in, turning the pages. It’s packed with action and adventure and with a few surprising twist. I can’t wait to begin reading book two!
June 27, 2018
This story was exciting and rich, with intriguing characters who were well-described. I was rooting for King Terrin and Lyra. The power of the gemstones in their world was interesting and added to the magic. There were also gods mentioned but not to the point where they dominated the story or plot. I didn’t expect things to end like they did, so I’m excited to see where book 2 takes us. Recommended for fans of epic fantasy, it will not disappoint!
February 19, 2019
I started this book with no expectations and now I realized its the best decision I ever made while searching for books to be read.
The plot is amazing and well-written. The characters are alive and I can literally imagine myself as the characters.
I've read a lot of novels and this is one of the book that hooked you up right away and makes you eager to finish it with whatever cost it takes.
Applause to the author, Kate Kelly.
The plot is amazing and well-written. The characters are alive and I can literally imagine myself as the characters.
I've read a lot of novels and this is one of the book that hooked you up right away and makes you eager to finish it with whatever cost it takes.
Applause to the author, Kate Kelly.
June 27, 2018
LOVE!
Birth Stone: Gem Kingdom Series Book One by Kate Kelley is a fabulous read! I throughly enjoyed the characters, the tension, and world building. This story pulls you in from the start and won't let you go until the end, which then leaves you wanting more! The author has an amazing talent for writing and is on my authors to watch list!
Well done!
Birth Stone: Gem Kingdom Series Book One by Kate Kelley is a fabulous read! I throughly enjoyed the characters, the tension, and world building. This story pulls you in from the start and won't let you go until the end, which then leaves you wanting more! The author has an amazing talent for writing and is on my authors to watch list!
Well done!
July 2, 2018
A little gem of a book
Sorry couldnt resist the pun! Took me a few chapters to really get into this story but once i did i was completely hooked. I cant wait to see what is in store for these characters in the next instalment. Love how the world of Lyra and Terrin is just getting more complicated and *spoiler alert* i hope they end up together!
Sorry couldnt resist the pun! Took me a few chapters to really get into this story but once i did i was completely hooked. I cant wait to see what is in store for these characters in the next instalment. Love how the world of Lyra and Terrin is just getting more complicated and *spoiler alert* i hope they end up together!
January 19, 2018
Birth stone
Such unique e characters, their quirks mixed with their individual gifts made the story
The world building was unique and creative though I do wish at times we were given moire details
The main plot was strong with quite a few colorful and surprising sub plots and twists
Full review to follow..
Such unique e characters, their quirks mixed with their individual gifts made the story
The world building was unique and creative though I do wish at times we were given moire details
The main plot was strong with quite a few colorful and surprising sub plots and twists
Full review to follow..
June 20, 2018
Two people are brought together through their desire to find their loved ones who have gone missing. The reluctant King Terrin and a lonely school teacher called Lyra. Other than her aunt Lyra’s only living relative is her brother Alec whom she rarely sees as he is away for eleven months of the year on mysterious kings business. She is just about to marry when she is called to the City of Gem where she is informed that her brother has disappeared. It is here that she discovers that her brother's ten-year quest was to find the Kings sister Iris. Terrin and Lyra set about, with the help of magic powers to release their loved ones from the realm of Eclipsa.
This is a story full of magic, the power of gemstones and unrequited romance. It is rich with every emotion you can imagine and beautifully descriptive writing. The world building was good and the characters strong. It is enjoyable escapism which flows you pleasurably into another world.
This is a story full of magic, the power of gemstones and unrequited romance. It is rich with every emotion you can imagine and beautifully descriptive writing. The world building was good and the characters strong. It is enjoyable escapism which flows you pleasurably into another world.
January 4, 2019
A lot of authors don’t capture my attention the way Kate Kelly has done! Birthstone was fantastic! It took me to another place and time! Can’t wait to read the next ones! I will definitely be following Kate to see what she writes next!!
December 30, 2017
This is a fantasy novel which takes you into that world. The author explained everything in a clear manner so that the reader can fully immerse into it. The story is fast moving and page turning. I completed the book in a day.
I like the main characters Lyra and Terrin. The way they feel for each other, the responsibilities they have which makes them to hide their emotions and finally how they open up themselves to each other are all clearly described.
Some may feel a little bored in the starting because of the vivid descriptions but it is only for some pages and it helps in understanding the fantasy world which follows. So be patient and trust me the story is wonderful and a fast read. So go for it. Fantasy lovers will surely love this.
The first part of the novel is a good read overall. And it's time to start reading the second part.
I like the main characters Lyra and Terrin. The way they feel for each other, the responsibilities they have which makes them to hide their emotions and finally how they open up themselves to each other are all clearly described.
Some may feel a little bored in the starting because of the vivid descriptions but it is only for some pages and it helps in understanding the fantasy world which follows. So be patient and trust me the story is wonderful and a fast read. So go for it. Fantasy lovers will surely love this.
The first part of the novel is a good read overall. And it's time to start reading the second part.
July 21, 2018
With vivid descriptions and crafted characters, Kate Kelley whisks us away from reality and brings us into the world of Lyra and Terrin - Two different characters brought together by a common problem, the disappearance of a beloved person.
Hooked from the first few pages, I couldn't put it down till the end.
Highly recommended for all the Epic Fantasy lovers ( like me).
Hooked from the first few pages, I couldn't put it down till the end.
Highly recommended for all the Epic Fantasy lovers ( like me).
June 18, 2020
Wonderful surprise
I was riveted the moment I stared reading, until the end! I'm an extreme acid reader, some may say obsessed. This story has it all! Romance, true friendship, attitude and sarcasm, twisted plots and greed. Princesses, peasants, Kings, ,and Fae Royalty! It's like nothing you've read before. Seriously what more could you want?
I was riveted the moment I stared reading, until the end! I'm an extreme acid reader, some may say obsessed. This story has it all! Romance, true friendship, attitude and sarcasm, twisted plots and greed. Princesses, peasants, Kings, ,and Fae Royalty! It's like nothing you've read before. Seriously what more could you want?
February 12, 2018
Lots of action interesting enough to keep you reading. Lyra has magic skills she never knew about until the king summons her to help him. Her brother is missing so she helps the king with a lot of tension along the way. Will they be successful in their quest? Interesting story and different to what I normally read but I really enjoyed it.
March 21, 2019
Love this book!
Kate Kelley’s Birth Stone: An Epic Fantasy Romance is the first book in the Gem Kingdom Series. It was such a good read. It had all the elements of both romance and fantasy, combined to make a gripping story. The world-building was great fantastic, the plot was layered, and the characters were well-developed and engaging. It’s one of those books that is hard to put down, right through to the fantastic ending, which leaves the reader scrambling to start book 2 to find out what happens next!
Kate Kelley’s Birth Stone: An Epic Fantasy Romance is the first book in the Gem Kingdom Series. It was such a good read. It had all the elements of both romance and fantasy, combined to make a gripping story. The world-building was great fantastic, the plot was layered, and the characters were well-developed and engaging. It’s one of those books that is hard to put down, right through to the fantastic ending, which leaves the reader scrambling to start book 2 to find out what happens next!
March 22, 2019
What a wonderful read! Suggest putting everything aside for a few hours to indulge in this fabulous book. It has a bit of everything. Adventure, mystery, romance, magic, good v bad. Couldn't put it down in the end. Scene descriptions are great and the writing flows well. Really put the read in the moment. So glad there is a follow up. Might have been a tad annoyed if I was left hanging!
April 7, 2018
4.5 stars ** I recieved a free PDF copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Birth Stone, I have to say, is one of my personal favorite fantasy books I have read. Given, I don't read a lot of fantasy, but still, I really enjoyed it nonetheless.
As for the world, this story was set it in, Kelley did a good job of making her descriptions and depictions clear in a way that keeps you fully engrossed in the world for the entire duration of the story length. This being said, I would have liked better descriptions at certain times in the book, however, overall, for most of the story, it lived up to the first sentence of this paragraph.
It's been a second for me, with the books I have read recently, where I have read a book with characters that I genuinely enjoyed, but Birth Stone did not make that list. The two main characters, Lyra and Terrin, were two that I was fond of. Each of the individual quirks found in both of them combined with the action and adventure of the story, the other person's quirks, and their individual, as well as the other's gifts, just made them mesh together really well in a way that worked nearly flawlessly.
One thing I strongly dislike in books is when it action-filled to the point where it either distracts from what is happening or overpowers the book as a whole. While this book was, I would say, action-filled, it did not distract what was happening and did not overpower the book as a whole by any means whatsoever.
Regarding the plot, Kelley was able to develop a solid main plot. Within the main plot, she was able to throw in some plot twists as well as subplots that helped to bring the story together. Structure wise, there was nothing wrong with the plot in this book.
As a lot of fantasy genre books are, it was face-paced, but it wasn't fast-paced to the point where things got skipped over or rushed, it was face-paced due to the action that filled up this book.
Birth Stone will not leave you disapointed or let down by any means, and it is a read that I highly recommend regardless of if you're into fantasy or not. I've never liked fantasy and it's one of my favorites from this year that I have read so far.
I would definitely like to check out more of Kate Kelley's works after enjoying this one as much as I did.
Birth Stone, I have to say, is one of my personal favorite fantasy books I have read. Given, I don't read a lot of fantasy, but still, I really enjoyed it nonetheless.
As for the world, this story was set it in, Kelley did a good job of making her descriptions and depictions clear in a way that keeps you fully engrossed in the world for the entire duration of the story length. This being said, I would have liked better descriptions at certain times in the book, however, overall, for most of the story, it lived up to the first sentence of this paragraph.
It's been a second for me, with the books I have read recently, where I have read a book with characters that I genuinely enjoyed, but Birth Stone did not make that list. The two main characters, Lyra and Terrin, were two that I was fond of. Each of the individual quirks found in both of them combined with the action and adventure of the story, the other person's quirks, and their individual, as well as the other's gifts, just made them mesh together really well in a way that worked nearly flawlessly.
One thing I strongly dislike in books is when it action-filled to the point where it either distracts from what is happening or overpowers the book as a whole. While this book was, I would say, action-filled, it did not distract what was happening and did not overpower the book as a whole by any means whatsoever.
Regarding the plot, Kelley was able to develop a solid main plot. Within the main plot, she was able to throw in some plot twists as well as subplots that helped to bring the story together. Structure wise, there was nothing wrong with the plot in this book.
As a lot of fantasy genre books are, it was face-paced, but it wasn't fast-paced to the point where things got skipped over or rushed, it was face-paced due to the action that filled up this book.
Birth Stone will not leave you disapointed or let down by any means, and it is a read that I highly recommend regardless of if you're into fantasy or not. I've never liked fantasy and it's one of my favorites from this year that I have read so far.
I would definitely like to check out more of Kate Kelley's works after enjoying this one as much as I did.
March 5, 2018
This is a well-written and thought out fantasy, where the shock of who you vastly changes your life.
There are great descriptions of the fae land and well-developed characters. There's good v evil, action, adventure and romance. Although I don't like too intimate scenes, that's only personal preference and fit the story. The plot was nicely done, and the story was left on a clever note.
Worth a look.
There are great descriptions of the fae land and well-developed characters. There's good v evil, action, adventure and romance. Although I don't like too intimate scenes, that's only personal preference and fit the story. The plot was nicely done, and the story was left on a clever note.
Worth a look.
August 20, 2020
Definitely worth reading.
Sarah J. Maas fans will definitely love this book!!! I enjoyed it quite a bit and loved the different personalities of the main characters.
Sarah J. Maas fans will definitely love this book!!! I enjoyed it quite a bit and loved the different personalities of the main characters.
December 16, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Bleh.. after getting past all the grammatical errors, it was a pretty basic story with a not so surprising twist. Terrin has no emotional range and Lyra trauma bonds with the first person who is nice to her and blames everyone else for her problems.
Bleh.. after getting past all the grammatical errors, it was a pretty basic story with a not so surprising twist. Terrin has no emotional range and Lyra trauma bonds with the first person who is nice to her and blames everyone else for her problems.
December 26, 2021
Enjoyed this book, discovering this world was good fun.
September 16, 2025
DNF 58% it was good for a free book from stuff your kindle, but I know there is more out there for me.
December 19, 2025
Very eventful tale with horrendous opposition and enduring wills to get the results wished for.
December 25, 2025
love the suspense at the end but that is literally the only thing that makes me want to read the next one
August 7, 2019
Not my cup of tea. The characters were flat and felt stiff. One minute the two main characters make progress in knowing each other the next they are trying to get naked. Then awkward dancing around until the next kiss. Repeat a few times.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews