Stoneheart

The Gargoyles of Craven

by April Kay

Shyla Bellamy never would have cut through the park that summer night if she'd known it would turn her life upside-down. One minute, she's enjoying her walk home, and the next, she's witnessing a murder. More than that, it's a murder caused by some kind of unexplainable magic. And when the body disappears without a trace, she tries to convince herself that it was all just one bizarre dream. 'At least things can't get any stranger,' she thinks.

And then she finds herself caught in the middle of a brewing war between different factions of magic-users. She becomes the target of the powerful leader of the dark warlocks, who’s certain that she’s more than just a witness to the murder he committed. She’s supposed to be enjoying her summer vacation, but now she’s constantly looking over her shoulder and worrying over not just her own safety, but that of her only remaining family — a neurotic, overworked sister. Fortunately for her, there are the White Witches, righteous and good, and the gargoyles, who are decades-long sentinels and defenders against dark magic. At the request of the gargoyle queen, a young man loyal to his cause — Quinlan — becomes something like a bodyguard to Shyla. A sometimes brooding, occasionally funny, and always good-looking bodyguard.

But as the magic that touched Shyla that fateful night starts to consume her, the gargoyles and the White Witches can only do so much to protect her.

Genres: Fantasy

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2018

About the author

April Kay is a young adult / new adult author who likes her romance with a side of paranormal and fantasy. She's had a few short stories published under a pen name, and Stoneheart​ is her debut novel.

She currently lives in Maryland with her other half.

She is open and vocal about being on the autism spectrum in the hopes that it encourages other autistic people to follow their dreams -- and also to inform others that autism knows no gender or age. It can affect anyone, and it is not something to be ashamed of.

Reviews

[Crazy Cat Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid paranormal reader I've been around the literary block a few times. I've seen it all - the good, the bad, and the what is even happening in this book? I know most paranormal books are been there, done that. I'm always looking for a fresh story that hasn't been done, but more than that I care about the writing style and how the story is told. Even if two writers are telling the same story, a good writer makes all the difference and draws you in.

I'd consider myself to be a picky reader. I've been three books into a series and stopped cold because the writer decided to start getting ridiculous midway into a solid story. That being said, I wasn't disappointed by this book. I enjoyed it. It was a fast, smooth read.

I like Shyla. She's a little sassy, a little clumsy, a little sweet. She's also not stupid. You know those obnoxious female leads that are always running into danger or hiding big secrets that put everyone else in danger? That's not Shyla. It's a nice change of pace to have a lead character that isn't trying to shoulder the world or hog the glory. Though she does make poor choices at times, her age can excuse the mistakes.

Sometimes I thought Quinlan was too nice, and a little hard to read, but he begins to show more promise towards the end. I think you can expect to see good things from him in the future and further character development as Shyla gets deeper into his world.

My only complaint about this book is that it was a little light on action. However, it does a good job of building the story so I think any lack of action will be remedied in future books.

Taking everything into consideration, I think it was a wonderful debut and I can't wait to see what Ms. Kay brings to the table in the future.

[Ilona Nurmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved Quasimodo as a kid and Eragon and The Golden Compass, you’ll love this book. Action-packed from the get-go with a strong 16yo female lead and yummy 18yo gargoyle bodyguard - definitely a mild romance with YA-appropriate relationship development. I loved the mystery of Shyla being able to spot and resist magic and how normal she was with her sister. The obsessiveness about staying safe with orphans definitely struck a chord. Critique of the light side of the White Witches and sympathising with the warlocks was thought-provoking - as sometimes goody-two-shoes do tend to be self-righteous and there is always a good reason for why people choose to go dark. Well-written descriptions, relatable characters - especially when they tease and irk each other - good plot-line, humour, action, family ties, magic, epic fights, an obsession with books - there’s lots to like in this book. Can’t wait for the sequel to see how Shyla and Quinlan continue. Keep’em coming!

[Jessica Jett]

Stoneheart Review

What a great debut novel! I can't wait to dive into the sequel soon. There is no shortage of action (I mean, badass Gargoyles, c'mon), humor, and sarcasm from the main character thrust into a world previously unknown.
Highly recommend to all my reader friends.
Happy reading!

[Janine Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I came across this book. White witches, warlocks and gargoyles don’t normally feature in the books I gravitate to but I was drawn in by this YA paranormal romance after reading the first chapter. I really liked Shyla, who kind of stumbles into a paranormal community and gets caught up in life threatening drama. I also loved her relationship/romance with Quinlan - a gargoyle who can transform into human form. This was fast-paced, well written and engaging with interesting characters. I look forward to more from this author.

[Caroline Noe · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA gargoyle/human romance. Now there's something you don't read very often. April Kay's debut fantasy novel definitely has that unusual factor, despite following fairly well worn light versus dark magic staples.
Sixteen year old Shyla makes the mistake of walking through the park one evening and marches straight into an ongoing war that pitches her at odds with a terrifying warlock.
The narrative, whilst opening strongly, takes a while to warm up, but it does draw you in, especially the sweet central romance, encased in stone, and Shyla's relationship with her over protective sister.
Even though there were a few too many typos and I was expecting more revelations, probably kept for the sequel, this is still a fun read and, well, gargoyles....
An entertaining 4 stars.

[Kari-Ellen Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great

Enjoyed 99 percent only that as gotta wait to buy next book. Loved it. Buying next one soon as able.

[Jason Gawen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well paced, excellent character development. This author paints pictures with words. A great fantasy adventure. I mean really, how many books pull off gargoyles? This one did! Eat your heart out, Twilight.