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The Stone #1

Stone Under Skin

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alternate cover edition of ASIN B07S77TC6D

Ankit has lived many lifetimes. Once, long ago, he was made of stone, and marked with symbols and sigils meant to safeguard him and allow him to protect and serve others. He’s a living gargoyle now, cursed to live as a human; always watching, at all times aware, and constantly searching for his fated one.

While walking home from his job as a librarian, Ethan Lewis is beaten and robbed. Ankit stumbles upon him, and instantly recognizes him as the man he’s fated to. He helps him back to his apartment, and after tending his injuries, watches over him.

Fate has woven their lives together for centuries, but in every lifetime, they could never live freely, or love each other as Ankit has often dreamed of. To change their destiny, they’ll fight together with other gargoyles, and a young watcher, who is unaware of the tremendous power she possesses. This will be the last battle against their creator, and they’ll either die fighting for their freedom, or survive to live the life they’ve always yearned for.

177 pages, ebook

First published June 9, 2019

76 people are currently reading
176 people want to read

About the author

B.L. Maxwell

88 books387 followers

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5 stars
34 (23%)
4 stars
46 (31%)
3 stars
39 (26%)
2 stars
17 (11%)
1 star
11 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Meags.
2,478 reviews694 followers
April 13, 2023
3 Stars

Stone Under Skin is my first PNR book featuring a gargoyle MC and I gotta say, I had a blast with that element of the story.

There’s a lot to like here. There’s an ancient war being waged between an evil vampire dictator and the gargoyles he turned to flesh and mistreated for centuries. There’s a fated mates romance between gargoyle MC, Ankit, and his reincarnated human lover, Ethan. There’s plenty of “chosen one” stuff and lots of tasty hurt-comfort moments between the pair, and, of course, a life-or-death group mission to Romania, in an attempt to take out “the big bad” once and for all.

This story had a lot working for it. The concept was great and the tropes were ones I love and seek out on the regular. The characters were likeable and their plight was dangerous and life-threatening. The histories being explored and the lore behind the creation of the gargoyles (and the vampires) was also very interesting.

However, the actual execution of the story left a bit to be desired on my part. I’ve only read one other Maxwell story, but I guess my niggles remain the same, namely that I struggled with the feeling that I was being told everything and not shown, which led to a fairly cavernous disconnect between me and the goings on. The romance should have been epic and the high-stakes of the mission should have been gripping, but I didn’t particularly feel all that much about any of it, due to the way it was written, very matter-of-factly and without real emotion.

It's a tricky thing rating and reviewing a book such as this. On one hand, I was all on board with the premise and the themes at play. On the other hand, I knew very early on that I wasn’t clicking with the writing the way I so hoped I would, which didn’t change as I read to completion. To be clear, the writing isn’t bad, it simply didn’t illicit the reactions I usually feel when reading truly great fantasy writing.

Would I read more of Maxwell in the future? Yes, I would... but I’m also now prepared for what to expect and what not to expect, should I ever read more from this author.
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,462 reviews377 followers
Read
July 18, 2019
DNF. Everything seemed to be telling me the story, not showing. Dialogue was stiff and formal and I didn’t feel the connection between the two mcs. Others have clearly enjoyed this one, it just wasn’t working for me.
Read
May 18, 2020
DNF at 30%

Ok, I don't know what is going on but this is DNF #3 in a row for me.

This wasn't a bad premise but I didn't like the reincarnated, insta-love situation. It was very sudden and it was more than just a simple suspension of disbelief for me. There was a lot of telling especially about the back story which I guess was necessary but I didn't like the way it was presented. It was very convoluted with all these aspects that did feel like they coalesced well.

It just wasn't for me. On to the next.
Profile Image for MiaReadsMMBooks  .
426 reviews71 followers
June 18, 2019
I sped through this tale of a gargoyle and his fated mate, it's an easy read and not too heavy on the details you'd expect from this sort of story. I would have liked more world building and the relationship between the MCs could've used a bit more time to realise. 3.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐🌙
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,290 reviews28 followers
June 17, 2019
4.25 Stars!

If I had to choose one word for this book, it'd probably be unexpected. I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the blurb, or after seeing how long the book was, and yet, even if page-wise it's on the short side, somehow BL Maxwell managed to weave a tale that felt very complete. There was just enough information regarding Ankit's life to get to know him and all he'd lived before finding Ethan and meeting all the principal characters in this story without it being overbearing, plus we also got a sweet romance between Ethan and Ankit, and an action-packed second part that dealt with the villain—which, frankly speaking, I wasn't sure if there'd be enough pages to happen without a second book.

Ethan and Ankit were lovely together, and some of Ankit's parts had an almost poetic tone to them that made me swoon right along with Ethan. 

I loved Jonna and liked Kavalan and of course, disliked Marius.

I would've liked the part where they all battled against Marius and his vampire army to be a bit longer, it was just a tad anticlimactic after all Marius had put Ankit through, but other than that, this was a very good read, romantic, entertaining and fast-paced and definitely different from anything that I've read before. Recommendable!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Mimi.
2,447 reviews
August 5, 2022
4.25 stars

I enjoyed this one, looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,615 reviews31 followers
January 24, 2020
A Iove beyond time

What an enchanting tale! Ethan is sweet and brave, a librarian after my own heart, but some of his actions had me worried. Thank goodness that Ankit is there to protect him and save him from himself. Ankit is the ultimate protector, loyal, stubborn and tireless in his quest. “You will always be magic to me.” Sigh, these two are magical. The intensity of their feelings, how they’d do anything for the other and the timeless love they share; it’s amazing and so are they. Fierce battles, even fiercer friendships, a fascinating cast of characters and unconditional love await in this fantastic tale. I couldn’t put it down and I’m on to the next in the series.
Profile Image for Lily.
Author 23 books38 followers
June 13, 2019
When I read Ankit's story, I instantly fell in love with him. He is the kind of wounded hero that makes me want to hold on to every word the last page. Ankit has lived many lifetimes and always lost his beloved. Once, long ago, he was made of stone, and marked with symbols and sigils meant to safeguard him, allowing him to protect and serve others. The sad part is, Ankit is now cursed to live as a human; always watching, at all times aware, and constantly searching for his fated one. Thank you for putting your story on KU!
9,375 reviews140 followers
March 1, 2022
This is a well written paranormal M/M romance with strong characters and an interesting storyline. The author does a great job building the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read. I enjoyed reading their story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Avril.
308 reviews
June 12, 2019
4.5 Stars

Well done! Great concept. Great characters. You can feel the love Ankit & Ethan share. The pacing was excellent and plot complete. Trading POVs are usually my fave cause I like knowing what each character is thinking and feeling. So I am glad for that, however, less .5 stars because at times it was hard to determine whose POV we were in.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,271 reviews51 followers
March 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this story! Good world building. Immortals, reincarnation, gargoyles, elves, and vampires- how could I not love this? I really liked the characters. You can feel the love between Ankit and Ethan. They are fated to be together, but in each of Ethan's past lives, their story has not been a happy one. Now that Ankit has found Ethan again, he's determined to beak the cycle so they can have the life together they deserve. I enjoyed this story. 4 stars.
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,245 reviews26 followers
February 28, 2022
Another Great Story From BL Maxwell

I always enjoy reading BL Maxwell's books and this one was great as usual. A great start to this series. Ankit's and Ethan's story drew me in from the start. I loved this fated mates/past lives lovers story all the way through to the end and I'm so looking forward to digging into book #2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maaren.
1,446 reviews10 followers
March 6, 2023
Interesting story

This was interesting as a concept and I liked the plot, even though I sometimes had a little trouble following it.

Ankit and Ethan are both perfect for one another and their shared love could be felt from the pages.
Profile Image for Diane Dannenfeldt.
4,017 reviews78 followers
November 10, 2021
3.5 stars because the showdown with Marius was anticlimactic, there really was not a real battle. Ethan and Ankit were so sweet together and I love the idea that you could/would find your true heart in each reincarnation, without going through the horrific deaths Ethan went through and Ankit having to wait to find Ethan again. I will most definitely be continuing on with this series as there are secondary characters that I want to see get their HEA.
Profile Image for Ken Cook.
1,572 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2021
4.5 stars. Gargoyles, vampires, watchers

An interesting alt-world set in Pittsburgh, and Romania. Transforming gargoyle Ankit encounters his true mate Ethan, who is part elf. Marius, an old ruling powerful vampire needs Ethan, and thus a plot of capture, fighting and flying ensues. The watcher Jonna was a clever character inclusion. Maxwell writes her characters well, giving them solidity and purpose. Low heat level, but the true love soars.
Profile Image for Katherine.
2,866 reviews13 followers
July 28, 2021
This stone didn't bleed

This really seemed like an intriguing premise and a promising story but instead the whole thing felt shambles together and there was no chemistry between any of the characters.

The premise of gargoyles and a history of protecting and supernatural wars was a great start. Ankit has lived in human skin but as an immortal for centuries, ever drawn back to his love Ethan. Every time they end up together Ethan does and Ankit once again waits for him to be reincarnated, trying to figure out how he will stay away from Ethan the next time. This most recent time there is a greater threat as Ankit's maker has plans to once and for all end both his and Ethan's life.

When it kicks off Ethan has no idea what is going on while Ankit knows their entire past. Ethan is in the dark about their connection but once he and Ankit are together they suddenly feel things for each other. This is not unlike any book with soul mates or insta-love, but the connection never really felt like it was at all there. As they continued on other characters get introduced who also have connection to the past or to reincarnation and their interest feels just as forced and uninteresting. Then the plans continue to change as though it has always been a part of the plan. First there is no reason why the master is after them, then Ankit always knew it was about blood, then there is no way to stop them, then the Watcher always had the power and blood magic can be done, and then it all gets ignored after all. It just felt like along the way things were decided against and changed without ever acknowledging the previous plot points. Mixing this patchy plot with the overall lack of chemistry just made an altogether lacking book.
Profile Image for John.
63 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2020
I listened to this on Audiobook. I was not really sure what to expect when starting and this was given to me for review and I just dived in without reading a blurb. I found the narrator's choices a little distracting to me. At least in this book not my favorite. I think the story was better than the narration. I guess this is not my typical type of book, but it was okay. I have had plenty of books I did not finish and I did finish this one, but I would have to say part of that is because I was given the book to review. If you are into fantasy I guess this was okay. It seemed somewhat simplistic, but also to me somewhat original. There were some surprises in the story to me, but not sure if that is because this is not a usual genre for me. If you are into LGBT fantasy I would say this short book is worth a look to you.
Profile Image for Natalie Nicole.
327 reviews21 followers
April 25, 2021
What a premise! Dang! BL Maxwell surprised me to the second power. First, I heard so much about her contemporary M/M romance, I was unaware that she wrote paranormal and fantasy stuff, too. Second, this audiobook is amazing. Narrated by Allen Jeffries, I was transported to another present-day world where vampires, elves, and gargoyles exist! We are introduced to the adorably grouchy Ankit who is a gargoyle cursed to live as a human but things become exciting real quick when he finds Ethan Lewis who is his fated mate whose life has been entwined with his for centuries. The past lives have ended in tragedy for Ethan but Ankit is determined that things will be different this time. A decision that means gargoyles will fight against their creator. This is all kinds of good, folks. Wow, and holy cow!
Profile Image for Helen.
1,001 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2021
A gargoyle and his fated mate.

Ankit is a Gargoyle who has lived many years, cursed to live as a human. He has been searching for his fated mate.

Ethan, a young librarian, gets mugged one night and is helped by Ankit. Ethan is happy about trusting Ankit, but he couldn't make it home by himself.

I loved this story, different to anything I've ever read and thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Well written, good solid characters and story — and a HEA.

Good narration from Allen Jeffries. Very clear and easy to listen to. Although, like usual, I sped up the audio, and I listened at 1.45 speed on audible, but I prefer all my audios to be quicker.

Stone Under Skin
By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Allen Jeffries
Series: The Stone Series, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins

❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.45 speed on Audible
Profile Image for Jay A.  Aulds.
124 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2020
Stone Under Skin: a great title for this book in concept and mannerism

Ankit being a stoeic guardian fits for someone like Ethan who's a quiet and try to be normal kind of man.
This story was an interesting concept for me as for gargoyle vs another creature of the night that I will not say for spoilres. When I first read this book, I thought I might get a bit bored then the story telling in the book started happening and I decided to give this book a 4 star because of how Ethan and Ankit came together as fated mates through long history. Also because I didn't quite like understand the villian of the story. But each author are different in their own way so I won't criticize that much due to my own disappointment in my own reflection.
Profile Image for William  Kibler.
430 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this fantastical story of a gargoyle-turned-human who finds his human mate after searching for centuries. The story seemed a bit amateurish in the way it was written, but it was filled with suspense and great fight scenes! There was quite a bit of repetition in the dialogue and I wasn't a big fan of the alternating POV chapters (we were already told what was happening by one MC's point-of-view and then the next chapter told the same action from the other MC's p-o-v. Sometimes they weren't cohesive.) BUT, overall, the story moved along briskly, the characters were engaging, and there was a lot of action! I rated it 4 stars because I found it interesting and romantic, not lurid/sex-filled.
Profile Image for DC.
1,083 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2021
Meh, 2.5 stars. I had high hopes for this story but, unfortunately I was quite dissappointed. It’s a bit all over the place and I found myself frequently confused about what was going on. Each chapter switches the POV from Ethan to Ankit, but there were several chapters that appeared to have it mixed up and I had to reread them over a few times to understand who was actually speaking. The big confrontation with Marius that had been building throughout, was just a big mess and didn’t live up to its buildup.
I love gargoyles but this story was just too clunky to make me want to read the other two books in this series.
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,720 reviews24 followers
March 2, 2022
Ankit and Ethan are interesting characters and their story is a great read but the thing that stood out for me is the world building in this book that is the beginning of what looks to be a terrific series. I have read other books about gargoyles but I really enjoyed the direction that BL Maxwell has taken to explain why gargoyles have come alive. I don’t want to give anything away but I will just say that I stayed up until three am to finish this book and was sad when it was over. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
19 reviews
February 20, 2023
DNF at 37%. This book just wasn't for me. I really liked the premise but there was too much telling and not showing and I could see no chemistry, or connection, between the two MCs.

Profile Image for Dennis Crotts.
351 reviews42 followers
June 28, 2019
Awesome and Super Story Telling

Would have never thought of gargoyles possible being gay and romantic but this story made me believe it would possible. The author did a great job in telling the story and bringing each and ever character alive to the point of being human. This is a story of love that being going on for hundreds of years with constant death and rebirth one an elf and the other a gargoyle and one who must live the death of the other just to hope to have a chance to love and end this situation.
I really enjoyed the book and I feel you will too
1,044 reviews10 followers
March 2, 2020
This was my first adventure with gargoyles. Ankit, a gargoyle, was made to stand guard, to protect. But the only thing he couldn't protect was his fated mate. Now after many life times he has found his love again, Ethan. This time he and Ethan will find a way to be together. Ankit will find a way to keep him safe. I love Ankit and Ethan together, the bond they share. This book is action packed as Ankit, Ethan and Jonna, a watcher, journey to take down their enemy so they can live. This story is full of emotion and one to enjoy again and again.
I recommend this book.
1,546 reviews11 followers
September 7, 2020
So, first of all I will start saying this was my first time reading a gargoyle story, and I was not sure what to expect. Also, I do not have any terms of comparison as far as details go.
That being said, I really enjoyed the story; I love the fated pair trope, and the concept of them finding one another again and again during many lifetimes is really cool.
Good performance from narrator Allen Jeffreys, who’s scratchy voice is perfect for the gargoyles (though not so much for Jonna, the female character)!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
March 4, 2022
Worth Fighting For . . .

Ankit has lived many lifetimes. Once a stone gargoyle, he has become human to search for his reincarnated fated mate, Ethan. When he discovers Ethan Lewis beaten and robbed, he takes him home and tends to his injuries.

Time after time, they find each other but can never be free. This time, to change their destiny, they will join with other gargoyles and a young watcher to fight against their creator. This will be the final battle. They will die or they will win the life they have earned. Grab your copy to see if Fate rewards them for their efforts.
1,600 reviews8 followers
March 6, 2022
I loved having a gargoyle turned human as the main character, and the fated mates/reincarnation trope was engaging and very interesting. Ankit and Ethan are fated mates, but have been tragically parted over several lives. This time, Ankit plans to make it different, and together they will fight for their love, freedom, and future. The story really drew me in and carried me to the end. I am looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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