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Heart of Smoke #3
Eye of Stone
Paradise is a prison.
After a lifetime spent imagining the safety inside the domes, the terrible truth has become impossible for Lanni to deny. The kep are willing to sacrifice their own to achieve the future the Incorporation demands. And Lanni’s turn for torment is coming.
With time running out, Lanni’s only hope of escaping the domes’ cruelty is to trust an ally she’s never met. But danger is gathering beyond the glass. The ones the kep fought so hard to destroy have come seeking vengeance, and they are unwilling to allow survivors.
Lost in a web of lies and blood, Lanni must choose what she’s willing to risk before her last hope for freedom disappears.
After a lifetime spent imagining the safety inside the domes, the terrible truth has become impossible for Lanni to deny. The kep are willing to sacrifice their own to achieve the future the Incorporation demands. And Lanni’s turn for torment is coming.
With time running out, Lanni’s only hope of escaping the domes’ cruelty is to trust an ally she’s never met. But danger is gathering beyond the glass. The ones the kep fought so hard to destroy have come seeking vengeance, and they are unwilling to allow survivors.
Lost in a web of lies and blood, Lanni must choose what she’s willing to risk before her last hope for freedom disappears.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2021
About the author
Megan O'Russell
47 books497 followersFrom the epic fantasy world of Ilbrea to the vampire and werewolf-plagued dystopia of the domes, author Megan O'Russell offers readers thirty-two books across nine series.
With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character’s unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan.
Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days.
With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character’s unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan.
Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 2, 2021
I absolutely loved this book and my favorite character was Mari. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. I loved the storyline.
September 23, 2021
This is a series which entertains but also should make the reader be aware that these types of solutions are unfortunately very much in the minds
of some people in power who will do anything to force the people to conform to their way of thinking if
given the chance to implement their ideas!
Megan once again brings a series to bear where Lanni is forced against her will to speak things she doesn’t believe and behavior she doesn’t agree with or lose her sister Mari for good. She is adamant to hold onto Mari so she does what she is told. She gets a opportunity to strike a blow against the Incorporation and takes it with the understanding that in so doing she will be able to leave the domes for good with Mari.
Megan crafts a story that everyone should read and seriously think about for the concept like I have mentioned is scarily real if people are allowed to do so under the guise of benefitting society. The story continues in this series and the reader must start this series from book one. Too much is lost if you try and read this book without first reading the previous books so just get these three books and read them before book four comes out then you can read this page turning saga with the rest of Megan’s loyal fans who love her books and the too real possibilities we may face in a “brave new world” to take the title from
Aldous Huxley.
Readers old and young will enjoy this series because of the writing and he strong characters of Lanni, Mari , Walsh and a few others. Things aren’t as they seem so be prepared for some surprises and betrayal from people you wouldn’t believe capable of such a thing. You are going to be so caught up in the story that each book is finished before you know it! That’s why you new readers to Megan’s writing are the lucky ones because you get to read all three books one after the other without waiting now!
Once you read Megan’s series you’ll want o read her other series as well for they pack the same adrenaline punch and page turning frenzy as this series does !
Start reading Megan O’ Russell today!! You’ll be glad you did for I highly recommend it as one you won’t soon forget!
of some people in power who will do anything to force the people to conform to their way of thinking if
given the chance to implement their ideas!
Megan once again brings a series to bear where Lanni is forced against her will to speak things she doesn’t believe and behavior she doesn’t agree with or lose her sister Mari for good. She is adamant to hold onto Mari so she does what she is told. She gets a opportunity to strike a blow against the Incorporation and takes it with the understanding that in so doing she will be able to leave the domes for good with Mari.
Megan crafts a story that everyone should read and seriously think about for the concept like I have mentioned is scarily real if people are allowed to do so under the guise of benefitting society. The story continues in this series and the reader must start this series from book one. Too much is lost if you try and read this book without first reading the previous books so just get these three books and read them before book four comes out then you can read this page turning saga with the rest of Megan’s loyal fans who love her books and the too real possibilities we may face in a “brave new world” to take the title from
Aldous Huxley.
Readers old and young will enjoy this series because of the writing and he strong characters of Lanni, Mari , Walsh and a few others. Things aren’t as they seem so be prepared for some surprises and betrayal from people you wouldn’t believe capable of such a thing. You are going to be so caught up in the story that each book is finished before you know it! That’s why you new readers to Megan’s writing are the lucky ones because you get to read all three books one after the other without waiting now!
Once you read Megan’s series you’ll want o read her other series as well for they pack the same adrenaline punch and page turning frenzy as this series does !
Start reading Megan O’ Russell today!! You’ll be glad you did for I highly recommend it as one you won’t soon forget!
October 1, 2021
Oh boy. This was quite a ride!
Each time that Lanni feels like she's relatively safe, that sense of security turns out to be an illusion.
The stakes keep getting higher, panaroia is increasing, and restrictions are tightening.
My favorite quote that sums up the energy in the dome and Lanni's mindset for fighting back was:
"The Incorporation forgot that animals get more vicious when they're cornered."
The series needs to be read it order, and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Each time that Lanni feels like she's relatively safe, that sense of security turns out to be an illusion.
The stakes keep getting higher, panaroia is increasing, and restrictions are tightening.
My favorite quote that sums up the energy in the dome and Lanni's mindset for fighting back was:
"The Incorporation forgot that animals get more vicious when they're cornered."
The series needs to be read it order, and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2022
The 3rd part of the series was more in depth of the relationships in the dome. We are learning that Lanni may not have black and white hatred anymore. The kep are people too. Most are just trying to survive as well. Not as much action in this one but still a great fast paced read. Leaves you on a cliffhanger!
October 4, 2021
I love this dystopian series, if you haven’t already go back and start with Heart of Smoke! This book continues Lanni’s life in the dome as she struggles to keep her sister Mari close and protect her from the events happening in the dome. The unthinkable is happening, their freedom is being stripped right down and Lanni really needs to figure out who to trust?! I really like Alec and I hope he is all that he appears! Walsh is a wildcard I can’t place, I can’t tell if he will come through in the end!
I can’t wait for the next book Ash of Ages out in January 2022!
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommend ✅
I can’t wait for the next book Ash of Ages out in January 2022!
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommend ✅
October 3, 2021
Life in the domes is idyllic compared to the hard life people scratch out outside of them, but comes with a list of sacrifices and responsibilities for its citizens in order to maintain the domes. The latest of these is Project Progeny, an appalling program Lanna is being forced to promote in order to protect her sister all while the Incorporation continues its pogrom against those outside the dome while stripping away the illusions of freedom within. An exciting read somewhere between thriller and horror as the truth of the domes begins to be revealed. Add in a bit of love triangle (quadrangle?) romantic tension, some best friend bonding and sisterly love and it adds up to a fabulous YA read.
The first person perspective in this book was limiting and frustrating because after years of playing games where life appears to be perfect and balanced, and what sacrifices there are are explained in a way that people accept them, the Incorporation is making choices and forcing a path that is leading to open dissatisfaction (understatement) and unrest. There are hints about outside forces, influences and plans, but not enough to understand why this path is being pursued. I did like the glimpse of "upstairs". I also don't understand the focus on forced copulation. With the level of science they possess, I would think that artificial insemination or IVF would be the optimal choice to guarantee the best genetic outcome and maintain current pairings to raise the offspring. Which is still highly offensive and would then shift the outrage to women's bodies being used as little more than incubators. I guess it was a more visceral choice. This is a YA series, and should be read as such. The main characters are mostly kids and thinking immediate and personal - not long range or strategic. That is what all my concerns boil down to. It is an entertaining story if you don't think about it too much and assume that there must be a LOT going on behind the scenes that Lana is not privy to to explain what just seems insanity and cross purposes.
This is the third book in the Heart of Smoke series that should be read in order as they build on each other and previous books contain important world building etc. Tons of tension built up in this book and lots to be resolved in the next. I am looking forward to seeing how some of these plans put in motion play out in the next book.
The first person perspective in this book was limiting and frustrating because after years of playing games where life appears to be perfect and balanced, and what sacrifices there are are explained in a way that people accept them, the Incorporation is making choices and forcing a path that is leading to open dissatisfaction (understatement) and unrest. There are hints about outside forces, influences and plans, but not enough to understand why this path is being pursued. I did like the glimpse of "upstairs". I also don't understand the focus on forced copulation. With the level of science they possess, I would think that artificial insemination or IVF would be the optimal choice to guarantee the best genetic outcome and maintain current pairings to raise the offspring. Which is still highly offensive and would then shift the outrage to women's bodies being used as little more than incubators. I guess it was a more visceral choice. This is a YA series, and should be read as such. The main characters are mostly kids and thinking immediate and personal - not long range or strategic. That is what all my concerns boil down to. It is an entertaining story if you don't think about it too much and assume that there must be a LOT going on behind the scenes that Lana is not privy to to explain what just seems insanity and cross purposes.
This is the third book in the Heart of Smoke series that should be read in order as they build on each other and previous books contain important world building etc. Tons of tension built up in this book and lots to be resolved in the next. I am looking forward to seeing how some of these plans put in motion play out in the next book.
October 3, 2021
As much as I’m sitting here wanting to say Omg omg omg let me tell you all about that emotional ride Meagan just took us on. I won’t though I hate giving away spoilers.
I will say this though, Eye of Stone is book three in the Heart of Smoke series, and Meagan of course like always delivers a story that makes you fully submerge into a world and experience all the emotions. From heart ache to outrage this holds it all, and the journey for survival and self preservation with freedom fading we find out just how far the domes will go to keep the illusion of grandeur afloat.
All together this is a great ya read that any dystopian fan would love, but i think in order to fully grasp the story line you must read the first two. I also don’t suggest walking to get your copy, you should run because the sooner you can open the pages the faster your transported another world!
I will say this though, Eye of Stone is book three in the Heart of Smoke series, and Meagan of course like always delivers a story that makes you fully submerge into a world and experience all the emotions. From heart ache to outrage this holds it all, and the journey for survival and self preservation with freedom fading we find out just how far the domes will go to keep the illusion of grandeur afloat.
All together this is a great ya read that any dystopian fan would love, but i think in order to fully grasp the story line you must read the first two. I also don’t suggest walking to get your copy, you should run because the sooner you can open the pages the faster your transported another world!
October 1, 2021
I don’t think I can properly put into words just how much I enjoyed this book! 🙌
Eye of Stone is the third book in the Heart of Smoke series, and I think this may be my favourite one so far!
This time we learn just how evil the Incorporation truly is, and to what lengths they’ll go to ensure the population continues to thrive for generations to come. Project Progeny is introduced and Lanni is forced to be the spokesperson for it, even though she 1000% disagrees with everything it stands for. But Lanni would sacrifice anything and everything to protect her sister, Mari, and the Incorporation knows it. Lanni faces several obstacles and challenging situations throughout this book, but she perseveres through them all like the strong, determined, bad@ss heroine she is!
I absolutely can’t wait for Ash of Ages next!!
Eye of Stone is the third book in the Heart of Smoke series, and I think this may be my favourite one so far!
This time we learn just how evil the Incorporation truly is, and to what lengths they’ll go to ensure the population continues to thrive for generations to come. Project Progeny is introduced and Lanni is forced to be the spokesperson for it, even though she 1000% disagrees with everything it stands for. But Lanni would sacrifice anything and everything to protect her sister, Mari, and the Incorporation knows it. Lanni faces several obstacles and challenging situations throughout this book, but she perseveres through them all like the strong, determined, bad@ss heroine she is!
I absolutely can’t wait for Ash of Ages next!!
September 30, 2021
Wow, this third installment of the series was absolutely… wicked! I was so anxious to get my hands on this book and O’Russell did not disappoint!!
The gritty world of Dome life has just taken a dark turn. How do you find your way out when you’re forced to be the face of a movement? Lanni’s only purpose in life is to protect her sister and keep Mari safe. The lengths to which she’s willing to go to do just that? Well, some people have sold their souls for less.
What’s that saying… Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Even a hero can look like a villain. So what better way than to be the bigger monster no one saw coming?
I can’t wait for the next book!
The gritty world of Dome life has just taken a dark turn. How do you find your way out when you’re forced to be the face of a movement? Lanni’s only purpose in life is to protect her sister and keep Mari safe. The lengths to which she’s willing to go to do just that? Well, some people have sold their souls for less.
What’s that saying… Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Even a hero can look like a villain. So what better way than to be the bigger monster no one saw coming?
I can’t wait for the next book!
October 1, 2021
Eye of stone is the third book in the Heart of smoke series. It's a good sequel to the book series. It starts right at the end of the second part. In this part, some secrets and stories are revealed and explained. As a result, it is less crowded with action, but no less exciting. I would really like to know what it looks like in Lanni's homeland at the same time. I hope we learn more about Jamie's fate and whether he's still alive. A big secret is still Lanni's father and what kind of person he is. In any case, the end of the book promises an exciting sequel. I would love to read the sequel right away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2021
After the bomb that went off, Lanni was seriously injured in the leg. Is Gideon still alive after throwing himself over her to protect her? Now all of the people in the atrium at the time are locked in their rooms with no contact with anyone. Lanni is frantic about young Mari. Is she safe? What is project progeny and how will it affect Lanni. Walsh is trying to protect them both as much as he can. A plan. A very dangerous plan. An odd alliance. Monsters. Werewolves. I sure do need the next book just as fast as this fabulous author can write it.
September 24, 2021
I absolutely love this series it’s why I applied to be an arc reader for eye of stone. Megan O’Russell did not let me down. Lannis story has become one of my favorite series to read.
Lanni must decided what lies will she make, what sacrifices are worth hers and her sister survival and if she convincing enough to handle the incorporation.
Lanni must decided what lies will she make, what sacrifices are worth hers and her sister survival and if she convincing enough to handle the incorporation.
October 2, 2021
This was such an amazing book! I honestly devoured it in one go. Having g read and loved the previous 2 books, I dove into this one with high expectations and I really was not disappointed. It was engaging from page 1 and keeps you hooked till the end and makes you wish you had the next book ready to continue the journey. Needless to say, I cannot wait for the next one!!
March 23, 2023
Or 4.5 stars.
In my opinion, the best one yet.
In my opinion, the best one yet.
October 5, 2021
What an exciting new book in this riveting series! There are plenty of twists in this action-filled story, which kept me glued to the book to the finish!
Lanni is a great character, and is increasingly finding herself in an impossible situation. The way forward is not obvious, which is great as I hate books where you can see where they are going. The other characters are equally believable, and it is excellent storytelling that makes us have sympathies with both sides.
Ihave found this to be a really good series, with each book a compelling read, but they are best read as a series.
Lanni is a great character, and is increasingly finding herself in an impossible situation. The way forward is not obvious, which is great as I hate books where you can see where they are going. The other characters are equally believable, and it is excellent storytelling that makes us have sympathies with both sides.
Ihave found this to be a really good series, with each book a compelling read, but they are best read as a series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews