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The Stones of Valtara: A dark and brutal post-apocalyptic fantasy
BETRAYAL, TREACHERY AND WAR
Clans of Northern Tarania, who worship the false goddess, heed my words.
You feast in your halls, boast of glories won on the battlefield, and paint your skin with the faces of those you behead in combat. Your beloved king declares that you are the greatest warriors in all Tarania. He lies—for I have called the scions of my ancient kin to become my disciples. Imbued with my power, they will destroy your sacred groves and cleanse the land of your tainted flesh, offering your blood as a sacrifice to me. Then from within the smouldering ashes of your kingdom, I will find that which was stolen and become whole once more.
So says Velak, the god that was slain, but whose spirit endures.
In this sweeping epic with its ensemble of diverse characters, The Stones of Valtara tells the story of a kingdom’s fight for survival against a vengeful god and his legions of fanatical warriors.
Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Mark Lawrence and George R R Martin.
Clans of Northern Tarania, who worship the false goddess, heed my words.
You feast in your halls, boast of glories won on the battlefield, and paint your skin with the faces of those you behead in combat. Your beloved king declares that you are the greatest warriors in all Tarania. He lies—for I have called the scions of my ancient kin to become my disciples. Imbued with my power, they will destroy your sacred groves and cleanse the land of your tainted flesh, offering your blood as a sacrifice to me. Then from within the smouldering ashes of your kingdom, I will find that which was stolen and become whole once more.
So says Velak, the god that was slain, but whose spirit endures.
In this sweeping epic with its ensemble of diverse characters, The Stones of Valtara tells the story of a kingdom’s fight for survival against a vengeful god and his legions of fanatical warriors.
Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Mark Lawrence and George R R Martin.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2021
28 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Clargo
1 book4 followersChristopher Clargo is the author of the fantasy novel, ‘The Stones of Valtara’. He lives in South Wales with his wife and two children. When he’s not writing, Christopher works as a full-time teacher and also plays bass in a cover band.
Like many children growing up in the ’70s, Christopher was a fan of the raft of sci-fi series that aired on television. And if Dr Who, Logan’s Run, Star Trek and Gerry Anderson’s UFO weren’t enough to fuel his imagination, along came George Lucas to blow a generation away with Star Wars. Like so many of his peers, it profoundly affected Christopher’s view on life. He began to look up at the stars, wondering what it would be like to explore the depths of space.
His introduction to fantasy came in the form of the wonderful BBC Children’s television programme, Jackanory. In 1979, in its 18th season, an adaptation of The Hobbit was broadcasted with the legendary Bernard Cribbins playing Bilbo. It was a truly magical experience—one which got Christopher into fantasy role-playing games. However, this interest was short-lived as a new high-tech craze exploded onto the scene—video gaming. Rather than choosing a gaming console, Christopher nagged his parents for a microcomputer which allowed him to learn how to program.
At the age of ten, Christopher moved to Cumbria. Whilst he loved the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, lakes and rivers and the new friends he made, he struggled to adapt to life in his new school. He lost a lot of confidence and as a result, he fell behind with his education. Then, after three years away, his family returned to Wales. And although it was tough moving into his third school in as many years, he gradually caught up and left school with a respectable amount of qualifications.
From there, he studied A-Levels and then went to university, specialising in mathematics and computing. In his third year, he worked at the Royal Army Pay Corps as an analyst programer but after completing his degree, he took a different career path—he became a teacher.
After teaching for a few years, Christopher became an ICT consultant for a local education authority and was part of a team that won a number of national education awards. In 2010, Christopher returned to full-time teaching. Although he still specialises in digital learning, he has a passion for teaching English, history and science. And that’s when his interest in writing stories began.
Christopher and his wife love going to concerts. They’ve seen many bands over the years including Kings of Leon, The Manic Street Preachers, The Stereophonics, The Killers, First Aid Kit, Of Monsters and Men and Alter Bridge. His favourite concert was way back in 1990, when he saw The Alarm play Newport Centre. They were magnificent!
He also enjoys walking his dog, Alfie and going fishing with his son when the family are holidaying on the Jurassic Coast. They’ve spent many happy hours relaxing on Chesil Beach regardless of whether they catch anything or not—usually the latter.
Christopher’s other great passion is playing music. He’s been in a few bands over the years and is currently in a cover band playing around the clubs and pubs of South East Wales. They play a range of songs from over the decades which they hope will please the crowd—not that many people care after a day of drinking during a Six Nations weekend!
Like many children growing up in the ’70s, Christopher was a fan of the raft of sci-fi series that aired on television. And if Dr Who, Logan’s Run, Star Trek and Gerry Anderson’s UFO weren’t enough to fuel his imagination, along came George Lucas to blow a generation away with Star Wars. Like so many of his peers, it profoundly affected Christopher’s view on life. He began to look up at the stars, wondering what it would be like to explore the depths of space.
His introduction to fantasy came in the form of the wonderful BBC Children’s television programme, Jackanory. In 1979, in its 18th season, an adaptation of The Hobbit was broadcasted with the legendary Bernard Cribbins playing Bilbo. It was a truly magical experience—one which got Christopher into fantasy role-playing games. However, this interest was short-lived as a new high-tech craze exploded onto the scene—video gaming. Rather than choosing a gaming console, Christopher nagged his parents for a microcomputer which allowed him to learn how to program.
At the age of ten, Christopher moved to Cumbria. Whilst he loved the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, lakes and rivers and the new friends he made, he struggled to adapt to life in his new school. He lost a lot of confidence and as a result, he fell behind with his education. Then, after three years away, his family returned to Wales. And although it was tough moving into his third school in as many years, he gradually caught up and left school with a respectable amount of qualifications.
From there, he studied A-Levels and then went to university, specialising in mathematics and computing. In his third year, he worked at the Royal Army Pay Corps as an analyst programer but after completing his degree, he took a different career path—he became a teacher.
After teaching for a few years, Christopher became an ICT consultant for a local education authority and was part of a team that won a number of national education awards. In 2010, Christopher returned to full-time teaching. Although he still specialises in digital learning, he has a passion for teaching English, history and science. And that’s when his interest in writing stories began.
Christopher and his wife love going to concerts. They’ve seen many bands over the years including Kings of Leon, The Manic Street Preachers, The Stereophonics, The Killers, First Aid Kit, Of Monsters and Men and Alter Bridge. His favourite concert was way back in 1990, when he saw The Alarm play Newport Centre. They were magnificent!
He also enjoys walking his dog, Alfie and going fishing with his son when the family are holidaying on the Jurassic Coast. They’ve spent many happy hours relaxing on Chesil Beach regardless of whether they catch anything or not—usually the latter.
Christopher’s other great passion is playing music. He’s been in a few bands over the years and is currently in a cover band playing around the clubs and pubs of South East Wales. They play a range of songs from over the decades which they hope will please the crowd—not that many people care after a day of drinking during a Six Nations weekend!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 7, 2021
Fear, Loathing, Death💀, and Treachery🔪 in a Savage Land🌍
ADULT Medieval🏰 Style Violent Sci-fi Fantasy👺💪👊💀🔪 with Paranormal Elements. This is a twisted tale of Religious fanaticism and untold Treacheries between families.
I don't know how anyone in this novel ever survived to adulthood. But somehow they did even though their entire world🌍 is filled with mass executions, and murderous💀 sword🔪 and crossbow ambushes and battles🔪🐎 between warring religious factions all the time. The two factions are the followers of the Goddess Enora, and those that follow Velak.
None of these people are happy with their lot, and it's because there are two religious factions that cannot leave each other alone or coexist. There is also a highly regimented caste system wherein the mark of their caste is literally branded into each person's palm👋. Pretty tough to hide that! OWIE!
Each side insists on killing💀 armies of both men and women knights🐺💪👊🔪 and warriors, even women and children civilians in their quest to dominate, and eliminate their enemy.
The violence💪👊🔪 is overwhelming and salacious at times. Violence is used for the sake of instilling fear and total obedience among the peasant populace, as well as turn their enemies to their side. Non compliance means a nasty death💀. Both sides are guilty of atrocities💀💪👊🔪. A Shoot first and ask questions later attitude seems to be the norm.
Kaine👺💪👊🔪, the heavy in this tale, is the leading disciple of the supposed God, Velak👹, and his leading enforcer💀🔪. Velak👹 is a God always hungry for blood and gore, or at least, this is the way Kaine👺💪👊🔪💀 portrays him. Kaine👺💪👊🔪slaughters💀 hundreds just to make a point, just to ensure obedience by the masses. I guess there are still a few left alive for him to conquer and subjugate!
In the meantime, there are persons who are sleeper spies among both sides. is there still an honest man among them? Is it Cai, a young warrior🐺💪👊🔪 who cannot remember his past? Or is it Tomos, the young heir to his father's throne👑 who is so sickly he can never become a warrior?
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.
Great world 🌎building and editing is throughout this long but mesmerizing novel. The jumping around with different chapters from character to character in the novel was a little disconcerting but it all fit seamlessly into the timeline of the book.
ADULT Medieval🏰 Style Violent Sci-fi Fantasy👺💪👊💀🔪 with Paranormal Elements. This is a twisted tale of Religious fanaticism and untold Treacheries between families.
I don't know how anyone in this novel ever survived to adulthood. But somehow they did even though their entire world🌍 is filled with mass executions, and murderous💀 sword🔪 and crossbow ambushes and battles🔪🐎 between warring religious factions all the time. The two factions are the followers of the Goddess Enora, and those that follow Velak.
None of these people are happy with their lot, and it's because there are two religious factions that cannot leave each other alone or coexist. There is also a highly regimented caste system wherein the mark of their caste is literally branded into each person's palm👋. Pretty tough to hide that! OWIE!
Each side insists on killing💀 armies of both men and women knights🐺💪👊🔪 and warriors, even women and children civilians in their quest to dominate, and eliminate their enemy.
The violence💪👊🔪 is overwhelming and salacious at times. Violence is used for the sake of instilling fear and total obedience among the peasant populace, as well as turn their enemies to their side. Non compliance means a nasty death💀. Both sides are guilty of atrocities💀💪👊🔪. A Shoot first and ask questions later attitude seems to be the norm.
Kaine👺💪👊🔪, the heavy in this tale, is the leading disciple of the supposed God, Velak👹, and his leading enforcer💀🔪. Velak👹 is a God always hungry for blood and gore, or at least, this is the way Kaine👺💪👊🔪💀 portrays him. Kaine👺💪👊🔪slaughters💀 hundreds just to make a point, just to ensure obedience by the masses. I guess there are still a few left alive for him to conquer and subjugate!
In the meantime, there are persons who are sleeper spies among both sides. is there still an honest man among them? Is it Cai, a young warrior🐺💪👊🔪 who cannot remember his past? Or is it Tomos, the young heir to his father's throne👑 who is so sickly he can never become a warrior?
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.
Great world 🌎building and editing is throughout this long but mesmerizing novel. The jumping around with different chapters from character to character in the novel was a little disconcerting but it all fit seamlessly into the timeline of the book.
September 5, 2021
The Stones of Valtara is the debut novel from fantasy author Christopher Clargo, a fine gentleman you will soon be hearing much more about if my instincts are correct. The novel is a wonderfully engaging tale that I devoured in one long sitting, and this is for a good many reasons. While certain fantasy tropes can be recognized in the novel, the story offers an interesting perspective on Celtic mythology, a highly detailed and developed world certainly influenced by Medieval times, and a cast of characters worth getting to know, each described in a way that allows your imagination to work with some of the author's intentions.
Before I get to the novel itself, I would like to include an interesting story about self-published authors, and the fashion in which they can get their works read. Quite a few years back, I read an epic fantasy novel by the name of The Crimson Queen. Now, some of you might know this first book in The Raveling trilogy by Alec Hutson. It was his debut novel, and it was also self-published. When it first hit the "shelves" of Amazon, the book did not fare well at all. Sales were slow, and reviews were few and far between. However, I liked the book so much, I took the time to write a glowing review and received a personal response from the author. So, with a little help from further positive reviews and Alec's graciousness in thanking people personally for helping spread the word, The Crimson Queen hit cult status, and eventually, bestseller status. I keep in touch with Alec to this day. So please remember, these self-published authors APPRECIATE you, Constant Reader!
The situation that I describe above is much the same with Christopher and The Stones of Valtara. I reached out to him and told him how much I loved the book. I truly wanted to post a review that would matter in the long run. So here it is. However, a few qualifications. The Stones of Valtara is the first book in For the Love of the Gods series! You wonderful fantasy readers will be rushing headlong into ANOTHER SERIES! But it is SO WORTH IT! AND... Christopher has the prologue book to The Stones of Valtara, Grimbard, for FREE on his webpage! Further, I will not offer any SPOILERS in this review, that is totally unfair, but I may discuss a few plot points. Last, if you post a review, please be kind to this fine gentleman and author, Christopher Clargo. He has worked hard and has written a hell of a novel.
So, the novel itself? An excellent blend of political intrigue, dark magic, and a world at war.
Now, I never fully enjoy politics in my fantasy books—bor-ing; just give me the magic and fight scenes. But the politics here are not in the least bit boring or tedious. Let's just say we have six different clans within the kingdom system, and a certain amount of divisiveness caused by an uneven and unfair caste system. Now, further divide these people by faith--with monotheistic and polytheistic religions represented--and you have a powder keg of possibility waiting to explode. Clargo exploits these divisions to great effect because the reader is allowed to understand what motivates each character within the story (similar to other authors I can mention) but on a smaller scale. We are not left floundering, trying to remember names and affiliations, loyalties and grudges (or ARE WE?). We can just immerse ourselves in a story perfect for a fireside read.
Add to this the mysterious magic system in the mystical world of Tarania. Let's just say it is wonderfully nuanced, and offered on a grand scale. It is also drenched in Celtic mythology, but keeps an incredible secret at its very core that goes against the very nature of the world’s existence. It certainly keeps you guessing around every corner. Also, we find a new reason to be horrified, as Clargo describes scene after scene of magic and mayhem in his unique way. I'll tease you with one word: Reaper.
This book is not for the faint of heart as it includes a lot of gore and explicit descriptions of battle. It is also an R-rated world regarding the sex scenes found within its pages. If these are not in your wheelhouse, then I would tread lightly here. Nonetheless, the action sequences and the human relationships are what gives the novel a lot of its strength. Clargo has some interesting ideas about life and mortality, as he will summarily destroy thousands on one page and save one seemingly random individual on another. It helps to show us the cost of war, how it affects the freedom to live and worship as you please, and the value of each and every human in the land he has created.
But I'll tell you… when I finished this book, there was one overriding thought in my mind: the idea of love, and with that, the idea of what it means to be human. And not in any cheesy fashion whatsoever. I remain shocked and surprised at how Clargo deftly weaves these ideas, and the subsequent emotions involved, throughout the story. It was not what I expected to leave with AT ALL after reading the novel. I had such a sense of wonder at how Christopher infused the novel with such sentiment without having to play a trumpet to romance or bang a drum for lovely freedom. Self-love. Love of family. Love formed in the bonds of friendship. Love for kingdom and country. Otherworldly love. Spiritual love. All-encompassing love. I mean, wow, that's a testament to some fantastic writing. The story becomes a meaningful one, and not a love story with all the requisite slick marketing and contrived window dressing.
I recommend that you join the trio of fighting friends Tarek, Rodric, and Luis, the evil Kaine, the beautiful Lady Amira and her faithful Cai, and the rest of the Mendarians and Taranians, as they make their way in their world at war... to the Stones of Valtara. It is worth your time and you will not be disappointed.
PS--I wanted to mention that even though this is a debut novel that is also self-published, it DOES have the benefit of an editor. The book reads in an incredibly effortless way because of this fact. You Constant Readers know exactly what I'm talking about, right? Cheers and happy reading.
Before I get to the novel itself, I would like to include an interesting story about self-published authors, and the fashion in which they can get their works read. Quite a few years back, I read an epic fantasy novel by the name of The Crimson Queen. Now, some of you might know this first book in The Raveling trilogy by Alec Hutson. It was his debut novel, and it was also self-published. When it first hit the "shelves" of Amazon, the book did not fare well at all. Sales were slow, and reviews were few and far between. However, I liked the book so much, I took the time to write a glowing review and received a personal response from the author. So, with a little help from further positive reviews and Alec's graciousness in thanking people personally for helping spread the word, The Crimson Queen hit cult status, and eventually, bestseller status. I keep in touch with Alec to this day. So please remember, these self-published authors APPRECIATE you, Constant Reader!
The situation that I describe above is much the same with Christopher and The Stones of Valtara. I reached out to him and told him how much I loved the book. I truly wanted to post a review that would matter in the long run. So here it is. However, a few qualifications. The Stones of Valtara is the first book in For the Love of the Gods series! You wonderful fantasy readers will be rushing headlong into ANOTHER SERIES! But it is SO WORTH IT! AND... Christopher has the prologue book to The Stones of Valtara, Grimbard, for FREE on his webpage! Further, I will not offer any SPOILERS in this review, that is totally unfair, but I may discuss a few plot points. Last, if you post a review, please be kind to this fine gentleman and author, Christopher Clargo. He has worked hard and has written a hell of a novel.
So, the novel itself? An excellent blend of political intrigue, dark magic, and a world at war.
Now, I never fully enjoy politics in my fantasy books—bor-ing; just give me the magic and fight scenes. But the politics here are not in the least bit boring or tedious. Let's just say we have six different clans within the kingdom system, and a certain amount of divisiveness caused by an uneven and unfair caste system. Now, further divide these people by faith--with monotheistic and polytheistic religions represented--and you have a powder keg of possibility waiting to explode. Clargo exploits these divisions to great effect because the reader is allowed to understand what motivates each character within the story (similar to other authors I can mention) but on a smaller scale. We are not left floundering, trying to remember names and affiliations, loyalties and grudges (or ARE WE?). We can just immerse ourselves in a story perfect for a fireside read.
Add to this the mysterious magic system in the mystical world of Tarania. Let's just say it is wonderfully nuanced, and offered on a grand scale. It is also drenched in Celtic mythology, but keeps an incredible secret at its very core that goes against the very nature of the world’s existence. It certainly keeps you guessing around every corner. Also, we find a new reason to be horrified, as Clargo describes scene after scene of magic and mayhem in his unique way. I'll tease you with one word: Reaper.
This book is not for the faint of heart as it includes a lot of gore and explicit descriptions of battle. It is also an R-rated world regarding the sex scenes found within its pages. If these are not in your wheelhouse, then I would tread lightly here. Nonetheless, the action sequences and the human relationships are what gives the novel a lot of its strength. Clargo has some interesting ideas about life and mortality, as he will summarily destroy thousands on one page and save one seemingly random individual on another. It helps to show us the cost of war, how it affects the freedom to live and worship as you please, and the value of each and every human in the land he has created.
But I'll tell you… when I finished this book, there was one overriding thought in my mind: the idea of love, and with that, the idea of what it means to be human. And not in any cheesy fashion whatsoever. I remain shocked and surprised at how Clargo deftly weaves these ideas, and the subsequent emotions involved, throughout the story. It was not what I expected to leave with AT ALL after reading the novel. I had such a sense of wonder at how Christopher infused the novel with such sentiment without having to play a trumpet to romance or bang a drum for lovely freedom. Self-love. Love of family. Love formed in the bonds of friendship. Love for kingdom and country. Otherworldly love. Spiritual love. All-encompassing love. I mean, wow, that's a testament to some fantastic writing. The story becomes a meaningful one, and not a love story with all the requisite slick marketing and contrived window dressing.
I recommend that you join the trio of fighting friends Tarek, Rodric, and Luis, the evil Kaine, the beautiful Lady Amira and her faithful Cai, and the rest of the Mendarians and Taranians, as they make their way in their world at war... to the Stones of Valtara. It is worth your time and you will not be disappointed.
PS--I wanted to mention that even though this is a debut novel that is also self-published, it DOES have the benefit of an editor. The book reads in an incredibly effortless way because of this fact. You Constant Readers know exactly what I'm talking about, right? Cheers and happy reading.
September 26, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book through booksprout.
The Stones of Valtara is an epic set in another world and tells the story of a holy war masking the individual motivations of its leaders. It is magnificent in scope and intrigue. Despite its physical length, it is a quick read with many plot twists and turns that keep the reader engrossed at all times. I expect further instalments to continue this epic, and answer many pressing questions we’re left with, though the overall plotlines specific to this book were tied up in the end.
The characters were myriad and interesting and I definitely will want to know more. Grimbard, a companion title, has been assuredly moved to my TBR immediately.
Overall, a really fun and great read reminding me often of Bernard Cornwell (one of my favourite authors) with respect to the level of intrigue and scope of plot. I will absolutely be watching for further instalments.
The Stones of Valtara is an epic set in another world and tells the story of a holy war masking the individual motivations of its leaders. It is magnificent in scope and intrigue. Despite its physical length, it is a quick read with many plot twists and turns that keep the reader engrossed at all times. I expect further instalments to continue this epic, and answer many pressing questions we’re left with, though the overall plotlines specific to this book were tied up in the end.
The characters were myriad and interesting and I definitely will want to know more. Grimbard, a companion title, has been assuredly moved to my TBR immediately.
Overall, a really fun and great read reminding me often of Bernard Cornwell (one of my favourite authors) with respect to the level of intrigue and scope of plot. I will absolutely be watching for further instalments.
September 7, 2021
This type of book is not my usual but I enjoyed it very much. The world building as well as the characters are very detailed and helped draw me in! I finished this in just over a day and look forward to more from this author!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2021
A superb tale of epic propotions.
The celtic theme drew me in and the skilfully crafted cast of characters including the grieving Rodric, the evil Kaine and the astonishing Reaper, kept me page turning to the end. Tarania is a vividly described world, meticulously crafted by Mr Clargo. The attention to detail is superb and immersed me from the start. The tale is a rich jigsaw of opposing religions, clans at war, bloody battles, futuristic magic, love, loyalty, betrayal and loss, all converging in a tale of epic proportions. The plot twisted and turned with intrigue and reveals that left me stunned and keen to read on. A breath-taking climax subsided, allowing me to breathe again as book one closed. I eagerly anticipate book two to continue following the fortunes of those who made it. No spoilers, but not all did! I highly recommend this superb debut from Mr Clargo.
The celtic theme drew me in and the skilfully crafted cast of characters including the grieving Rodric, the evil Kaine and the astonishing Reaper, kept me page turning to the end. Tarania is a vividly described world, meticulously crafted by Mr Clargo. The attention to detail is superb and immersed me from the start. The tale is a rich jigsaw of opposing religions, clans at war, bloody battles, futuristic magic, love, loyalty, betrayal and loss, all converging in a tale of epic proportions. The plot twisted and turned with intrigue and reveals that left me stunned and keen to read on. A breath-taking climax subsided, allowing me to breathe again as book one closed. I eagerly anticipate book two to continue following the fortunes of those who made it. No spoilers, but not all did! I highly recommend this superb debut from Mr Clargo.
September 14, 2021

Mrs K E Barriere
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
You won’t be dissapointed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 September 2021
Wow! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, it not being my usually chosen genre, but I wasn’t disappointed and you won’t be either. You will be swept into the world of Taranians, Mendari, kings, dead queens, battles, magical amulets and potions. Full of action from start to finish (but there’s more to come) the gripping characters will envelop you in their history and the eyes of the dead will intrigue you. And then there’s the Reaper!!!
Absolutely amazing first book by Christoper Clargo, I am eagerly awaiting book 2 👌🏼
Mrs K E Barriere
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
You won’t be dissapointed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 September 2021
Wow! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, it not being my usually chosen genre, but I wasn’t disappointed and you won’t be either. You will be swept into the world of Taranians, Mendari, kings, dead queens, battles, magical amulets and potions. Full of action from start to finish (but there’s more to come) the gripping characters will envelop you in their history and the eyes of the dead will intrigue you. And then there’s the Reaper!!!
Absolutely amazing first book by Christoper Clargo, I am eagerly awaiting book 2 👌🏼
October 1, 2021
There were so many surprises, twist and turns, and WTH. Good book!
September 8, 2021
“The stones of Valtara” is the first book in a new fantasy series by author Christopher Clargo. For those, like me, who are fans of epic fantasy with touchs of alternative History and a consistent setting based in Celtic roots and Early Middle Ages, this author’s debut is a must, and promises a series almost as enthralling as “Chronicles of Ice and Fire”. Of course, no dragons here, but a dark second world – Tarania – where political intrigues go hand in hand with the struggle between two religious systems. The fights for power and religious fanaticism lead the trajectories of several characters, which can be good, bad or even doubtful; especially the women, they can be surprisingly strong and decided in their actions, a refreshing view in fantasy epics, where so often a certain sexism seems to be the keynote. In all, it is worth of the reading, but I leave you a warning: it's not for the faint of heart. There are a lot of violence in many scenes, so, be prepared.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2021
An epic page turning, heart racing, character loving, Reaper fearing, caste hating, betrayal brimming and plot twisting immersive novel! Christopher Clargo has managed to whisk me away to stunning groves, foreboding forests, shown me creatures from my nightmares and thrown me into vivid battles to the death. I have laughed, I have cried, I have loved and I have lost as I was taken on an extraordinary journey with so many lovable and certainly loathable characters.
December 6, 2021
Really enjoyed the first book in this For the Love of Gods series, the characters were great and I loved the story. It was really well done and kept me invested. I look forward to more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2021
A stunning first novel from Christopher Clargo. The Stones Of Valtara will take you to an impressively imagined world and time of war and foreboding magic. Believable characters, a compelling storyline and a level of descriptive brilliance that will keep you wanting more.
March 13, 2022
I received a free digital copy trough BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the synopsis of this book, it promised a bit of everything a fantasy novel needs: battles, political intrigue, a Celtic settings and more. And it truly did offer all of that.
It usually isn't my first choice, but what I loved the most about this book is politics. With that in mind, the story is not overpowered with politics, but it blends so well in the background and connects the story together amazingly. The whole system is interesting enough to be it's own book. You have different clans and a caste system, that's really uneven and unfair. And to top it all, those people are also divided by faith, with different religions and beliefs. Everything is detailed down for every single character, and it gives everybody different motives and reason behind their actions.
The magic that's intertwined in the action was quite interesting and unique as well. The whole story is inspired by Celtic mythology, but it didn't overpower the story even thought it was well incorporated into all of the action.
To make things even more interesting, the battle scenes are quite amazing. If you don't like gruesome violence, this book may not be for you. Everything was well written, quite vividly, with a lot of gore. Some battle descriptions were quite explicit and bloody. But that's actually something I like, so it made this book so much better.
I have to say, this truly was an action packed book that kept giving more chapter after chapter. And with The Stones of Valtara being a debut novel by Christopher Clargo, I can't imagine what the rest of the series will be like. I have high hopes about For the Love of the Gods series and I can't wait for the next book to be released.
When I read the synopsis of this book, it promised a bit of everything a fantasy novel needs: battles, political intrigue, a Celtic settings and more. And it truly did offer all of that.
It usually isn't my first choice, but what I loved the most about this book is politics. With that in mind, the story is not overpowered with politics, but it blends so well in the background and connects the story together amazingly. The whole system is interesting enough to be it's own book. You have different clans and a caste system, that's really uneven and unfair. And to top it all, those people are also divided by faith, with different religions and beliefs. Everything is detailed down for every single character, and it gives everybody different motives and reason behind their actions.
The magic that's intertwined in the action was quite interesting and unique as well. The whole story is inspired by Celtic mythology, but it didn't overpower the story even thought it was well incorporated into all of the action.
To make things even more interesting, the battle scenes are quite amazing. If you don't like gruesome violence, this book may not be for you. Everything was well written, quite vividly, with a lot of gore. Some battle descriptions were quite explicit and bloody. But that's actually something I like, so it made this book so much better.
I have to say, this truly was an action packed book that kept giving more chapter after chapter. And with The Stones of Valtara being a debut novel by Christopher Clargo, I can't imagine what the rest of the series will be like. I have high hopes about For the Love of the Gods series and I can't wait for the next book to be released.
September 16, 2021
Greatly written love all the characters in the series. Enjoyed greatly how the woman are part of the warriors . If you enjoy adventures and a real page turner you will enjoy this book. The ending was a shocker didn’t expect it. Looking forward to the 2nd book in series to see where it will lead.
November 18, 2021
This is the 1st book of the series, Christopher Clargo set the stage for an epic tale of religious, caste and a kingdom.
This is a celtic tale as the reader dives into this world of intrigue, mystery and terror.
Things are not as they seem, something has been hidden away for many years and it's about to raise its head and make itself known and the knowledge ot holds might be the undoing of everything.
This is a celtic tale as the reader dives into this world of intrigue, mystery and terror.
Things are not as they seem, something has been hidden away for many years and it's about to raise its head and make itself known and the knowledge ot holds might be the undoing of everything.
August 24, 2022
Was pleasantly surprised
June 8, 2023
A very complicated story involving Gods, religions, beliefs, betrayal and secrets, set in the middle of a war. A good read. Recommended reading.
June 21, 2023
Confusing
I enjoyed the book but found it difficult to keep track of individual characters due to the many names given to to each individual .
I enjoyed the book but found it difficult to keep track of individual characters due to the many names given to to each individual .
September 16, 2021
Enjoy the prequel leading up to the first book in the series. I read the first book and it was great to see how it all began. Very suspenseful and thrilling.
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