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The Salamander Stone
Ellie Adair isn’t surprised when a vampire appears in the takeout window of her part-time job, and while she’s afraid of the flame salamander attacking her employer’s ice cream store, she’s come to expect these sudden monster attacks. They’ve been happening across the globe for nearly a year, to the point that local governments are beginning to fund towns that organize their own “monster-hunting” militias.
But Ellie’s not concerned with the Beowulf Brigade’s newsletter or the push for vampires to integrate into society. She’s too busy searching for answers about her father's disappearance, her mother's battle with mental illness, her grandfather’s suddenly failing health, and the fact that—just weeks after turning sixteen—Ellie starts transforming into a lumbering, bloodthirsty beast.
In a world where insurance companies offer supernatural creature coverage for monster attacks and restaurants offer hema, a blood substitute for vampires wanting to follow more sustainable diets, Ellie isn't sure which side she's on, but she knows that whatever is kidnapping teens from Errolton High School needs to be stopped. And maybe, with the help of her friends, her monstrous persona can make a difference.
The Salamander Stone is a tale of monsters, teen angst, and one girl's journey to heal her estranged relationship with her family—and herself.
But Ellie’s not concerned with the Beowulf Brigade’s newsletter or the push for vampires to integrate into society. She’s too busy searching for answers about her father's disappearance, her mother's battle with mental illness, her grandfather’s suddenly failing health, and the fact that—just weeks after turning sixteen—Ellie starts transforming into a lumbering, bloodthirsty beast.
In a world where insurance companies offer supernatural creature coverage for monster attacks and restaurants offer hema, a blood substitute for vampires wanting to follow more sustainable diets, Ellie isn't sure which side she's on, but she knows that whatever is kidnapping teens from Errolton High School needs to be stopped. And maybe, with the help of her friends, her monstrous persona can make a difference.
The Salamander Stone is a tale of monsters, teen angst, and one girl's journey to heal her estranged relationship with her family—and herself.
- GenresFantasy
280 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2023
2 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 30, 2023
Although this book does have some technical issues that need to be worked out, I ended up enjoying myself and I had some fun with it!
My biggest problem was the writing. It definitely wasn't as smooth as it should be. There were some moments that felt very awkward, especially when it came to the exposition and world building. In general, things could've been a lot more fluid and there were definitely some moments where I felt myself being taken out of the story for an oddly-phrased sentence or a weakly-constructed piece of dialogue.
Because of that, the beginning of the book was a bit difficult to get through and I was worried that it would be a problem the entire way through. But I eventually got used to the writing style and narration voice and I actually started enjoying myself.
I think the whole concept teeters on this fun fine line between a bit disturbing and a bit funny, which I liked. So yes you have these characters who exist in a world where death is constantly at their doorstep, but also you get to listen to hundred-year old vampires discuss the frustrating bureaucracy of government and the health system, and I couldn't help but chuckle at times.
I was also pleasantly surprised at the level of gore and horror elements in this. I knew it would be a slightly horror-leaning fantasy book based on the synopsis, but I got very excited, especially closer to the end, when I saw just how far Nickerson was ready to take her characters and explore their monstrous sides. And I did love the images included in the book. They really helped solidify the character descriptions in my mind and they were beautiful to look at.
However, I don't know if there's a ton of depth to this story. There isn't a lot I can say about it when it comes to character development or any overarching messages. I did have fun with it, and after getting through the slightly rough beginning I did get a little excited whenever I realized I had some time to pick it up again and keep reading. But I don't know if there's much more to it other than that.
I didn't realize that it was the beginning of a series, and while it definitely isn't a favourite fantasy novel of mine, I would be interested in picking up the sequel and I could potentially see a younger audience enjoying this.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My biggest problem was the writing. It definitely wasn't as smooth as it should be. There were some moments that felt very awkward, especially when it came to the exposition and world building. In general, things could've been a lot more fluid and there were definitely some moments where I felt myself being taken out of the story for an oddly-phrased sentence or a weakly-constructed piece of dialogue.
Because of that, the beginning of the book was a bit difficult to get through and I was worried that it would be a problem the entire way through. But I eventually got used to the writing style and narration voice and I actually started enjoying myself.
I think the whole concept teeters on this fun fine line between a bit disturbing and a bit funny, which I liked. So yes you have these characters who exist in a world where death is constantly at their doorstep, but also you get to listen to hundred-year old vampires discuss the frustrating bureaucracy of government and the health system, and I couldn't help but chuckle at times.
I was also pleasantly surprised at the level of gore and horror elements in this. I knew it would be a slightly horror-leaning fantasy book based on the synopsis, but I got very excited, especially closer to the end, when I saw just how far Nickerson was ready to take her characters and explore their monstrous sides. And I did love the images included in the book. They really helped solidify the character descriptions in my mind and they were beautiful to look at.
However, I don't know if there's a ton of depth to this story. There isn't a lot I can say about it when it comes to character development or any overarching messages. I did have fun with it, and after getting through the slightly rough beginning I did get a little excited whenever I realized I had some time to pick it up again and keep reading. But I don't know if there's much more to it other than that.
I didn't realize that it was the beginning of a series, and while it definitely isn't a favourite fantasy novel of mine, I would be interested in picking up the sequel and I could potentially see a younger audience enjoying this.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 30, 2022
The forests of Errolton are dark and full of secrets. Ellie Adair is a tenacious teenager, protective of her loved ones, unflinchingly brave and scared to death. She is being raised by her grandfather, after her father disappeared before she was born, and is estranged from her distant mother. Her friends and coworkers are doing all they can to survive while their community is being struck by monster attacks! The people who Ellie loves most are being threatened.
When she finds a magical stone, will it help solve their problems, or cause more trouble? Ellie searches for answers before it becomes too late. She faces danger with absolute resolve, but is she being honest with herself? Can she trust the vampires who meet in book clubs and promote ethical blood substitute? Can they bridge differences, as they claim? What other unfathomable horrors lurk beyond the town borders? Using logic and with the help of her fast friends, Ellie searches for solutions within herself and finds that there is always more than meets the eye in this rapidly paced, easy to read and very descriptive adventure story by author H. Nickerson.
I received an advance copy of this new novel and really enjoyed the narration, plot twists, colorful cast and scenes set with shapeshifting, magical animals. The creative pacing and eye-catching attention to detail were a delight to read from start to finish. I highly recommend this debut narrative as an interesting and fascinating look into each character's voice. I am already looking forward to finding out what happens next.
When she finds a magical stone, will it help solve their problems, or cause more trouble? Ellie searches for answers before it becomes too late. She faces danger with absolute resolve, but is she being honest with herself? Can she trust the vampires who meet in book clubs and promote ethical blood substitute? Can they bridge differences, as they claim? What other unfathomable horrors lurk beyond the town borders? Using logic and with the help of her fast friends, Ellie searches for solutions within herself and finds that there is always more than meets the eye in this rapidly paced, easy to read and very descriptive adventure story by author H. Nickerson.
I received an advance copy of this new novel and really enjoyed the narration, plot twists, colorful cast and scenes set with shapeshifting, magical animals. The creative pacing and eye-catching attention to detail were a delight to read from start to finish. I highly recommend this debut narrative as an interesting and fascinating look into each character's voice. I am already looking forward to finding out what happens next.
April 4, 2023
If you're a fan of rich world building, believably flawed characters, a gritty setting built on human and paranormal creatures living side-by-side, all with this growing sense of dread that the main character is a bigger monster than she realizes, then this is the book for you!
It reminded me of Frank Peretti meets contemporary fiction meets Supernatural monster hunts, and let me tell you, the writing style was so refreshing and well-done that once I started reading it, I couldn't stop!
Ellie was a believably broken teenage girl who, while she made some dumb and poor choices, still fought to do what was right. It's rare I find a typical disenchanted teenager this likable, but she struggled, she faced consequences, and she actually showed real character growth by the end of the novel, which I find sadly lacking in a lot of books like these!
Best part? It was no spice and the language was super clean! If you can handle Frank Peretti level violence, with elements of horror, this book is right up your alley!
One thing I LOVED was that the characters didn't constantly lie or cover up the truth, they would actually have mature, adult conversations, instead of relying on deception and liar revealed twists!
Not to mention the pacing was just so tight! I never felt like I needed to speed read or skip over any chapters, because they all felt necessary and needed.
And the tone of the book was so well balanced! It wasn't constantly dark or gritty, there were moments that actually made me laugh, and moments of genuine hope! The supporting cast totally stole the show, and helped to keep the book from feeling too dismal or hopeless.
My only complaint? I wanted more illustrations!
I know illustrations cost a lot, but it would have given this book an epic almost light novel feel, and there were several characters I really wanted to see illustrated!
*Now for My Content Disclosure*
This book was very clean, with a few things to note. Language was PG or lower, with some casual swearing but no cussing. Thematically, themes of postpartum depression and child abandonment are present. Scripture is quoted in this fictional universe as well, meaning the Judeo-Christian faith/history is present in a paranormal novel. There is a party scene with underage drinking, but the MC doesn't take part in the drinking. Vampires, ghouls, and shape shifting monsters are all present, as are a few witchcraft like scenes, but the witchcraft is only practiced by the villains. In terms of sexual content, there is only one kiss scene. The violence comes with the strongest content warning. There are scenes involving hunting and eating animals, as well as a classic horror monster scene where a group of students are attacked that fades to black. There are humanoid monsters that do hunt other humans, and a fight scene that does end in a self-defense killing. Overall, the graphic and gory content was handled very tastefully in my opinion, but it does come with the heaviest warning. Overall, I give this a PG-13 rating, but only for the violence and thematic content, with a fairly clean stamp of approval.
Overall, for a dark clean paranormal urban fantasy, this is definitely worth a read! I can't WAIT to read book two!!!!
It reminded me of Frank Peretti meets contemporary fiction meets Supernatural monster hunts, and let me tell you, the writing style was so refreshing and well-done that once I started reading it, I couldn't stop!
Ellie was a believably broken teenage girl who, while she made some dumb and poor choices, still fought to do what was right. It's rare I find a typical disenchanted teenager this likable, but she struggled, she faced consequences, and she actually showed real character growth by the end of the novel, which I find sadly lacking in a lot of books like these!
Best part? It was no spice and the language was super clean! If you can handle Frank Peretti level violence, with elements of horror, this book is right up your alley!
One thing I LOVED was that the characters didn't constantly lie or cover up the truth, they would actually have mature, adult conversations, instead of relying on deception and liar revealed twists!
Not to mention the pacing was just so tight! I never felt like I needed to speed read or skip over any chapters, because they all felt necessary and needed.
And the tone of the book was so well balanced! It wasn't constantly dark or gritty, there were moments that actually made me laugh, and moments of genuine hope! The supporting cast totally stole the show, and helped to keep the book from feeling too dismal or hopeless.
My only complaint? I wanted more illustrations!
I know illustrations cost a lot, but it would have given this book an epic almost light novel feel, and there were several characters I really wanted to see illustrated!
*Now for My Content Disclosure*
This book was very clean, with a few things to note. Language was PG or lower, with some casual swearing but no cussing. Thematically, themes of postpartum depression and child abandonment are present. Scripture is quoted in this fictional universe as well, meaning the Judeo-Christian faith/history is present in a paranormal novel. There is a party scene with underage drinking, but the MC doesn't take part in the drinking. Vampires, ghouls, and shape shifting monsters are all present, as are a few witchcraft like scenes, but the witchcraft is only practiced by the villains. In terms of sexual content, there is only one kiss scene. The violence comes with the strongest content warning. There are scenes involving hunting and eating animals, as well as a classic horror monster scene where a group of students are attacked that fades to black. There are humanoid monsters that do hunt other humans, and a fight scene that does end in a self-defense killing. Overall, the graphic and gory content was handled very tastefully in my opinion, but it does come with the heaviest warning. Overall, I give this a PG-13 rating, but only for the violence and thematic content, with a fairly clean stamp of approval.
Overall, for a dark clean paranormal urban fantasy, this is definitely worth a read! I can't WAIT to read book two!!!!
April 8, 2023
"The Salamander's Stone" is a delightful young adult novel that immerses readers into a thrilling and magical world of adventure, friendship, and a sprinkle of horror. The debut novel of Heidi Nickerson, the book introduces sixteen-year-old Ellie, a seemingly normal high school student who one day finds herself transforming into a bloodthirsty beast.
Nickerson's world-building is nothing short of amazing, presenting a unique universe where supernatural creatures are part of everyday life. "With insurance companies offering coverage for monster attacks and restaurants serving hema, a blood substitute for vampires", this world is both fascinating and captivating. The action scenes are brilliantly executed, delivering an adrenaline-fueled ride that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Ellie is a relatable and endearing protagonist who quickly wins readers' hearts with her courage, wit, and humor. Her relationships with her friends are beautifully developed, with the dialogue capturing the essence of teen angst and the struggles of growing up and knowing who you are.
Overall, "The Salamander's Stone" is a fantastic debut novel that showcases Nickerson's incredible talent for storytelling. It's an absolute must-read for young adult readers who love fantasy, horror, and a dash of teenage drama. This book is a page-turner that will leave readers begging for more. Highly recommended!
Nickerson's world-building is nothing short of amazing, presenting a unique universe where supernatural creatures are part of everyday life. "With insurance companies offering coverage for monster attacks and restaurants serving hema, a blood substitute for vampires", this world is both fascinating and captivating. The action scenes are brilliantly executed, delivering an adrenaline-fueled ride that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Ellie is a relatable and endearing protagonist who quickly wins readers' hearts with her courage, wit, and humor. Her relationships with her friends are beautifully developed, with the dialogue capturing the essence of teen angst and the struggles of growing up and knowing who you are.
Overall, "The Salamander's Stone" is a fantastic debut novel that showcases Nickerson's incredible talent for storytelling. It's an absolute must-read for young adult readers who love fantasy, horror, and a dash of teenage drama. This book is a page-turner that will leave readers begging for more. Highly recommended!
April 14, 2023
---An honest review from a book nut, lover of all genres, and someone who heavily relies on the reviews of others when choosing my next awesome read-
I started "The Salamander Stone" with the expectation of enjoying a YA book. You know... the kind you eat up when you're young, with a little bit of gore, a little bit of romance, and a little bit of "I did not see that coming".
Nickerson did not disappoint. The "gore" was well done, offering the perfect amount of gruesome detail to set the scene. The awkwardness of the teen romance is something we can all relate to, and the part at the end with Ellie's mom was for sure an "I did not see that coming" moment that makes you excited for the next book - which I hope doesn't take too long.
Ellie is strong, but struggling. She's a typical (though not-so-typical) teenager who is trying to figure out who she is in a world that gets crazier every day. Cyndi is a total nut, and to be honest, my favorite character in the book.
This is a book that I (a late 30-something), my 22-year-old step-daughter, my middle school son, and my retired parents all read at the same time. I'm looking forward to finding out how the story expands in the next book.
I hope this review was helpful!
I started "The Salamander Stone" with the expectation of enjoying a YA book. You know... the kind you eat up when you're young, with a little bit of gore, a little bit of romance, and a little bit of "I did not see that coming".
Nickerson did not disappoint. The "gore" was well done, offering the perfect amount of gruesome detail to set the scene. The awkwardness of the teen romance is something we can all relate to, and the part at the end with Ellie's mom was for sure an "I did not see that coming" moment that makes you excited for the next book - which I hope doesn't take too long.
Ellie is strong, but struggling. She's a typical (though not-so-typical) teenager who is trying to figure out who she is in a world that gets crazier every day. Cyndi is a total nut, and to be honest, my favorite character in the book.
This is a book that I (a late 30-something), my 22-year-old step-daughter, my middle school son, and my retired parents all read at the same time. I'm looking forward to finding out how the story expands in the next book.
I hope this review was helpful!
February 19, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book have multiple POV's but mostly centers on Ellie. Ellie ;a high school student/ice cream shop worker, lives with her grandfather. Her grandfather as well as many others in the town of Errolton. After turning 16 things start to get weird. Weirder than the fact that there are already vampires and other monstrous creatures living alongside the humans of the world. There's friendship and betrayal and all along Ellie is just trying to figure out who she really is in both forms.
This is such a good intro to horror for young adults or teens that are looking into entering reading this genre. Also need to note how amazing the cover art is! and there are a couple of pictures in the book that are AMAZING and also help the reader visualize what some of the characters look like.
This book have multiple POV's but mostly centers on Ellie. Ellie ;a high school student/ice cream shop worker, lives with her grandfather. Her grandfather as well as many others in the town of Errolton. After turning 16 things start to get weird. Weirder than the fact that there are already vampires and other monstrous creatures living alongside the humans of the world. There's friendship and betrayal and all along Ellie is just trying to figure out who she really is in both forms.
This is such a good intro to horror for young adults or teens that are looking into entering reading this genre. Also need to note how amazing the cover art is! and there are a couple of pictures in the book that are AMAZING and also help the reader visualize what some of the characters look like.
March 25, 2023
The Salamander Stone was an enjoyable read! It centers around teenage characters who have all the angst and independent drive that is so common with this age group. Equal parts mystery, fantasy, action, and found family, I was feeling all the feels one moment and on the edge of my seat the next.
One thing that stuck out to me immediately was the fact that the main character is being raised by her grandfather. I don't see that too often in books, and I thought that was really cool.
This book was a breath of fresh air - perfect for reading in between my typical horror and thriller books.
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
One thing that stuck out to me immediately was the fact that the main character is being raised by her grandfather. I don't see that too often in books, and I thought that was really cool.
This book was a breath of fresh air - perfect for reading in between my typical horror and thriller books.
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
June 8, 2023
This story follows Ellie, an angsty teenager who was abandoned as a baby by her mother, who always claimed there was something dark about Ellie, in a Denny’s. This combined with the fact that monsters have become the norm in recent years gives Ellie plenty to be angsty about. Matters only get worse when she becomes monstrous herself!
I enjoyed every second of this read. The story was unique and extremely well written. Everything about the universe was fleshed out and immersive. Ellie is a likable character and I found her extremely relatable having gone through plenty of grief and family drama myself. But it’s not just Ellie, I easily fell in love with all the characters, even some of the villains! Heidi Nickerson has become an insta-buy author right out the gate.
I’m so excited to see where this story goes, I have lots of questions I can’t wait to get the answers to. Like Bear’s parents definitely have some explaining to do, because things with him are just too ironic there has to be more there… if you know you know.
I enjoyed every second of this read. The story was unique and extremely well written. Everything about the universe was fleshed out and immersive. Ellie is a likable character and I found her extremely relatable having gone through plenty of grief and family drama myself. But it’s not just Ellie, I easily fell in love with all the characters, even some of the villains! Heidi Nickerson has become an insta-buy author right out the gate.
I’m so excited to see where this story goes, I have lots of questions I can’t wait to get the answers to. Like Bear’s parents definitely have some explaining to do, because things with him are just too ironic there has to be more there… if you know you know.
March 24, 2023
This is was a 3.5/5 star read for me, but rounding up for Goodreads.
I received an ARC of this book from the author.
I think this is a great intro to Horror but it alllllmost leaned a bit more middle grade than YA for me. I wanted so much more of the story line about Ellie's mom and I was a little unclear about what the goal of the antagonists were. The art was fantastic though and I think it is well positioned for an even better sequel.
I received an ARC of this book from the author.
I think this is a great intro to Horror but it alllllmost leaned a bit more middle grade than YA for me. I wanted so much more of the story line about Ellie's mom and I was a little unclear about what the goal of the antagonists were. The art was fantastic though and I think it is well positioned for an even better sequel.
April 6, 2023
The main protagonist works to solve the mystery of the monsters inside her town and overcome monstrous transformations inside herself. Her story is enchanting, ominous, engaging, creepy, captivating and unearthly. It is the duality of these polar opposites that creates the most compelling storyline... Will she achieve the gift of success or the demise of failure?
I loved the fast pacing and chilling details. Each character hits different. I couldn't put it down.
I loved the fast pacing and chilling details. Each character hits different. I couldn't put it down.
April 7, 2023
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
A fascinating story about a world like our own dealing with monsters and supernatural beings in their everyday lives. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the mystery and surprises that popped up while following main character Ellie and watching her grapple with the supernatural hitting a bit too close to home. The ending left it fairly open for a sequel that I will be looking forward to! 3.75/5
A fascinating story about a world like our own dealing with monsters and supernatural beings in their everyday lives. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the mystery and surprises that popped up while following main character Ellie and watching her grapple with the supernatural hitting a bit too close to home. The ending left it fairly open for a sequel that I will be looking forward to! 3.75/5
July 13, 2023
Paranormal fantasy is challenging to write well, and Heidi Nickerson did just that. In reading "The Salamander Stone", I could empathize with the main character, Ellie. All throughout my reading, I was considering how this book could be a great birthday gift for my granddaughter turning 15. It will be. I highly recommend this book to anyone who like to read about a shifter having to come to terms with this fact of her life, and the adventure that ensues.
July 3, 2023
I had to force myself to finish reading this book. I don’t think it’s a bad read I think I’m just not the target audience for this book. I found myself being more interested by Cyndi rather than Ellie (the MC) and the dialogs for me were a pain to read as I feel like a lot of them did not bring anything more to the story. Loved the illustrations within the book!
October 1, 2023
I don't believe I'm the target audience for this book. I wasn't very invested in the main protagonist and found her less interesting than the supporting characters. The plot twists were predictable and it was only until the end that I began to become interested in the back story of the mother of the main character. I won't be continuing this series but I'm sure others will find it entertaining.
August 26, 2023
This book was an incredible read! I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. There are some parts that show it’s the authors first book, but as far as first books go it’s done quite well. I look forward to the second and to see the growth of the author’s writing.
September 7, 2023
I couldn’t put it down. The Salamander Stone is such a great book. I don’t normally have a lot of time to read but this novel had me ignoring my family for hours. It was funny and thrilling, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.
March 16, 2024
This was so so so good. I loved all the characters and really felt like I was with them in the story. The plot was very interesting and readable. I was always wondering what was going to happen next. I definitely need more adventures from Ellie and Cyndi...and maybe Teddy Bear 🐻
August 12, 2024
A fantastic opening into a great and interestingly done world that I haven't seen done before. I love the characters and the twists and turns! Looking forward to more from the author and diving deeper in the series!
April 14, 2023
Cute and Charming!
December 13, 2023
It was such an awesome world and a very fun read. I loved the lore of how the monsters came to be and coexist with society. Very excited for the sequel.
November 21, 2024
Actual rating: 3.5
April 3, 2025
I had so much fun!!
April 18, 2023
Huge thank you to Heidi Nickerson for providing me with this ARC!
The Salamander Stone was a refreshing YA Fantasy Horror novel. The world and characters the Nickerson created are so well developed and interesting. This book sucked me in from page one and I couldn’t put it down. Nickerson uses fantasy and folklore to create the perfect horror novel setting and characters. The change in POV through out the story also provides the out of body experience and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. While the final chapter leaves us with an exciting and happy start of an adventure, the epilogue leaves the reader with the creepy and uneasy feeling of not knowing what is around the corner, or what is outside the house. I will be eagerly waiting to read book two!
The Salamander Stone was a refreshing YA Fantasy Horror novel. The world and characters the Nickerson created are so well developed and interesting. This book sucked me in from page one and I couldn’t put it down. Nickerson uses fantasy and folklore to create the perfect horror novel setting and characters. The change in POV through out the story also provides the out of body experience and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. While the final chapter leaves us with an exciting and happy start of an adventure, the epilogue leaves the reader with the creepy and uneasy feeling of not knowing what is around the corner, or what is outside the house. I will be eagerly waiting to read book two!
April 4, 2023
This was such a unique read. I instantly was drawn in by the premise of the story. This is a a great YA horror read for sure.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews