A Quest of Blood and Stone

The Seod Croi Chronicles #1

by S. Usher Evans

From award-winning author S. Usher Evans comes a brand new young adult epic fantasy flush with mystery, magical creatures, and a compelling storyline that will leave readers guessing until the very end. Perfect for fans of Cinda Williams Chima, A Quest of Blood and Stone is a thrilling adventure through the lands of human and fae.
Seventeen years ago, King Bresal was murdered by his new bride, the fae Leandra, who disappeared with the Pennlan Stone, a magical weapon that can only be wielded by the sovereign. Now that her own coronation is approaching, Princess Ayla, Bresal's human daughter, is hoping to reclaim the stone to protect her people. Her wizard mentor, Eoghan, thinks he knows where Leandra might have hidden the deep in the heart of fae country.
The obvious choice for the task is Cade, Eoghan's apprentice and Ayla's best friend. He's keen to prove himself to his princess and to take the final step to complete his training. But Eoghan assigns a knight-Ward-to accompany Cade on the journey. Ward, freshly arrived from the border cities, seems to have his own reasons for volunteering for this mission, namely to win the love of Ayla for himself.
But as the journey takes them far from home, Cade and Ward discover that their quest might be more complicated than they'd anticipated, especially when a mysterious fae girl tells them Eoghan isn't to be trusted-and she's the one with a clear path to the stone.
Full of twists and turns, magical monsters, and a slow burn mystery, A Quest of Blood and Stone is sure to delight all young adult readers of epic fantasy fiction.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Epic

428 pages, Hardcover

First published March 8, 2022

About the author

S. Usher Evans is an author, blogger, and witty banter aficionado. Born in Pensacola, Florida, she left the sleepy town behind for the fast-paced world of Washington, D.C.. There, she somehow landed jobs with BBC, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic Television before finally settling into a "real job" as an IT consultant. After a quarter life crisis at age 27, she decided consulting was for the birds and rekindled a childhood passion for writing novels. She sold everything she owned and moved back to Pensacola, where she currently resides with her two dogs, Zoe and Mr. Biscuit.

Reviews

[Megan Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book and I enjoyed reading it.

[KMart Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the review copy!

This is a younger-trending YA novel about a kingdom previously betrayed by their fae allies and their princess preparing to ascend to the throne and take over from her wizard guardian. A new charming guard and her best friend (and the wizard's apprentice) head out on a journey and end up stuck on a quest with one another. But is everything as it seems?

This initially seems like your typical YA fantasy novel but I was surprised several times throughout the story. Despite my expectations, Ayla does not appear to be the main character. She has her time to shine and I suspect that she will be a bigger part of the story as things move on, but it was surprising. Several of the characters are somewhat annoying, as young, naive people tend to be at times, in the beginning. They dislike one another (despite having to depend on one another) and are kind of jerks, but they really evolve over time.

I did enjoy the world-building, though found it somewhat simplistic. I'm expecting that this will expand and become even more interesting over time.

Good start to a series.

Update: I'm obsessed with the third book. This series needs time to grow. Upgrading to 3.5/5 stars and rounding up as a result.

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Ayla shall soon be queen, but she worried that her Fae stepmother will cause chaos. Her best friend Cade, who also happens to be a wizard apprentice, is desperate to prove himself - and show Ayla he can be more than just her best friend. Finally, there is Ward, a guard who wants to rise above his station, and who also has feelings for the princess.

Okay, so I actually really liked this book!!! I loved that each of the three protagonists were unique unto themselves. Ayla, Cade, and Ward’s stories intertwined to create a fascinating world full of magic, adventure, and chaos. The world building was solid, and I liked the banter between the characters. This is the perfect book for any young adult fantasy fan!!! I would definitely recommend it to those who like a little bit of magic in their lives.

[Amna the_book_witch_of_hogwarts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story revolves around Ayla, princess of Pennlan, Cade, her best friend and Ward, a new recruit of Ayla's royal guard. All three of them are to start a new chapter in their lives. Princess Ayla to be the Queen, Cade, a wizard apprentice wants to prove himself and Ward to start his journey as a Royal guard.

Ayla's biggest threat was her stepmother who had stolen the magical stone that can be only wielded by a member of the Royal family. Eoghan, the wizard mentor who saved her life thinks that, she still isn't ready to take up the queendom and Ayla tries to prove herself to him throughout the story.

This epic fantasy is the first volume of the Seod Croi Chronicles. This was a bit of Lord of the Rings mixed with mythology to me. I mean two guys and a fae girl sent on a quest while the young princess tries to save the kingdom. I definitely need more of this story!

I was honestly annoyed with Ayla at the beginning. But the more I read Ayla reminded of Bryanna from the Princess Vigilante series written by Usher Evans herself. I noticed Ayla's character getting better with time. I wasn't very much happy about Cade either. The way Cade and Ward warmed towards each other honestly made me happy. Finally they'll stop bickering! (lol) Thinking of Eoghan, I don't trust him. I just have a feeling that he might be the villain but guess what? I'll have to wait to know that. I loved the mystery created through the fae girl.

The setting wasn't so different from the usual fae or human realms but I could tell that this was set in the medieval society. The use of mythical creatures and magic was just so amazing!

The fact that the author had narrated stories of the past connecting the present made the story even better. Three POVs gave more depth to the story.

What I loved the most was the building of friendship along with the story. It was heart warming.

This was a bit slow phased and the author had given much attention to detail. The author has made sure that the remains curious until the end. The cliff hanger at the end makes you want to read the next book immediately!

It was a beautiful read. No smut! (YESS!!!) An enchanting, thrilling, adventurous and enjoyable read.

Lovers of fantasies and adventures, are you looking for a good book to read? Pick "A Quest of Blood and Stone"!! Loved it and recommend it!

[Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC of this book to read and review.

This book was hit and miss for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the world building, and the Fae realm was very interesting to read and learn about. I wish the reader could have learned more about the other kingdoms in the human realm throughout the story. The characters in this story were frustrating at times, but I enjoyed getting to learn about things in the world and major plot points at the same time as the characters. Because the reader’s knowledge is limited to what the characters know, the plot twists are much more dramatic and interesting to read. Overall, the pace of the story was fairly slow, but it remained interesting throughout. I am excited to see where this story goes as more books come out.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ayla's father is killed by the fae, the wizard Eoghan takes over with her teachings and runs the kingdom with plans to hand the responsibilities off to her when she's old enough to take over. Now that Ayla is about to be coronated as queen, Eoghan thinks she isn't ready. But how can she ever have the confidence to rule when he micromanages everything. For that reason, she feels the need to prove herself. Dealing with rude older suitors and trying to defy Eoghan without stepping on her toes keeps Ayla busy while waiting for her friends to return.

With Ayla's kingdom at risk from the fae, Eoghan selects his wizard apprentice Cade and a guard named Ward to track down the tool she needs to protect herself. It's a stone whose power can only be accessed by Ayla's bloodline. While Ayla fights to prove herself worthy, Cade and Ward set off to locate this stone, both wanting to earn a place in her kingdom. The two set off on a journey but they still continue to butt heads, both having the goal to claim Ayla's heart.

Along the way, they find themselves in danger from creatures they didn't even know existed. While on their trip, Cade realizes they're being followed and confront the fae. She quickly becomes their map as she leads them to the stone, or so she says. Cade was taught to never trust a fae because they of their trickery. But Ward will do anything to find the stone for Ayla and doesn't have too much of a problem about traveling with a fae. So, Cade is forced to comply.

A QUEST OF BLOOD AND STONE is an epic fantasy that takes you on a dark adventure into the fae realm. The characters are all likable with their own personalities and aspirations. The plot is fast-paced packed with twists and turns that leaves the reader guessing about what's going to happen next. My favorite parts were of Ward and Cade as they navigate the territory of the fae where everything wants to eat them.


Final Verdict: Overall, this is a great start to the Seod Croi series. I love the ending since it isn't exactly a cliff hanger but still leaves the reader wanting more. I would recommend this to fans of fae, magic, epic fantasy, adventure, and royal politics.

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I was given a free eARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This did not in anyway influence my review.

A QUEST OF BLOOD AND STONE follows the lives of Ayla, Ward, and Cade, three young adults embarking on new beginnings in their lives. Ayla, the princess of Pennlan, is nearing her coronation. After her father was murdered by the fae Leandra, the wizard Eoghan helped protect and raise her. Cade, Eoghan’s apprentice and Ayla’s best friend, is nearing the end of his wizard training. All he has left to conquer is his wizard trial, while hiding his love for his best friend. And finally, Ward, a new recruit into Ayla’s Royal guard and one of the most promising soldiers, has recently moved from his town bordering the fae realm to the castle of Pennlan. When he and Ayla meet, sparks fly.

In QUEST, Ward and Cade are sent on a long, dangerous journey to retrieve a powerful stone that was stolen by Leandra after killing Ayla’s father. The magical stone can only be wielded by those of the Pennlan royal bloodline. While they journey, Ayla must learn how to be the queen her people need her to be.

My feelings about this novel are conflicting. I loved the world and the magic and magical creatures. However, the book dragged for me. It took a couple weeks to read, as I just kept getting bored and putting it down. I was not a big fan of Ayla. She often seemed childish and helpless to me. While I know there were clear reasons for that, it made her a boring character. Even the big scenes towards the end of the novel were not that interesting, as I just couldn’t buy into the story. Any plot twists that occurred I could see coming from miles away, which took away the suspense and surprise. Hopefully, the sequel is more captivating.

Rating: 3/5 stars

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Quest of Blood and Stone is the first book in the Seed Croi Chronicles. For readers of fantasy novels, this one is an epic adventure for a stone that may or may not be what it seems. A quest that could change many things, and some not for the better. It sounds like the usual tropes, right? Okay, well, maybe there are, but it's still an enjoyable story to check out.
The king is dead. The daughter and heir to the throne is preparing to take her place on the said throne, but will her reign be a long one? Or will be short without the stone to help her hold it? Ayla finds herself in a precarious situation, and now she must depend on her friend, Cade, and a handsome knight who has caught her eye to find it and bring it back to her quickly and safely. Are you ready for an epic adventure where secrets are lying in wait and the truth must be found?
This is an engaging epic fantasy novel that will grab you and pull you into the story. The pacing does get a bit slow here and there with certain scenes essentially being repeated. However, don't let that deter you from picking up this book. The small details that one misses and other notes are worth it because where you could miss a clue to a trap, someone else might see. The author weaves an interesting story that pulls you along as you go back and forth between Cade and Ward. There is a bit of rivalry between the two, but it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
When you get to the end of this book, you're going to be eager for the next in the series. The characters will keep you reading as you dig deeper to uncover the secrets. I'm choosing to rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. Some of the pacings could have been picked up, but overall it's an interesting story with more to come.

[The Book Coyote · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

First and foremost, this book was fun. I enjoyed reading it and didn't get bored. I fully recommend it to anyone looking for a fun fantasy book to read.

Now, to get a little more detailed. First, the things I liked best about this book:

1) I really enjoyed the story in general. I liked the long trek through fae territory, and the mythology of the series that was displayed in meeting with fae creatures and learning fae history.
2) I really liked the feeling that there was a much deeper mythology that the story was built on, and I hope to see more of it in the sequels.
3) I was glad that over the course of the book, the two main male characters lost their hostility towards each other and became friends of sorts. That's something you don't often see with love triangles, and I appreciated that very much.

Now, things that I think could have been improved.
1) I think there were too many points of view, especially that Cade's POV and Ward's POV were too similar and I found myself confusing them. I think it might have been better to have just one of the boys have a viewpoint.
2) Especially at the beginning of the book, I thought there was more telling than showing, and I would have liked to see it the other way around.
3) I really didn't like how weak the princess came across. I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt here because of comments made towards the end, but it's something I'll definitely be watching for in sequels.

All in all though, I enjoyed this book.

[Blanche Maze · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action-packed, YA fantasy story

-I would like to thank Hidden Gems Books for the eARC-

With her father murdered, Ayla is supposed to assume the throne. But she is missing a magical stone that was stolen by her stepmother, and it compromises her reign. Cade, wizard apprentice, is sent to retrieve the stone in the fae realm with a knight and a mysterious fae girl tagging along. The stranger tries to convince them that the quest they've been tasked with is a lie, and that secrets remain to be uncovered...

This book was a great YA epic fantasy story. It had good world-building that wasn't too hard to understand, cool characters who are relatable and a quest-based plot full of action and magic. I really enjoyed reading, and am eager to see what comes next. However, I did find that there were too many POVs, and the first person didn't help my brain change from character to character xD It's a personal opinion, of course, but it lost me at times and I had to go back to the beginning of the chapter to see who was speaking, and it sometimes kind of cut the action for me. Otherwise, the story in itself was really interesting and well-written, with plot-twists, doubts, action, magic... It was very easy to understand what was happening and the few surprise reveals were really nice as well. The romance was a bit cliché, with the sort of love triangle, but it is YA so it makes sense and didn't prevent me from enjoying the book in itself. I don't regret picking it up!

I recommend if you like epic, quest-based YA fantasy with magic and secrets.

"My honor was my most prized possession."

TW: blood, violence, gore, death

[Chels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a good quest book??

Cade and Ward's POV were easily favourite here. I loved that they hated each other because it make for an interesting dynamic. I appreciated a book where the two male leads weren't fighting over the princess. One was her friend and the other was only just started to become interested in her. I liked the whole "we just met we're not in love" vibe, almost making fun of the insta-love trope.

I really enjoyed the world building in AQOBAS. It felt like there was a lot more lore behind this kingdom and I'm hoping we get to see more of it in the next books. I also enjoyed trying to guess how everyone fit into the story and who the bad guy was going to be. Lots of fun!

My only complaint is that I think Ayla is more badass than she seems to be in this first book. I'm looking forward to seeing her grow into an epic queen!

[Jan farnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked:
The story is told between 3 distinct character voices, The Princess, The Wizard Apprentice, and a Solider, on a quest to find a stone to end the terrorization of the evil Fae, but are they the enemy? An enthralling tale that wraps you up in the quest, the politics, and the wondering of who is the bad guy. The descriptions of the fae world, the attention to detail on the background story that got this world to where it is now, and the weight of what the princess is facing as she is under the disillusionment from her Wizard Council are so excellent.
Final Verdict:
This story is tight; there is no lag as we move from one part of the quest to the next; it is easy to know who is talking and where we are in the story. I was amazed by the talent of this author.

[A A Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story. The world was well thought out, Cade grew on me. Of course I loved Ward and Ayla the entire time. Overall I'm very happy I tried this book out on a whim. I bought it completely randomly, and oftentimes that leads to me putting the book down halfway through, but the story was really compelling.

The main reason this didn't get more stars is because of the strange choice to write three different points of view, in first person. I kept thinking there would be some reason why this choice was made, some emotional pinnacle, some moment where the reader would lose sight of who was whom on purpose and the first person style would pay off. Ultimately it didn't, it just left me confused as to who was speaking whenever I put the book down for a minute.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Lately I've very much been enjoying fantasy stories with fae elements, so when I saw Sush was publishing one, I knew I had to read it!

Cade and Ward's adventure was fun to tag along on, but I was left a little frustrated with Ayla's lack of agency.

I had fun guessing at who was who and how they fit into the story. (Not more specific, because, ya know)

I really hope to see Ayla grow into her position with confidence rather than constantly second-guessing herself.

I also hope to find out some more about some of the artifacts and the fae that were mentioned in this book as the series continues.

[Darian - Books With A Chance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book, I really enjoyed the adventure of it. Once the started on their journey I couldn’t stand Cade, he’s a character that after time he grew on me but I couldn’t wait for him to get beat up by anything. It was nice to see him and Ward put their differences aside and come together during the fae realm so that they wouldn’t die. I think my only problem with the story is Princess Ayla, in the beginning I thought she could be someone, it seemed like she was able to stand up for herself but as the book went on I began to dislike her for how childish she was and how easy it was to manipulate her. Saying that I hope this becomes a series because I would like to see what happens with Riona learning her magic, I want Cade to become this badass wizard, and I want Ayla to finally act like a queen.

[Beverley J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Princes Ayla swept me along. The characters in this book are fabulously fleshed out. Neither Ayla or Cade are perfect. The characters have lovable and irritating qualities. It's great to read characters that aren't perfect. The characters really drive this story but the world-building is equally beautfully written. Imperfect characters that make you want to read on in a setting that paints pictures in your head. As a real fantasy nerd, I truly enjoyed this book. The only downside is now I have to wait for the next book.

[Divya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an exciting young adult epic fantasy journey. The story is beautifully written with interesting characters and exciting situations. The story is fast paced and filled with lots of magical beings. I really liked the character of the young wizard Cade who is fiercely loyal and quite brave! An exciting clean adventure story for fantasy fans! I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic beginning to another fantasy story by this outstanding author. Once you start reading, you’ll be drawn in forever. The characters were one of a kind. Don’t miss out once it’s released.

[Between Hogwarts and Velaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sending this book in exchange of an honest review!!

World building : 4.75🌟
Plot : 4.5🌟
Characters : 4.25🌟
Global : 4.5🌟

What i liked :
💎 The fae territories were really amazing and atmospheric. You could see easily the difference between it and the human world.
💎 The plot was mainly well built.
💎 I didn't see coming some of the twist, especially a part of the main one
💎 1 plot, 2 parallel story lines, 3 pov : soldier/wizard -- princess
💎 Princess Ayla has some fierce
💎 The evolution of the friendship between Cade and Ward
💎 The villain was well built

What i didn't liked :
💎 We don't know much about the human world and castle
💎 The plot drag for a bit too long on the guys part.
💎 The naive part of Ayla personnalities
💎 Juvenile reactions of Riona

[Keli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord of the Rings mixed with Arthurian legends and fae? Yes please!!

Princess Ayla is about to become of age and take her rightful place on the throne. As she's preparing for the biggest day of her life, her best friend, the wizard Cade, and her new (handsome) guard, Ward, are sent away on a mysterious quest to the border of the human and dangerous fae realms. The two boys must learn to work together despite their differences (and shared love interest) to discover the true reason behind their quest. Otherwise, they may not make it back alive...

This was such an exciting adventure that drew me in from the start! I also loved how each main character had their own journey of self-discovery throughout the book and they built their own found family along the way.

I definitely recommend this to anyone who reads YA fantasy, and I can't wait for the second installment!

[Tony Sommer · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME STORY

I found this story to contain all of the elements that make a story enjoyable to me. Action, drama, suspense, intrigue and deceit. This is by far the best story I have read in quite a while.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was great, especially the beginning, it really enamoured me. The characters are well thought out and I can understand all of the main characters and their way of thinking. I am kind of sad that I read it already, because it really is a gem.

[Kathleen Adey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Adventure

A Quest of Blood and Stone is a fun read filled with adventure, twists and turns and characters you will fall in love with. S. Usher Evans has written a book you will not put down, and when you're done, you'll be quickly reaching for book 2.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with well done characters who feel real and a storyline that keeps you interested. I can't wait to see how the series continues.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing book, I loved reading every word! It was so intriguing, so exciting, with suspense and some light humor in all the right places. Honestly cannot wait for the next one!

[Alicia]

DNF @ 17%
A bit too young for me.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is unique and fun, and the plot flows quickly making it hard to put down. The characters are flawed and believable which lead me to root for them to make it through their journey. Although the twist at the end was a little predictable, I still liked how it ended and can't wait to read the sequel.

I received a complimentary copy of A Quest of Blood and Stone in exchange for an honest review.

[Daniëlle Faber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Ayla is only weeks away from her coronation. She was raised by the wizard Eoghan after her father was murdered by a fae.

Eoghan has been in charge until the time she becomes of age, to take the throne.

The fae still pose a threat, but there is a way to counter it? Ayla’s family used to possess a magical stone, that only a member of the Royal family can wield.

That stone was taken by the fae that murdered her father… So, Ward (a knight) & Cade (Eoghan’s apprentice) are sent on a quest to retrieve it.

I absolutely enjoyed this book! Adventure, suspense, magic, magical creatures, friendship… Loved the characters!

And… there’s going to be more?? This is the first book in a series of four & I’m so looking forward to the other books!

[Leah Dynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great first book to this series. Princess Ayla got on my nerves quite a few times, but I loved Ward, and sometimes Cade ;). The story took a turn I did not see coming at all, and I’m excited for the next book.