Fire in Stone

Fire in Stone #1

by Marina Simcoe

I stole a statue to buy a better future for myself. But when my gargoyle comes to life, can I give him up?
Brought to the end of my rope, I steal a statue from a traveling menagerie. The money I’ve been promised for it is supposed to buy me a new start in life.
It sounds simple: steal the statue, hand it to the buyer, get paid.
But when my precious statue suddenly comes to life, claiming he’s a gargoyle prince who was taken against his will from the magical kingdom in Nerifir, things change drastically. Now, we have the supernatural beings from the menagerie after us, eager to get Elex back, and the local mafia who wish to get their hands on the pricey statue, too.
Like a true piece of art, Elex is gorgeous, in either flesh or stone. But is he worth risking my life for him?
When he takes me higher than I’ve ever been, I realize it’s not just my life I’m risking with him. With Elex, my heart may be in even greater danger, as I have to find the strength to part from him forever.
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NOTE: A small part (8,000 words) of this story has been previously published in the anthologies Fierce Hearts and Summer Solstice Seduction.

This book is part 1 of the duet Fire in Stone, set in Marina Simcoe's world of the River of Mists.
The story of the main characters continues in part 2, Hearts on Fire.
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Fire in Stone is a Romantic Fantasy/ Fantasy Romance - MF. It contains graphic descriptions of intimacy and is intended for mature readers.
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More stories set in the world of the River of Mists:

Fire in Stone (Elex and Amber)
Book 1 - Fire in Stone
Book 2 - Hearts on Fire

Serpent's Touch (Amira and Kyllen)
Book 1 - Serpent's Touch
Book 2 - Serpent's Claim

Madame Tan's Freakshow
Book 1 - Call of Water (Zeph and Ivy)
Book 2 - Madness of the Moon (Lero and Stella)
Book 3 - Power of Rage (Radax and Heike)

All duets and trilogies in this world can be read in any order. However, it is recommended to read the books within the trilogy/duets in order.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, Time Travel

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2022

About the author

Deep, heartfelt romance with a generous sprinkle of spice and a tad of magic.

Newsletter Signup is on www.MarinaSimcoe.com

For illustrations of her books, early access ebooks, bonus stories, and signed paperbacks, please visit the author's Patreon: https://patreon.com/MarinaSimcoe

Reviews

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

+2
Autora que llevaba en mi want to read un tiempo y decidí darle una oportunidad con otra de sus novelas porque contenían gárgolas. Así mismo, señores. No me escondo.

Ahora bien, esta es la primera parte de una dulogía. Tengo que admitir que tiene su parte buena y su parte mala.

¿La parte buena?

-La idea de la historia es interesante.
-La autora escribe bien.
-Los personajes a priori son más o menos carismáticos.
-El mundo es interesante.

¿La parte mala?

-La puesta en práctica.
-Falta de desarrollo tanto de personajes como de historia.
-Diálogos fuera de lugar en momentos inoportunos.
-Escenas demasiado rápidas frente a otras, y lo peor de todo es que en un momento dado parecía que hubiera dos libros en vez de uno por el cambio de escenario y narración.

Al final lo he terminado y he leído el siguiente. No sé si recomendarlo de primeras.

[Marina Simcoe]

More in the world of the River of Mists:

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire in Stone

Intriguing! This story was full of magic, misunderstandings, and many twists and turns I never saw coming. I can’t wait to see where things go from here with such an uncertain ending!

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, an outstanding and thrilling story. This is part of Madame Tan's Freakshow characters . The gargoyle in the corner of the room. We find out how and why he is part of the show. Elex is a wonderful character. Full of life even being trapped in his statue form for decades. He is compassionate and caring especially to his thief rescuer, Amber. I love Amber. Her past life has not dictated her future. She has a moral compass that goes beyond compassion.
Action from the first page. I was unable to put my kindle down. I love the chemistry between the two. Their separate yet mixed adventure was entertaining .
I would recommend all of this authors books. Well thought out. Lots of details without being overly wordy. World building was excellent. This book to me was very emotional. I could feel Amber frustrations, fears and compassion. Elex's pain and zest for life.
Well done. I can't wait for the next book.

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

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonstop action from start to finish, this new series is exceptional. Amber steals a statue for profit and finds a real live gargoyle at sunup. On the run from the bracks and a criminal organization, Elex journeys back to his kingdom but it’s not how he remembers it. The plot twists and turns with adventure /danger around every corner. A satisfying read but beware the story will continue in the next book. ❤️❤️.

[⋆☆☽ Kriss ☾☆⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second time in the River of Mists world (I read Serpent's Touch and Serpent's Claim previously).

There's some great ideas in the world building and everything, but I wasn't in love with this installment. I think The Serpent's Touch had a stronger start with better development to the relationship. Here, Amber and Elex are involved so rapidly and then separated that I'm left feeling unconvinced of any romantic attachment.

Plus, several plot beats are really similar to the previous duology.

Elex and Kyllen are both princes who return to a world where they lack power because the rivers threw them forward/backward in time. Amber and Amira are both abused, skittish girls with few ties to the world. Both couples get separated in the fae world and have to make due alone. The world is rife with political turmoil. I won't be surprised if the second half of this story has more similarities with the prior.

Maybe the second half will also provide some quality romance/relationship development, who knows? I'll give it a try to see. In the previous series I liked book 1 better than 2, so maybe I'll like book 2 better than book 1 this time.

Writing this review on my phone in my pal's guestroom at 8 in the morning, so I may need to revise later.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Magic coursed through his stone, like blood through flesh. Unwittingly or not, the woman with the misshapen hair and the summer green eyes had sparked the fire of life in his stone. And it burned, growing in strength.’

Elik has been imprisoned in his stone Gargoyle form for so many years. He is aware of what is happening all around him, yet cannot interact with the humans who stare at his unmoving body, as they walk through Madame Tan’s Freakshow.

Having been pulled back into her life of crime, as she struggles through desperate times once again, Amber obtains more than the statue she is sent to steal.

As the sixth book in her River of Mists World, and first book in her Fire in Stone Duet, Marina Simcoe again transports us through a fantastical collision of romance and danger, in Fire in Stone.

I have found each of these compelling books a lush and dreamy story, enfolding intrigue and unique heart-awaking romance.

Simcoe paints pictures of not only her fantasy world, but also humanity in both its darkest and lightest spectrum. A truly beautiful spanning of time and emotions.

[Jannie Cv · Rating 5 out of 5]

A predicament and awesome solution!
Oh, I do admire Amber for endeavoring to escape from her criminal past. One last time, he said. She’s between a rock and a hard place, so she accepts. I love when she discovers the truth. Elex is set free. The attraction between them is strong, and they take advantage of opportunities. Elex is an admirable male; he does whatever he can to protect Amber. I love these two! This is a must read to see what happens when they make a daring escape. There is more to come! I wait with bated breath for the next portion of this fascinating story of true love.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I read a few other books by this author and really enjoyed them, and as soon as I read the premise of this, I had to get my hands on it! (Gargoyles who turn to stone- it snapped me right back into my childhood and love for Disney's Gargoyles!) Great world building and wonderful characters. This story was such a fun adventure and I was hooked from the start. Amber and Elex have such great chemistry and I love the dynamic between them. I'm very excited for the second book in this duet! 5 stars.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a very intricate world filled with magic and uncertainty. I wonder how this will end when everything is not wat seems.

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

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written paranormal/fantasy romance. Amber has been hired to steal a stone Gargoyle, so imagine her shock when he comes to life. No spoilers... This is part one of two books, so not a standalone. (Part two has been released.) Set partly in the US and Europe, then in a mystical Fae world.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome fantasy romance! I liked it so much! It is really amazing.. romantic, dangerous, with adventure and action. Can't wait to read the next one!.

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

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right out of the gate this book was addictive and well told with adventure, action, drama and amazing characters. This was my first book by Marina and I'm looking forward to more books.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber’s life hasn’t been easy and she’s ready to do what she needs to in order to buy her freedom and a chance at a new life, including flying halfway around the world to steal a statue from a traveling menagerie. Only, it’s not just a statue, but a gargoyle prince from another world.
Elex has been trapped in his stone form for years, his freedom taken away. Being stolen was the best thing that could have happened to him- besides meeting his new captor.

I enjoyed this addition to this growing series, and I enjoyed the two main characters as well. I’m fascinated by Elex’s world and the people Amber meets when she’s taken from everything she knows and can’t wait to continue the story with the next book!

I received an ARC copy for an honest review- these thoughts are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the same world as The River of Mists series, we meet Amber and Elex. Elex has been a captive of the menagerie for ten years and Amber unwittingly released him from captivity while stealing what she thought was a simple statue. The story follows their escape from other thieves and thugs and into Neferir.
I can’t wait for the conclusion to their story and see where this cliffhanger leads.

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

[Kaitlin Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! Elex is such a sweet and endearing male lead, while Amber is incredibly resilient. “Fire in Stone” reminded me of Simcoe’s “Serpent’s Touch” duet, which was one of my favorite duets of the past year, and I am so glad that the author is continuing to write stories in this universe. I am eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this series, which is set to be released in January.

[Antonella Sinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can never go wrong with Marina 🥰 I was fully expecting to fall in love with this story and did. Elik is so dreamy and my new book boyfriend. Well done Marina. I adore this fantasy world and all you’ve put into it. Now I need this next duology on my shelf!!.

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

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved four other books in this author's River of Mist world, so I figured there should be no doubt I would love these two books. Well. Not so much. At least not with this first one. Don't get me wrong. It was good. But it didn't get me nearly as invested in the story or the characters as the other two duets did.

To say that Amber had a rough life would be a huge understatement. She lost her parents young and eventually ran away from foster care because she couldn't imagine life on the streets would be worse. She was wrong, but she was eventually "saved" by an older man who took her in. She thought she was in love with him and willingly did what he asked even if it was illegal. She even let him control every aspect of her life. Until she finally realized that wasn't the life she wanted, so she left. Unfortunately, nothing seems to go her way. Just when she thinks she's on her way to a better life she looses her job and her home. Seeing no other choice she begrudgingly accepts one last job from the man she thought she got away from. Should be relatively easy. She just has to steal a statue from Madam Tan's freakshow. Too bad it's not a real statue.

Elex has spent the past ten years as part of that traveling menagerie, forced to remain in his stone form the entire time. He can hear and he can see, but that's all. It's been a hellish existence but he never gave up on his love of life. And that's the only thing that has kept him sane during that time. Which is good because his freedom comes when he wasn't even expecting it.

From the moment that Amber opens the crate that Elex was in, these two were drawn to each other. Yes. Amber was salivating over what she thought was a statue. She even kisses it. As for Elex, he can't move, but he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Amber had unknowingly freed Elex from his stone form when she got rid of what she thought was a fire hazard, but was actually what kept him from changing. Needless to say, their first real encounter sends Amber into a panic. While Elex is just thrilled to be able to move and to feel. Once Amber gets Elex a little more under control, these two try to figure out where to go. Because now that Elex is a living being Amber can no longer sell him, but she was also not the only one after him.

So the next good portion of this book is these two on the run with the goal of getting Elex back to the states so that he can go back thru the mist he was taken from and go back home. There is some good fighting against the bad guys and also some sweet moments between the two of them. When they make it to their destination all hell breaks loose again and Elex is forced to make a choice. His decision goes against Amber's wishes but he can't abandon her there. Which leads the two of them going thru the portal and washing up in Dakath, Elex's home. I was actually a little surprised how much of this book had the two of them there already. At some point during this time the two are them are separated (I really do hate how this author is seemingly always breaking the couple apart) and have to figure out what to do on their own. Fortunately for Amber, she was found by a group of women that take her to their sanctuary and provide a place for her to hide. She quickly learns just how dangerous this world is and, despite everything, she can't stop worrying about what happened to Elex. And her worry isn't unfounded. Elex was hurt bad before entering the portal and the river just added even worse injury to him. He's found by a couple other guys that are arrogant jerks but take him back with them. Only to be locked up and even tortured when he refuses to speak to anyone but the king. It was cool how he eventually made his point and got what he wanted. But he's fast learning that his ancestors were nothing like he expected them to be and navigating this timeline safely isn't going to be easy.

I really hope that these two find each other relatively quickly in the next book. Like I mentioned, I don't like how this author always breaks the couple up to fight their own battles before letting them be together again. I'd much rather them fight together. Either way, I'll be jumping right in.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this author in the Fierce Hearts anthology, and I got hooked on this world that fuels my 'what if' daily daydreams. I'm so happy that this story has its own place now!

Worldbuilding:
Amber is really down on her luck; she just lost her job and home and has no money. So when someone from her past offers her a 'simple' job for 200k, she takes it (I mean... who wouldn't?). Fly to Europe, steal a statue and deliver it to the client. What could go wrong?
Well.. the statue could be a gargoyle and alive?
Scenes and environments were well described and detailed, which was necessary as we moved around a lot. We learned with Amber about the supernatural races and the lands of Nerifir. A pleasure to read.

Character development:
Right off the bat, I really liked Amber. She's been in the worst situations, living on the street and slowly but surely working herself up to a decent job and living arrangement. I mean, it takes a strong person to do that and not give up when everything crashes around her again.
Elex, our gargoyle prince, has been a prisoner of Madame Tan's forever, it feels like. Not giving in to her demands, he was kept in his stone form. But, then, a lucky break (or was it fate) led to his freedom and Amber.
We get to know both characters pretty well in this instalment. While Amber is more in the forefront because we're following her more, we still have a good understanding of where Elex is coming from and his upbringing.
They have great chemistry, and while they are (of course) attracted to each other, it's not that they don't have a choice in the matter.
As for other characters in the book, they were fleshed out very well and felt alive. And yes, I damn well cried at a particular part! So beware, you'll be emotionally invested :)

Pacing and flow:
Pretty smooth sailing from start to finish :D
I read this one in a single session, and the only thing I could say at the end was that I wish we had seen more of Elex. But the stage needed to be set, and I'm sure he will have more than enough work to do in the second instalment.

The book:
The book was well written with no (noticeable to me) errors. There is some sexual content (if that is important to you).
It has 250 pages, spread over 25 chapters and is told from Amber's and Elex's points of view.

Final thoughts:
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, and all in all, I really enjoyed this book! I read it in one sitting, and I can't wait for the second part (that ending!). I thought the book was well written with engaging and interesting characters, and a pleasure to read!

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has such a beautiful quality to it, like a dream written down or a fairytale. This is the first part of a duo though, so be prepared to be bereft that you don't know what happens to these two. Amber has tried so hard to make it on the straight and narrow. Her past was difficult, painful, she did what she had to and she was taken advantage of as well. Because of this she has skills she is not proud of but they kept her alive and she also has no inclination to trust anyone at all, ever. The company she worked for has gone under so she now has no job and she's being pushed out of her room. Somehow her former lover has found out what has happened and is hoping he can use the situation to persuade her to steal something for him. She can see it a mile off but what else can she do when she has no money and no shelter. Elek is a gargoyle and has been encased in his nocturnal form for years. So long that he cannot even tell how long it has been. He has been kept as living stone by Madame Tan when he refused her propostion. Being stolen by Amber is the best thing that could ever have happened to him. She not only got him out of the crate but also away from what as stopping him transforming. Now all he has to go is get back to his world via the portal. Thing is he is fairly certain that he won't be able to leave Amber behind when he leaves or will he?

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The River Mists is a tricky thing…

I love this world!

I got addicted after reading the Serpent’s Touch duology and than went back to read Madame Tan’s series too.

Elex, the gargoyle shifter who is the main male character in this book was the statue from those series…now it’s his turn to tell his story.

Like in the Serpent’s Touch duology this begins in our modern time and than portals to Elex’s realm. But the River Mists doesn’t allow you to return to the time your originally from and you have no idea if you’ll arrive in the future or the past.

So after a harrowing escape through the River Mists, Elex and Amber are separated in a distant past that is ruled by a tyrant’s heavy hand and must once again find a way to survive and escape.

A m/f romantic fantasy part 1 of a 2 part duology with magic, portals, gargoyle shifters(who do turn to stone at night- be still my childhood heart)adventure, drama and yes…steamy chemistry ala wing.

Multiple pov told in first person

Main characters-
-Elex - male, gargoyle shifter
-Amber- female, human

Steam level- insta love, forced proximity trope, steamy

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gargoyle fae who is also a dragon shifter? Yes please! Elex fit right into my favourite fantasies! There was a good spark of attraction between him and Amber and although things do heat up, both are extremely wary of anything other than the superficial given their pasts.
Fire in Stone was entertaining and completely unpredictable - the twists and turns just keep coming as the story evolves. We are left with our main characters in very precarious circumstances at the end of this book and I am anxious to see how everything will play out in the next!

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

[Nancy Malvoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story started out great and took a nosedive towards the middle. It was going to be at least a 4-star read. A gargoyle who is a dragon shifter who happens to be a fae..what ?? Elex is such a sweet and swoony character. He survived his situation due to the fact that he wanted to live. Amber has had a hard life and is in a desperate situation when she meets Elex. Their chemistry was off the charts from the start. And the sexual tension..oh my!

I did not like the separation of the main characters in the story. I do plan to read the next book to see what happens and how everything concludes. But I ended up being disappointed. Hopefully, all will be rectified in the next book.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st reading: (same comment about POV)
I feel for Amber's plight in this one; she's had a rough life and has learned not to trust anyone. And in trying to save her life - and yes, selfishly not wanting to let her go - Elex takes her against her will to Nerifir and they get separated. Unfortunately it's the Nerifir of the past, and Elex's knowledge of history doesn't extend to what his ancestor was actually like, or what life and society was like during his ancestor's lifetime. Elex and Amber are separated, and Amber is in danger from the king.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always wondered what happened to that Gargoyle

So, remember that girl who talked to Amira in the parking lot of a store way back in like the first book of the entire Nerifir world\series? That was Amber. The Amber who is now the female main character of this book. Honestly, I had almost completely forgotten about that encounter, but it turns out that she the thief who steals the gargoyle from madam tans menagerie. What a trip huh? Well, this book was good, but was only part 1. It ended a tiny bit abruptly, so I'm off to see what happens in part 2 now...

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A down on her luck heroine and gargoyle prince both come to life in a richly detailed romantic fantasy that does not fail to please while eliciting all the emotions as it paves its way into the readers heart.
This is a wonderful story of magic, intrigue and adventure told in poetic prose immersed in a mesmerizing narrative and I can’t wait to read Amber and Elex’s part two.

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

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world building and story telling was so good. But the last 40% (yes, a significant portion of the book!!) saw the FMC and MMC separate. They have completely separate storylines and not very pleasant ones. I really struggled to finish this book. At the book’s end, they’re still apart and it’s a cliffhanger. By this time, I’m not sure I am still rooting for them enough to want to read the 2nd installment.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

love me a dragon!!!!

Dragon shapeshifters are by far my favorite character in a sci-fi romance like this one. Love ❤️ the world building and especially the characters! Marina Simcoe has long been one of my favorite authors, especially the River of Mists series, and I can’t wait to see Elex and Amber in book 2!!! 😍

[Kathleen Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fae gargoyles and a tiny human. Nice!

Interesting how the Fae gargoyles world of the past is so different than how Elex described his world.. No wonder Amber is confused. It seems as though the Fae realm of yesteryear is so much more dangerous than the life Amber was living as a thief.

[NJ Tor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

This has been my favourite book set in this world, so far! (And that's saying a lot because I really love the others). The MCs' chemistry and banter is written perfectly, and I can't wait to see more I'm the next book!