Through Stone and Sea

Noble Dead Saga: Series 2 #2

by Barb Hendee, J.C. Hendee

Young scholar Wynn Hygeorht remains determined to recover ancient texts she brought back from the castle in the Farlands. To do so, she will have to journey to the mountain stronghold of the dwarves with two uncertain allies as guides. But there she will find more puzzles and questions buried in secrets old and new-along with an enemy she thought destroyed...

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Horror, High Fantasy, Fiction, Dark Fantasy

453 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 18, 2009

About the author

[See barbhendee.org]

Like most writers, I've worked at many jobs in my life, including teaching pre-school until I completed my master's degree in Composition Theory. Between 1993 and 2006, I taught college English while writing fiction on the side, some independently and some with my husband and life-long partner J.C.

Over the years, we've lived in Washington State, Idaho, Colorado, and now moved just south of Portland, Oregon. I love the Northwest, and it's a great place to write.

We have a lovely and talented daughter, Jaclyn, who lives in Houston, Texas along with our wonderful and talented son-in-law, Paul.

J.C. and I sold Dhampir in 2001, which changed our lives considerably. It was published in January 2003, and we've published a book in the Noble Dead Saga every year since. In May of 2006, we were both able to quit our teaching jobs and move into full time writing.

Recently, I've begun writing romance/suspense novels, beginning with: Alone with a Soldier. I am so glad my books have found an audience because I love to write fiction more than anything else in the world... and I'm not really good at anything else.

Reviews

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the second Noble Dead series was not quite as great as the first instalment but it was still pretty good! This whole series is classic fantasy in terms of setting but reads like a typical UF series in style and tone. It really works for it! We get plenty of intrigue, mystery, and a bit of action.

This second book saw Wynn and her companions, Shade and Chane, head on a journey to Dwarven lands to seek out the locations of the scrolls and to learn more of the involvement of the mysterious Stonewalkers. An old enemy followed them!

It was a good story but not quite as good as the first book. Definitely good to learn a bit more about the Dwarves and a few more of the scrolls secrets but I preferred the city setting of the last book.

The other interesting thing in this book was the deepening exploration of Wynn and Chade’s relationship. This book hinted that Chade’s issues were likely going to be more problematic as he spent more time with Wynn. I’m not sure how I feel about that!

All in all this was a good read and I’ll press right onto the final book in this Wynn led Noble Dead trilogy!

Rating: 4 stars.

Audio Note: Tanya Eby did OK with the audio.

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this world, I like the long arc conflict, I like the original main characters and a lot of the secondary characters. I even like hating some of the characters and situations.

But I have mixed feelings about the character Wynn, who is the FMC of this book and the previous, but a secondary character in the main story line.

She's an imperfect character, which enables the reader to simultaneously empathize with her and be upset with her for her imperfections and their impact. Then there is the fact that literally everybody wants her but nobody respects her. In fact most of them resent wanting or needing her. It gets old quickly.

It occurs to me that my discontent is entirely too strong for me to NOT be invested in this character, but my rating is because I don't particularly enjoy the ride with her and would prefer to go back to the original characters. Even when they were uncomfortable they were also entertaining.

Wynn is just frustrating, particularly in her chosen oblivious ignorances. At some point it starts feeling a bit contrived.

[Mark Stratton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not like Wynn. She is too headstrong, too convinced that she knows better than everyone else and as a result is less inclined to stop and listen. Which makes her believable, compelling and somebody to root for in spite of this. Chane is still a cypher, and as much a plot device as a substantial character, but what do you do with a walking dead man? His most common usage is as somebody to frustrate Wynn.

My favorite characters in this book are the Dwarves. They know what they are about, and why. Even the misguided have realistic, if insane drives. What I found most compelling about this book, as opposed to the previous in the series, is the expansion of the mythos and the breadth of the vision the Hendee's have is almost staggering. I hope they can actually complete the series because it looks to be a long, fun ride.

This book, the second in the 2nd Chapter (if you will) of the Noble Dead saga is one hell of an improvement over the initial entry. Not being nearly as fond of Wynn and Chane (but I love Shade) makes me a little beligerent to begin with, but the story moved forward, much was explained and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Always, a good mark of a storyteller.

[Ruthless · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed this read, although I wanted to punch the Duchess in the face more than once. It's my first book in this series so I cannot compare to previous books but I found the lore fascinating and non hokey lore is hard to do in this genre. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. Wynn is a bonehead at times, but she does capture the spirit of a (nutty) academic in search of truth pretty well. Although I still don't understand what the big deal was by stopping fish boy from turning fish once they faked his death. I need that explained-ties in with my punchy urges with the Duchess.

[Tammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Through Stone and Sea was enjoyable, but the reason I didn't give it four stars is because I'm getting tired of the same old plot devise of the villain secretly following and spying on the main character. It was so over-used in the first series. I enjoyed most everything else about the book. I do think the writing has gotten better. The characters seem less cardboard now than they do in the original series. I'm also continually fascinated by Chane. I really would like to see things heat up between Chane and Wynn.

[Cakester · Rating 4 out of 5]

The confusing quest continues. Wynn, Chane, and Shade are still at it. Shade is the best and honestly we don't deserve dogs. The Dwarves have lots of secrets, basically as bad as the elves without having the secrets being revealed, but overall the dwarves are nicer and not so xenophobic. And we meet the sea people! Honestly if the the five races and our intrepid group of vampire hunters would get together and on board with a plan this series could wrap up. Plot hole: if Sauce-face, which I am referring to the wraith as, can blink to any destination he has ever been at....why is he struggling to feed on dwarves when he could blink to somewhere with humans? Perhaps he is just too dumb to realize this.

[K A Olechowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I couldn’t put this 2nd book down

The characters are well developed, the action non stop, the story line unique. I literally stayed up all night and all the next day reading. I’m afraid to start the 3rd book in this trilogy. Need to get some chores done!

[Tracey Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved this series for years. I’ve done many rereads. I have both read the books and listened to the audiobooks. I prefer the audiobook. The narrator did a good job, and I enjoyed the mix of accents. Though she does mispronounced somethings that didn’t take away from the whole series.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

another good book in a good series, I am looking forward to getting answers to questions in the next one!

[Dawn (& Ron) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ron's read. He really loves this series.

[Lel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as the original series. Wynn, for me, is not a strong main character and just mains the whole way through.

[Paschalis]

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[Julie Bergley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh the developments of this book. There's so many more questions I need answered. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Linda church · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wynn is headstrong. Too given to anger and doesn’t want to listen to anyone. Drives me crazy.

[Alexei · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book, but I continue to enjoy the series and want more.

Pluses: 1) In general the plotting is tighter and the writing better than the original series. 2) Chane. 3) Chane. 4) Chane! 5) see 2-4.

Minuses: 1) The book was drawn out and slow. 2) The characterization slipped in this one. As in, did Wynn stop taking her meds or something? 3) Shade is no match for Chap, but I'm giving her time to grow into her role.

SPOILERS in the following review - so stop here if you haven't read it yet.

Wynn's impulsiveness has gotten worse for no particular reason, and she ran amok through dwarf-land alienating large numbers of people. What was this all about? She is impulsive, but I thought her behavior here was inexplicable given her maturation in the last few books of the old series. I think she must have stopped her mood stabilizers. Chane continues to be wonderful (sigh), although he seemed unusually dependent on Wynn given that the underground darkness should have allowed him to play a bigger role. Also, I am getting frustrated with the long drawn out romance here and Wynn's feelings remain disturbingly opaque although there are hints that she knows Chane is mad for her. Given all the breath-smelling she does in this book, it's about time she checked his minty-fresh breath. And please, don't tell me she can't share his love because he's undead - I'll have to smack her upside the head and besides, her old friend Magiere is good proof that blood-drinking & life-forece-sucking doesn't necessarily equal baddie.

Minor characters varied. The duchess is a bitchy enigma, but her old elf friend seemed more interesting. Given the numerous references to his age I suspect he may have been around during the later stages of the War. New characters such as Ore-Locks show promise, so I will keep my fingers crossed for the next book. The wraith was oddly weak despite his nifty teleporting trick - geez he is 1000s of years old and Beloved's former right-hand man and Chane can smack him around with 1/2 a sword?

Plot - I can't say much without major spoilers, but it looks like the quest is going to be larger than previously thought. Another good reason for Wynn to snuggle up to Chane because she's going to need some serious protection in days/nights to come. We get to meet the last of the 5 races...although disturbingly not for long. Hints of ancient blood alliances are good - and it looks as if there is yet another type of Noble Dead we may meet in upcoming books other than vampires & wraiths. Hope it is not zombies.

Some irritations:

1) When you are trying to hide your undead nature, would you REALLY leave a bucket (oops - an "urn") of blood in your room when you check out? Even if Chane doesn't need the loo anymore he can still put the garderobe to good use in disposing of this damning evidence.

2) At some point midway through the book Chane uses one of Welstiel's possessions and Wynn seems surprised that he has it. Given the approximately 142 references (and no I didn't really count) to the two packs Chane is always carrying, Wynn's knowledge of Chane's travel with Welstiel, Wynn & Chane's traveling together for several weeks/months, and the fact that Chane doesn't eat, drink, sweat, defecate, or do anything else messy other than occasionally kill things, what did she THINK was in the 2nd pack? Clothes? Wouldn't she have asked at some point? For such an impulsively curious person, she is very non-curious about Chane.

3) The pools of vomit and spit that Shade leaves behind on the lift, the tram, em, anywhere else I missed? These are the details I can do without.

[Severind Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through Stone and Sea was certainly an improvement on the first book. I feel like other reviewers have already excellently summarized my thoughts on this entry, but I'll do my best anyway.

I still wasn't a huge fan of Wynn; she irritated me too much. I guess that's kind of ironic, given that she reminds me a little bit of myself. Maybe that's why she irritated me? Either way, reading another book from her perspective would not have been my first choice, except that there were no other options if we wanted to move forward with the series. So I bit my tongue and read the book, and while this five star book pales in comparison to the other five star books in the series, it was much better than the first.

I still stand by the fact that I would have loved to read this arc of the series in dual perspectives, so we wouldn't miss out on Magiere and Leesil's story. It's a huge reason why I finished it so quickly, so I could get to that third arc and my beloved, favorite characters again. But I also really enjoyed myself with this book despite that. We're introduced to Shade and a couple of dwarves, and while I don't remember much about any of them, my memories being vague, I remember liking them a whole lot more than I anticipated. But Chane? Still hate him. He serves very little purpose to the story, at this rate. At least in my eyes. He's merely there to infuriate Wynn and also act as her love interest. Which...was not convincing. But hey, I got over it.

This book got back into the swing of moving around, and we explored new parts of the world and observed new people, new ideas, new concepts, that we hadn't seen in the past. I thought that was pretty cool. The authors continue to introduce us to new things as we continue, always managing to keep it fresh and interesting.

So I think these five stars are justified, within the context of the Noble Dead Saga. Even the things that bothered me were never enough to make me hate it. I was too obsessed, and I love that about these books; I loved them so much that the things that bothered me never REALLY bothered me, because I was able to let those things go and simply enjoy the story for what it was. So all is good.

[Corrielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me quite a while for me to finish this book. I wanted to like it, and I wanted to give it a chance, but I feel like there wasn't enough happening to justify an entire book. The first three fourths of the novel are basically Chane and Wynn bumbling around the Dwarven city not finding out much that was new. The revelations of what exactly the Stonewalkers were and why exactly Reine was in the city were painstakingly slow, and in the case of the latter, somewhat telegraphed. Given that we knew there was something lurking in the shadows down there, and Reine was sad, the second Shade put her teeth around that grate in the tunnel, I knew that the missing Prince Frey was down there and that he was Not Ok, maybe half-water creature already. And I was mostly right.

The thing is, I can deal with a novel that moves slowly, I can deal with a slow reveal IF the following conditions are met: 1. the prose has to be above average. 2. the character dynamics have to be shifting in interesting ways. And, I'm sad to say I don't think either of those things are true in this novel. Chane and Wynn... still mean the same things to each other that they did before. And other than the revelation that Shade knows what Chane is, even HER relationships with Chane and Wynn haven't changed much. Basically the whole novel was a big information quest that ends with the riddle that will propel the heroes (I'm guessing) into the next novel. And... that's it.

The early books in this series have... a spark, something witty and fun and amusing about them. No brilliant prose, but Magierre and Leesil change because of what happens to them, and the pace is quick. Lacking these two elements, this book falls flat.

I'll probably read the next just because I want to know what the heck is going on when Magierre and Leesil finally come back into the series, but I'm not expecting much.

[Laurie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first Noble Dead Series, and I enjoyed the 1st installment in Wynn's trilogy; this book, however, was just bad. Too much "telling," and it was interminably slow. I really like the sage aspect, but the plot and characters of this one were poorly constructed. Everything that happens seems so contrived, and I got quite impatient with the "wraith's" POV. They were too long and too frequent, and ultimatley not necessary. I actually ended up skipping several parts of this book,and I never do that. I'm a bit of narrative purist; I want to read EVERYTHING. For "Through Stone and Sea," though, I did not. The characters also came across as 2-D, and inauthentic. I could tell what the authors were going for, but the emotions were just not coming across in a way that made me feel any type of pathos for these characters. The only character I found remotely interesting was Hammer-Stag (I think that was his name), and the "resolution" of that was way too quick.

I actually found this site because I wanted to read other reviews to see if anyone felt the same way that I did. I did this to determine whether or not I will buy the 3rd book. I have heard encouraging things about it (that it is a bit faster-paced, and that the plot has more potential), but I'm still undecided. Wynn is turning into someone who is just plain stupid, instead of naive; and Chane is completely inept and lacks substance (I quite liked him in the original series, so this development disturbs me greatly).

As it sits now, I'm leaning towards saving my money.

[Whitney · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this particular series (a continuation of the Hendees' Noble Dead saga) most of the action centers around Wynn (a prominent semi-main character from the first series) and at first that's an intriguing change -- as in the last series Wynn seemed smart but spent much of her time being protected/occasionally helping and also occasionally tripping up her companions Magiere, Leesil and Chap. Wynn's exasperating headlong naivete and rashness seem to cling too strongly to her character in the second series (despite the serious and sometimes long-term effects her actions intermittently caused in the last series). At times -- for this reader at least-- the rather regular frequency of those incidents begins to be too predictable and to overpower the intricate narrative.

I understand that most of us exhibit self-destructive or exasperating attributes that get us (and others) into a painful and funny assortment of trouble over and over again. But reading about it repeatedly (without a single sign that Wynn is about to put on the brakes) begins to feel like deja vu and then after the ominous feeling that a similar scenario is about to crop up yet again the reading experience begins to resemble eating your sixth stale cracker. You're grateful it's stale crackers --not mashed centipedes-- but you're wondering why you didn't stop after one (in this case the first series).

[Shanon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wynn was a great addition to the Noble Dead series. I loved how she balanced out Magiere & Leesil and her interactions with Chap were priceless. She brought something different to her companion’s mad rush into danger. Unfortunately, as the main character of this portion of the series everything has shifted from a treacherous adventure to a quest for knowledge. We get a VERY short insight into their travels while hearing a tale told by a dwarf. I found myself wishing I was following them again from that point onward. I miss Magiere and Leesil :( The book dragged through many parts, especially the ones where Wynn was translating different languages & symbols trying to work out the meaning. Once again, Wynn felt out of character for me. In Shade and Shadow she was too timid and weak compared to the Wynn we came to know. In this book she was impulsive and hasty.

I did enjoy learning more about Shade. She has possibilities of becoming a very interesting character. I also am intrigued by the addition of a new member to their party and how it will change the dynamic within the group as well as shape the future of their quests. I’m sure Wynn is wrong about him so I’m looking forward to learning more.

[Viridian5 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Through Stone and Sea by Barb & J.C. Hendee, the second book in their second Noble Dead series, had its moments--mostly in laying out the dwarves' culture and architecture, though I wish they'd further emphasized how odd it must be for non-dwarves to be deep underground for days--but for me was hampered by having Wynn as its main protagonist. She mostly spends the book sticking her nose where it doesn't belong and lying to, sneaking around, and stalking people, which she doesn't do well, leading to her hurting a lot of people. Since the importance of the texts she's trying to get to and get a look at is sometimes in doubt, it seems like she's lying, sneaking around, and stalking people out of her own selfishness and pigheadedness. Since at least half the time Wynn is about to speak to people had me cringing in advance of her sticking her foot in her mouth when she really didn't have to, it wasn't a pleasant read. At some point she admits that she made a lot of mistakes, but that's too little too late.

But I did order the next book, Of Truth and Beasts, from the library because I want to see what happens next. The Hendees have to move the focus of this series off Wynn sometime soon, right?

[RealmsQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh Wynne. Indomitable of spirit, high in honor and justice, but a bit lacking in common sense and survival instinct. I think that's why I'm not too keen on her. She always needs saving.

Anyway! here we have the second installment of Wynne's search for the Noble Dead and the mysteries of a long lost past. Traveling with Shane, Chap and Lilly's daughter Shade, the unlikely trio enter the realm of the dwarves and face off once more against the wraith that fought them in the first book.

In the process she stumbles upon something she really shouldn't have, introducing us to a new race of sea creature alongside the elves, Majay-hi, dwarves, Noble Dead, and other such from this book and previous ones. Interesting to see what role they play in the rest of the series.

Not much more information revealed here, Wynne is reunited with her books and journals at long last, and we find the secret that her antagonist the Duchess has been hiding.

As I said, a little boring in some places, but not bad.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

The continuing saga of the so-called "Noble Dead" just won't die. The current storyline is the second "saga" in an over-arcing..."epic?" The original series was rather exciting, and there are moments of excitement in this volume, but the main character is a sage and rather naive. She is indecisive and sometimes quite dense.
Another issue is that the book sometimes reads like a language primer. The protagonist and her guild are involved in translating old documents among other tasks regarding accumulating lost knowledge or archiving knowledge. This sometimes make for long passages of characters wondering about the tenses or cases of this or that made up word from some fantasy language or another. It's a different kind of adventure.
The story is interesting and if you've kept up with the series it keeps things going, but if you're just starting out you don't want to start here...of course this is the second book of the second series so starting here would be kinda weird.

[Jenifer1223 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read about Wynn and Chane...the more I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS!

This series featuring Wynn and Chane gives a totally new perspective to the saga. It gets away from the heavy, typical fighting and really gets into a mental stratagem type game that Wynn has to figure out. Yes, Chane is there for the "heavy lifting," but even he uses his mind more than brawn. I enjoy this new approach, but I can see why fans of the original series may not like it because they want that Magiere and Leesil type of getting things done. I can appreciate that, but I think they are really missing the value and intrigue of Wynn's method.

There are occasions where Wynn is still a little to whinny about missing her friends. I feel like she should be finding her own voice and finding her own strength by now...I wish she would.

P.S. I am totally loving Chane!! I don't care what anyone says about him...I'm in his corner for the long haul!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read all the books in the Noble Dead series #1 and also "In Shade and Shadow", the first one in series #2. That one, I enjoyed very much. It had some plot and purpose to it and a mystery - the murdered sages. This book, however :::yawn:::. I get the feeling that the maybe the authors couldn't think of what next to do with Wynn, Chane, and Shade. The trio follow a single clue and end up in dwarven territory. They get on a subterranean tram. Shade doesn't like it. They're in one dwarven city. Wynn does something stupid. Chane tells her so. They find another clue. They get on another tram. Shade doesn't like it. They end up in another dwarven city. Wynn does something stupid.. and on and on. The story just got downright boring. I managed to get about halfway through, and suddenly thought "why am I doing this? there are too many other books out there to read." I put it down. Meh. I was disappointed.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wynn continues her quest to discover more about the ancient Enemy. This time she travels with Chane--a Noble Dead vampire and Shade a Majay-hi--dog descended from the Fay to the land of the dwarves.

The story is fairly straight forward; she must uncover ancient history and compromise her ethics to do so. A wraith she thought dead follows her, and she must help combat it.

The novel itself is part of a cycle that I can only guess will lead to a second war with the Enemy.

The best thing about the book is the world building. The Hendees do a great job of introducing the world of the dwarves and unveiling a mystery (I won't say specifically) about one of the other elemental races.

Still the story and characterization is solid as always even minor characters have life breathed into them. Another solid outing in the Noble Dead series.

[Brian]

Ridiculously confusing and long winded. So much of Wynn is trying to do makes no sense. The point of the story gets lost and the author never goes back and re-explains it. I usually think my favorite authors spend too much time in the next book of the series going back to explain what happened in previous book...this one didn't do it enough. And the main characters don't have any chemistry. There is little reason for them to be together, except that the author decided they would be, at least from their interaction. Where's the camaraderie? Pretty disappointed. Hopefully the next book is better. Really, Hendee needs to go back to Magiere and Leesil and Chap. Much more interesting characters. Much more fun to read. More action involved. Then there's the bad guy no one can touch? How is that a good idea? Makes for some pretty boring action scenes. I'm just saying.

[Alli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm about halfway through this right. About 100 pages in I got fed up with being confused about what the hell was going on and went back and read the dust jacket only to discover that this was book two of the second series set in one particular world. At least I know now why I don't know what the back story is. I'll finish it, and eventually go back and at least read the first book in the series, if not the first series as well.

Updated 11Mar10: I did finish the book a few weeks ago, and in the end liked it. Still don't really understand what was going on, but it was well written and I liked the characters. I will eventually go get the others and start from the beginning, maybe once these next 5 weeks are over with.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one better than the previous one but it still suffered.

It takes place right where In Shade and Shadow ended. After learning about a mysterious sect called Stonewalkers whom are suspected of harboring the documents Wynn discovered . Wynn, Chane and Shade are off to visit the Dwarves. She hunts down Hightowers family and discover that Hightowers brother is a Stonewalker. After some detective work she finds the location of the Stonewalkers and the documents. She also stumbles upon a secret that the Dwarves are helping the Princess hide.

Two thirds of the book shows Wynn running back and forth and nothing much happens. It isn't until they enter the Stonewalkers domain that the book finally picks up. It seems to be without Magiere, Chap or Leesil these books seem lost.

[Elaine]

i really enjoyed reading the continuing tale of wynn, i was hoping that magiere and leesil may have been brought back into the series. I don't mind the character of wynn even tho at times shecan be a little stroppy and inpatient which seems to get her in trouble. I'm curious to always keep reading to hope that more is told but only a little more information is ever dropped. The fact that there is now a further 4 orbs kinda ruined it has it would have been better to just have the 1 and that way magiere and leesil would have been brought back to fight the evil for the orb instead of the lets go find the other 1 that i now feel it's getting. Apart from that i enjoyed the book and learning a little more bout the forgotten war.