The Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ian Troy is a Shinree who is capable of using magic through special stones. He was fortunate to not be a slave like the rest of the Shinree. Using Kany’l on all magic casters was the law resulting in Shinree to become complacent slaves, However, Troy was to be a champion for Rella. He was involved in an affair with Queen Aylagar Argana who was set on defeating the Langorians. Despite his insistence to retreat with their remaining soldiers, she refused and rushed into a deadly battle. An earthquake knocks down the forces and creates a chasm where Troy discovers an artifact full of power. He looks towards Queen Aylagar and Troy sees her fall to an enemy sword. Filled with agony and anger, he uses the Crown of Stones to unleash an uncontrollable power over the battlefield.. Everyone died on both sides of the war. Troy curses King Draken of the Langorians with insanity.

Ten years later, Tory has become a bounty hunter. He refuses to use magic since the day he brought the queen back to Kabri. King Reynan gave him an obsidian stone from the crown and told Troy to leave Kabri. The crown was buried with the Queen. Guilt and anger plague every moment of Troy’s life. As he is pursuing Taren, a female assassin, she uses a red ring. A dark male voice overtakes Taren and forces Troy to use his magic. Taren is dead and the surroundings in the swamp are void of all life. However, the possessive voice invades Troy’s mind and his casting ability. Troy realizes the crown may have been removed from the royal tomb.

Troy’s life was thrust into a battle last year. Troy became soul-linked with a talented archer, and befriends the half-brother of the mad king. Troy’s love life becomes twisted with nightmares and revelations. The lives of the people he encounters are dependent upon him fulfilling a prophecy. Would Troy survive the brutality of the war with a target on his back? Will he ever be free of the guilt and hatred that has hardened his heart?

Magic Price, Magic Scars, and Magic Bourne follow Troy’s journey. The vivid writing is full of detail and leaves no stone unturned. Former enemies become powerful allies and family ties are severed and reformed. Love becomes a strong force that can cripple or bloom into something beautiful. Troy must make decisions that sacrifice every belief he stands for.. Every character is easy to envision and the graphic depiction of the war made me tremble with the loss of life. The distinct personalities of every character make them come alive on each page. The unpredictable plot builds in suspense and the conclusion wasn’t anything I would have imagined. The growth of the characters is an emotional story that will evoke feelings of grief, joy, anger, and more as each revelation will captivate the imagination.

This is a series best suited for mature adults. There are explicit scenes, profanity, and graphic violence that could be triggering. The ugly effects of war mixed with magic will transport a reader into Troy’s mental turmoil. Troy must choose between helping a kingdom that held him captive by forcing him into war, or turning his back and seeking vengeance for the Shinree who were forced into slavery. Will he ever be able to make the right decision? Is a right choice even possible?

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