The Crown of Stones Trilogy Box Set (The Crown of Stones Series) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jenni Bishop

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

Grab this Trilogy today. You won’t be disappointed if you love dark fantasy.
The Crown of Stones #1 Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider is right up my alley and a wonderful start to the series. I enjoyed her other series Nite Fire, I love a good fantasy story (it’s my passion and what got me hooked on reading, but I digress) and CL did a great job of writing this one. It’s dark overtones and unique magic just made it more interesting. It is intricately woven and has many layers but the joy in the read was peeling back those layers to reveal the heart of the story and the characters. The story has everything you need to make it great, there is plenty of danger and action, drama and magic, intrigue and suspense, and the usual light vs darkness. I enjoyed the unique twist used in Ian’s magic. CL gives us a world that you can easily imagine due to her writing and world-building.
Ian has been living in fear of his magic and using it for a long, long time. Having to live with the deaths of so many makes his life a living hell. When he stumbles upon a new threat, with its heart purely on destroying everything and anything to get what it wants, Ian is forced back into using the one thing he hates most. Malaq tells his brother King Draken that Ian Troy is dead. His death came about due to the collapse of a mine.

The Crown of Stones #2 Magic-Scars – Ian Troy was captured and kept prisoner by King Draken’s demand. Prisoners are kept at Darkhorne prison which is a bleak and horrifying place and kept under control with drugs. Troy has lost his memory as a result of the drugs administered to him while he was in prison. He wakes on a ship and doesn’t remember who he is and what happened to him. Troy tries to recover his memories but gets frustrated with how slowly they are returning. As the memories start to return, he wonders if it was better not knowing. Troy’s magic use and the effects it has on his body and mind leads him to wonder if he will turn out like his father, a Reth. Malaq is building a force of people from across the lands willing to fight for their beliefs. Troy’s relationships are strained, and he struggles to rebuild trust as he blames himself for things that he has done whilst in captivity. He discovers he has many friends, old and new, who are willing to help him as they believe that any hope, they have of freedom lies with him. Troy’s quest is to restore power to the Crown of Stones with the help of others but there are consequences for the magic users when they cast. Troy and his best friend are my favourite characters, but I felt anger and sadness at the things that happen to them. This is a fast-paced story, that is full of drama, action and magic. I am sure you will enjoy this journey into this magical world.

The Crown of Stones #3 Magic-Borne – Ian Troy and his friends are looking for a better way of life, a life free of slavery, tyranny, and dictators, many have magic but with its use comes sickness. Ian is the one who carries the biggest burden, a burden that could set them all free. Ian wants to free his daughter from his father, Jem Reth’s clutches, a father who is evil and wants to enslave magic and its people to his empire. Finally uncovering the truth which has been lost and hidden over the centuries Ian learns what he must do. Ian knows he needs to destroy the Crown of Stones to free the Realm for their chance at freedom. On his path of discovery, Ian learns more about the magic within him and his people and how the Crown of Stones came to be. With this knowledge comes understanding and hope, hope that he can save those that he cares about the most. While all this is going on he looks to the past for help with the future. How much does Ian need to sacrifice and what path has fate set him on? Will he be strong enough and be able to do what it takes to free them all or will his father crush the lands? CL Schneider has written a story of magic, tragedy, and sacrifice. It is also full of love, friendships, and hope. If you are looking for a dark fantasy series that has it all then the Crown of Stones series is for you.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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