The Crown of Stones Trilogy Box Set (The Crown of Stones Series Books #1 – 3) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Angela Hayes
The Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 – 4.5 Stars
The Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy by C.L Schneider is a fantastic way to discover this great series and author. The trilogy is beautifully bundled into this handy boxset so you can binge the entire trilogy with no wait between books. #winning #threebooksforthepriceofone
This is an intricately woven, action-packed high fantasy series- with a bit of a swords and sorcery feel, magic, adventure, intensity, drama, originality, brilliant world building, surprising developments, intrigue, suspense, and so much more.
I am a sucker for anything epic fantasy, so it was a no brainer when I discovered this series- grabbing a copy and immediately diving in. The story is darker than I had initially expected, with a raw grittiness that really gave it an extra element of interest. It is also a very imaginative and original take on epic fantasy- especially with the lore of magic being so unique to this series.
Ms. Schneider brilliant world building skills are really highlighted here- as the world is ‘alive’ and entirely realistic and believable- so richly painted with attention to detail to all the different races, histories, and culture/s.
-Magic Price (Book #1)
Ian Troy is a bounty hunter living a life of self-imposed exile. Living with the ghosts of the past which haunt his days and invade his nights. He single-handedly ended a war- but has been paying the price ever since. But when the past returns with a new threat against him, the land, and his people- Ian has no choice but to wield magic again. There is much at stake- but what will the price be this time?
-Magic Scars (Book #2)
The story starts off a couple of years after the events in book one. Ian Troy had been imprisoned, tortured, and drugged to suppress his magic. He is ‘battle-scared’, both physically and mentally. The world he returns to hasn’t fared much better than him- suffering at the hands of the new High King. Ian is the only hope of freeing the people, and so there is much at stake. He carries a heavy burden of responsibility but struggles to piece his life back together again after what happened. What about The Crown of Stones- and what of his connection to it? His addiction to magic is also a problem. So, he starts searching for the answers he needs- delving into the past to find them, where he uncovers ancient secrets that have shocking implications, not just for him, but for his entire race. What price will the magic cost him this time- and will he find the resolutions he is looking for?
Again, this is pretty dark and heavy- and I was left really feeling for Ian and what he had been through, and what was still left for him to endure.
-Magic Borne (Book #3)
This book sees the completion of Ian’s story- and what a journey it has been. Ian Troy had been through so much- and has borne the weight and price of the magic. All the pleasure, as well as the immeasurable guilt that has come with it. Ian wants a life of freedom- from slavery, suffering, and tyrannical rulers. Ian has carried a heavy burden, the hope of his people lies on his shoulders. So much hangs in the balance- and the outcome of his success. Ian has made some discoveries and finally learned what he has to do. He will need to destroy The Crown of Stones in order to free the people in the realm. Sounds pretty simple, right? But is it? And at what cost?
This is a fantastic story/series- really is epic, intriguing, unique and very creative. Ms. Schneider storytelling prowess is showcased beautifully in this series.
I really recommend this series to anyone who loves an epic, action-packed fantasy!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, C.L. Schneider!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
