Saturday, January 7, 2023

Review - The Last Stone by KAP Lowrie

 


The Last Stone is an enchanting tale with startling but enjoyable twists on several elements of fantasy stories. Elves? Check, but no pointy ears or amazing prowess with a long bow. Dwarves? Check, but no gnarled faces encased in gray beards toiling deep underground. Magic? Check but with a marvelously refreshing form of “gifts” discovered over time and mastered with practice. As interesting, to me, that this magic is the domain only of nymphs, male and female, who otherwise resemble everyone else! Evil King? Check, but with a very interesting psychological profile the reader only gets to see through the eyes (and the recollections) of those around our protagonist.

Finally, we have Amidale Stone. The Last Stone. Again, she is a common archetype – young, unknowing of her powers when we meet her, but prophesied to save the world of Karne. But she is not an archetype. She speaks to the reader and, as readers, we get to experience her frustrations, the unfairness of her situation, and her pain of loss.

The Last Stone is but an introduction to Amidale, to Karne, and to the battle unfolding between the plucky protagonist and the Evil King, Alaric. I look forward to the next book in the series!