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!