Scan barcode
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
Of Shadow and Stone by Michelle Muto is a fabulous paranormal romance book. It is unique, fast paced, and keeps you riveted!
Declan is the Lord of the Netherworld. He lives as Shadow Wood in Scotland. Shadow Wood is a sanctuary for all supernatural beings. The caretaker is Emmerich Von Hiller. He prefers to be called Von Hiller and he is a warlock (do not call him a wizard). Declan is looking for the newest sentinel. The sentinel is responsible for the gargoyles. Gargoyles will do as they want unless someone oversees or supervises them.
A sentinel is human but has a certain gene that allows them to communicate with the gargoyles. The gene was only given to very carefully chosen families and it is passed down. The gargoyles chose who will be their sentinel. Declan thought it was would Ian McGuire, but the gargoyles have picked Kate Mercer.
Kate Mercer is an actress. She is a confident woman, very self-reliant, and she loves adventure (challenges). Lately, Kate has been dreaming of a castle. She thinks she is having lucid dreams (dreams that are very life like). However, Kate is actually traveling to the castle. Shadow Wood is calling to her.
Ian McGuire is a writer. He writes thrillers with a touch of paranormal horror. Ian and Declan have become friends and Declan has provided him with a lot of information for his books. Ian thought Declan had a vivid imagination until Ian visits Shadow Wood. Ian finds out that vampires, werewolves, warlocks, gargoyles, and much more are real and living at Shadow Wood.
Kate meets Ian at Shadow Wood during one of her initial “dream” visits. They seem to have an instant connection. Kate learns about sentinels and gargoyles. Kate has to make a choice: to become the new sentinel or allow Ian to become it. While dealing with gargoyles, Kate also has issues with an ex-boyfriend who will not give up and a stalker.
I give Of Shadow and Stone 4.75 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed this book very much, but sometimes the gory descriptions were a little too much. If you like reading about gargoyles, werewolves, and warlocks, you will enjoy reading Of Shadow and Stone. To find out if Kate embraces her destiny, please read Of Shadow and Stone which comes out February 24, 2015!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Declan is the Lord of the Netherworld. He lives as Shadow Wood in Scotland. Shadow Wood is a sanctuary for all supernatural beings. The caretaker is Emmerich Von Hiller. He prefers to be called Von Hiller and he is a warlock (do not call him a wizard). Declan is looking for the newest sentinel. The sentinel is responsible for the gargoyles. Gargoyles will do as they want unless someone oversees or supervises them.
A sentinel is human but has a certain gene that allows them to communicate with the gargoyles. The gene was only given to very carefully chosen families and it is passed down. The gargoyles chose who will be their sentinel. Declan thought it was would Ian McGuire, but the gargoyles have picked Kate Mercer.
Kate Mercer is an actress. She is a confident woman, very self-reliant, and she loves adventure (challenges). Lately, Kate has been dreaming of a castle. She thinks she is having lucid dreams (dreams that are very life like). However, Kate is actually traveling to the castle. Shadow Wood is calling to her.
Ian McGuire is a writer. He writes thrillers with a touch of paranormal horror. Ian and Declan have become friends and Declan has provided him with a lot of information for his books. Ian thought Declan had a vivid imagination until Ian visits Shadow Wood. Ian finds out that vampires, werewolves, warlocks, gargoyles, and much more are real and living at Shadow Wood.
Kate meets Ian at Shadow Wood during one of her initial “dream” visits. They seem to have an instant connection. Kate learns about sentinels and gargoyles. Kate has to make a choice: to become the new sentinel or allow Ian to become it. While dealing with gargoyles, Kate also has issues with an ex-boyfriend who will not give up and a stalker.
I give Of Shadow and Stone 4.75 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed this book very much, but sometimes the gory descriptions were a little too much. If you like reading about gargoyles, werewolves, and warlocks, you will enjoy reading Of Shadow and Stone. To find out if Kate embraces her destiny, please read Of Shadow and Stone which comes out February 24, 2015!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
branch_c's review against another edition
4.0
I’m a big fan of contemporary fantasy, but I generally prefer books with a unique approach to the genre, like the works of Tim Powers, Neil Gaiman, and others, so I have to admit that I haven’t read much of the most popular “urban fantasy” involving mostly vampires and werewolves. They seem to be so common that they’ve become almost part of the scenery, with characters reacting to them in such a matter-of-fact way that they tend to lose some of what makes the supernatural interesting and fun to read about.
Muto’s idea here is to focus on gargoyles instead, and it works as a creative angle that manages to blend some of the more clichéd aspects of the genre (there are still werewolves and vampires) with more unique elements. The writing is polished and professional, making for an engaging read.
I’m probably not exactly the target audience here, as much of the relationship drama, and even the psychotic stalker aspect, are outside of my usual areas of interest. But I enjoyed the scenes in the Scottish castle and the warlock and gargoyle backstory, and I’d certainly recommend it to fans of urban fantasy looking for a bit of a departure from the standard tropes.
Muto’s idea here is to focus on gargoyles instead, and it works as a creative angle that manages to blend some of the more clichéd aspects of the genre (there are still werewolves and vampires) with more unique elements. The writing is polished and professional, making for an engaging read.
I’m probably not exactly the target audience here, as much of the relationship drama, and even the psychotic stalker aspect, are outside of my usual areas of interest. But I enjoyed the scenes in the Scottish castle and the warlock and gargoyle backstory, and I’d certainly recommend it to fans of urban fantasy looking for a bit of a departure from the standard tropes.
awitham4077's review
3.0
This story had so much potential, but it doesn't even start to live up to it until the very end. A very slow build story-wise, yet rushed character development. Didn't do the gargoyles any justice. Felt like it wanted to go somewhere with Decaln, but just didn't. Okay read, but probably won't revisit it.
blueluz's review against another edition
4.0
I love the idea that gargoyles are real creatures, not just stone creations. My dad has always talked about having massive gargoyles at the start of our driveway when we lived on twelve acres. That just made me want to love this book from the start. I mean, there aren’t too many books that feature gargoyles.
However, there are parts of this I didn’t like. First of all, everyone seemed a little too perfect. Kate is a famous actress. Ian is a successful novelist. Declan is an immortal. Sarah is a rich American werewolf. Then there is all the complaining that these very gifted and wealthy people do about their seemingly almost perfect lives. I just didn’t get Kate complaining about how she doesn’t know what she wants to do and her boyfriend cheated on her and she’s finishing the movie series that made her famous. It seems as though she didn’t really appreciate all of the things she has.
Declan is the immortal creator of the gargoyles. He owns the castle at Shadow Wood which is a “sanctuary” for the paranormal. There are obviously the gargoyles and Declan himself. Then there are werewolves, vampires and warlocks.
Ian is a successful novelist. He has been writing books based on Delcan’s “stories,” most of which are true. He accepts Declan’s invitation to visit Shadow Wood to find “inspiration” for his novels. Little does he suspect that the paranormal books he has been writing are based in fact.
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This review first appeared at Orandi et Legendi.
However, there are parts of this I didn’t like. First of all, everyone seemed a little too perfect. Kate is a famous actress. Ian is a successful novelist. Declan is an immortal. Sarah is a rich American werewolf. Then there is all the complaining that these very gifted and wealthy people do about their seemingly almost perfect lives. I just didn’t get Kate complaining about how she doesn’t know what she wants to do and her boyfriend cheated on her and she’s finishing the movie series that made her famous. It seems as though she didn’t really appreciate all of the things she has.
Declan is the immortal creator of the gargoyles. He owns the castle at Shadow Wood which is a “sanctuary” for the paranormal. There are obviously the gargoyles and Declan himself. Then there are werewolves, vampires and warlocks.
Ian is a successful novelist. He has been writing books based on Delcan’s “stories,” most of which are true. He accepts Declan’s invitation to visit Shadow Wood to find “inspiration” for his novels. Little does he suspect that the paranormal books he has been writing are based in fact.
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This review first appeared at Orandi et Legendi.
aly36's review against another edition
4.0
Kate Mercer dream-walks in an ancient castle, she is in a new sentinel in a world of gargoyles, vampires, and werewolves. There are many supernatural creatures. I liked this book a lot and think it is a great find. I think the story is very entertaining. * I received this book for Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
ajs526's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book. Of Shadow and Stone is a paranormal thriller that mixes together all kinds of paranormal creatures. .
There is a lot of detail packed into this book but none of it seemed out of place to me. It didn’t interfere with any of the action.
There’s a little romance (not trashy romance novel romance), a little paranormal, and a thrilling ending.
ARC-Netgalley
There is a lot of detail packed into this book but none of it seemed out of place to me. It didn’t interfere with any of the action.
There’s a little romance (not trashy romance novel romance), a little paranormal, and a thrilling ending.
ARC-Netgalley
notionsofdragonsfire's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Oh, wait, disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book from the author.
Okay, I really enjoyed this book. Of Shadow and Stone is a paranormal thriller that mixes together all kinds of paranormal creatures. The gargoyles require a mortal sentinel to keep them in check and Kate Mercer, popular Hollywood actress, just might be the next sentinel. In the meantime, the gargoyles are going a bit overboard in dishing out justice. Personally, I think the identity thief got what they deserved but this is why I’m not being considered for the sentinel job.
The hub of all this paranormal activity is a castle called Shadow Wood and its keeper (leader/ruler) Declan. I want to know more about Declan. I want to know a lot more about Declan. I think there could be an entire book just about Declan and how he ended up in his current position. Shadow Wood seems to be a safe haven of sorts for paranormal creatures. Kate is drawn to the castle in dreams and evenly travels their (transports) to learn of her pending decision. Of course, back home chaos ensues with the ex-boyfriend that just wants another chance, or is it the ex-boyfriend making all the trouble?
There is a lot of detail packed into this book but none of it seemed out of place to me. It didn’t interfere with any of the action and I think it was actually there to add to the description of one of the other characters (I’m talking about the “magic” wardrobe, I want one btw). There were was at least one moment when Kate bugged me (no, if you don’t wanna go to the wrap party with the ex then you don’t go with him, you don’t just go along with things) but nothing requires me to like everything about every character and some important things did come out of that scene.
So, yeah, I really enjoyed this book. There’s a little romance (not trashy romance novel romance), a little paranormal, and a thrilling ending.
Okay, I really enjoyed this book. Of Shadow and Stone is a paranormal thriller that mixes together all kinds of paranormal creatures. The gargoyles require a mortal sentinel to keep them in check and Kate Mercer, popular Hollywood actress, just might be the next sentinel. In the meantime, the gargoyles are going a bit overboard in dishing out justice. Personally, I think the identity thief got what they deserved but this is why I’m not being considered for the sentinel job.
The hub of all this paranormal activity is a castle called Shadow Wood and its keeper (leader/ruler) Declan. I want to know more about Declan. I want to know a lot more about Declan. I think there could be an entire book just about Declan and how he ended up in his current position. Shadow Wood seems to be a safe haven of sorts for paranormal creatures. Kate is drawn to the castle in dreams and evenly travels their (transports) to learn of her pending decision. Of course, back home chaos ensues with the ex-boyfriend that just wants another chance, or is it the ex-boyfriend making all the trouble?
There is a lot of detail packed into this book but none of it seemed out of place to me. It didn’t interfere with any of the action and I think it was actually there to add to the description of one of the other characters (I’m talking about the “magic” wardrobe, I want one btw). There were was at least one moment when Kate bugged me (no, if you don’t wanna go to the wrap party with the ex then you don’t go with him, you don’t just go along with things) but nothing requires me to like everything about every character and some important things did come out of that scene.
So, yeah, I really enjoyed this book. There’s a little romance (not trashy romance novel romance), a little paranormal, and a thrilling ending.
kdotsart's review against another edition
3.0
I was so excited to read this book. Gargoyles??!! Heck yeah!
But I found this world thrown together, explanations just *too* tidy. There seemed to be no transition between major events, conversations were missing that should have explained some key details. I felt like I read an outline more than a novel.
But I am looking forward to the next one. Hopefully it will be a little more fulfilling.
Oh, and definitely not a YA book.
But I found this world thrown together, explanations just *too* tidy. There seemed to be no transition between major events, conversations were missing that should have explained some key details. I felt like I read an outline more than a novel.
But I am looking forward to the next one. Hopefully it will be a little more fulfilling.
Oh, and definitely not a YA book.