I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In the aftermath of a failed attack, a group of rebels must regroup while dealing with a traitor in their midst, while a former hunter of the Corrupted struggles with becoming one of them, and the mission he has been given as well in author Ryan Lanz’s “The Way of Stones”, the second book in the Red Kingdom series.
The Synopsis
In a changing world, old loyalties might not survive.
The attack on Abalreen has failed. Phessipi’s band of rebels have regrouped in the forest, but she’s missing some of her key people. She’s finding it hard to move forward and even harder to come up with a new plan, especially now that The Order has its sights set on revenge.
Levas just wants things back the way they were, before the Corrupted attacked Abalreen, damaging his city and The Order’s trust in him at the same time. He used to be Lord Commander of the army, but now, he’s on the run, desperate to get back home.
Rhael is still coming to grips with having an ability, something that could get him arrested or killed. He knows how this works—he used to hunt Corrupted before becoming one of them. So when the most powerful man in Abalreen gives him a mission, he knows he needs to pay attention…even if it means betraying others like him.
The fight for survival always leaves casualties behind.
The Review
As with the first book in the series, this novel did an incredible job of world-building, not only with the world readers were introduced to in the first book, but also with the new faces and places that readers became acquainted with in this novel. The slow, methodical pacing allowed the author to draw the reader into this narrative, and the rich dynamic between the political nature behind the divisiveness of this kingdom, the power moves those in power make, and the fantasy mythos the world embraces wholeheartedly, made this narrative shine.
The standout moments of this novel came in the character development that transpired throughout this narrative. Readers get multiple perspectives throughout this book from characters like Rhael and his allies as they struggle in the aftermath of such a brutal battle. He remains conflicted about his new reality, and Phessipi’s struggles in the wake of such a monumental loss, the author did a masterful job of reconnecting readers with the characters of this series. Yet it also served to introduce new perspectives and engage with new readers, such as the introduction of Jaheim’s story and how his perspective introduced the theme of loss, hidden secrets, and how war impacts those caught in the crosshairs.
The Verdict
Memorable, heart-pounding, and entertaining, author Ryan Lanz’s “The Way of Stones” is a great way to delve back into the Red Kingdom series and a must-read fantasy story. The twists and turns that come and the rich mythos this unique fantasy world builds upon will keep readers thrilled and eager for the next entry in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Ryan Lanz was born and raised in Hawaii, but now lives in the continental United States.
When traveling the world with a theater production and music education company, he was exposed to a broad range of people, culture, stories, and experiences.
Now he spends his time writing fantasy books, usually with his pet parrot supervising.
