Souls of the Stones follows Emariya Warren as she navigates the three divided lands of her world, as well as the three families striving for control. The series incorporates traditional fantasy elements such as prophecy and magic with a love story that transcends genre and time.
When Emariya Warren learns enemy forces have captured her father, she’ll do anything to save him. Anything. Even marry a mysterious prince she knows nothing about in order to rally the strength to arrange a rescue. During her journey to Torian’s foreign castle, Emariya comes face to face with her mother’s killers–and a deadly secret.
Not only does Emariya possess a powerful but unexpected magical gift. So does the prince she’s promised to marry, and an ominous prophecy has warned their gifts must never be combined.
If she breaks her promise to marry Torian, she won’t be able to save her father and if she keeps it, she may bring a curse upon everything she holds dear. Determining which choice is best won’t be easy, but when she meets the gorgeous prince who may desire more than just her heart, she realizes she will have to fight just to have a choice at all.
Her heart wants him desperately. Her head begs her to run. If she doesn’t want to share her mother’s fate, she’ll have to find a way to untangle the truth from the lies in time to save herself.
My Rating: 
I love reading omnibus editions of books. Not only do they save me from the inevitable long wait for the sequel to come in at the library (or worse, for the sequel to finally be released), but they also make “middle book syndrome” virtually disappear.
Souls of the Stones possessed many of the qualities that I like in a book: political intrigue, warring kingdoms, plot twists, a strong female lead, excellent world-building, and unique fantasy elements.
The pacing was excellent, and the many plot twists and betrayals kept my interest throughout the 700+ pages. The dialogue was often charmingly old-fashioned, the descriptions were very detailed, and it showed both Emariya and Torian’s POV. All of the characters (including the supporting cast) were well fleshed out and underwent visible changes as the series progressed. The idea of the three Stones was fascinating; their history and effects were interesting, and they served as a believable explanation for the instant romantic connection between several characters – which is saying a lot, considering I usually cringe at the overused plot device that is “instalove.”
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
